Dr Marjan Jones, a dental surgeon in Brisbane Australia pioneered a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of oral restrictions in Australia. With over 20 years’ experience with dental lasers and extensive knowledge of the comprehensive treatment of oral restrictions, her practice treats patients of all ages, offering a team-based approach to surgery incorporating in-house myofunctional therapy and orthodontics for treatment for children and adults. For infant patients, she collaborates with IBCLCs and cranial therapists for a comprehensive approach toward functional outcomes.
She co-founded the Tongue Tie Institute designed to advance the education of health professionals in the treatment of oral restrictions. She now lectures to practitioners from Australia and around the world who have been introduced to a team approach to the management of oral restrictions.
She has personal experience with the effect of tongue ties and their effect on herself and family (including breastfeeding challenges) and is determined to help others avoid or overcome their impact.
She is a Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute, a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and was the immediate past Chairperson of the Interim Board of the International Consortium of Ankylofrenula Professionals (ICAP). He passion for breastfeeding has resulted in studies toward IBCLC certification.
Michelangelo at work - Tongue Tie and Orofacial Myofunctional Development
Our oral and facial muscles are the master sculptors of our jaws and face. Research and clinical findings show that changing resting oral posture and functional habits of our oral and facial muscles not only influence structure but also affect function. The important functions of the orofacial region include breathing, eating/drinking (including breastfeeding) and speaking.
Breastfeeding is the premier and pivotal determinant of orofacial myofunctional habits. Beyond the many risks of not breastfeeding, malocclusion (poorly positioned jaws and teeth) is a very significant risk.
As such it is important that all health practitioners working with neonates rally to educate, accompany and support breastfeeding dyads toward functional and breastfeeding for as long as possible.
The tongue’s ability to move (particularly to elevate) affects breastfeeding biomechanics. As such, a tethered tongue’s range of motion and span of influence is a deviation from the physiologic norm. Teaching a dyad to compensate or simply manage through sub-optimal breastfeeding and its resulting symptoms can have consequences in functional outcomes later in life. Compensations have consequences that emerge well beyond breastfeeding years.
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