Myofunctional Therapy

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional Therapy is a guided program of exercises that retrains the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face to function properly.

It focuses on restoring:

• Nasal breathing
• Correct tongue posture (tongue up, lips closed)
• Proper swallowing patterns
• Balanced muscle function
• This is a critical piece of airway-focused dentistry—because how the muscles function directly affects how the airway develops and stays open

Why It Matters (Adults & Children)

When oral muscles don’t function correctly, it can lead to:

In Children:

• Mouth breathing
• Snoring or restless sleep
• Narrow jaw development
• Crowding and orthodontic issues
• Behavioral or attention concerns

In Adults:

• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Fatigue and poor sleep quality
• Jaw tension or TMJ symptoms
• Relapse after orthodontic treatment If the muscles don’t change, the problem often returns.

The Airway Connection

The tongue plays a major role in airway health. A low tongue posture can contribute to airway narrowing or collapse. Mouth breathing bypasses the natural filtration and support of nasal breathing. Poor muscle habits can negatively influence jaw growth and airway size.

Myofunctional therapy helps:

• Open and stabilize the airway
• Promote nasal breathing
• Support long-term treatment results

How We Use It in Our Practice

At our Airway-Focused Dentistry practice, myofunctional therapy is often used alongside:

• Tongue-tie (frenectomy) release
• Palatal expansion (Haas / MRP / airway expansion)
• Orthodontic treatment (Invisalign or braces)
• Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea

This ensures we’re not just treating symptoms—we’re addressing the root cause.

What to Expect

• Initial evaluation of breathing, tongue posture, and function
• Customized exercise program
• Weekly or guided coaching sessions
• Integration with your dental or airway treatment plan
• Most programs take 8–12 weeks, depending on the patient.

Who Is a Candidate?

You or your child may benefit if you notice:

• Mouth breathing (day or night)
• Snoring or poor sleep
• Tongue-tie or restricted tongue movement
• Orthodontic relapse
• Difficulty with chewing or swallowing
• Chronic fatigue or brain fog

Our Philosophy

We believe: Healthy breathing is the foundation of healthy growth, sleep, and long-term wellness. Myofunctional therapy allows us to go beyond teeth—and help patients breathe better, sleep better, and live better.

Schedule an Airway Evaluation Today

Let’s identify the root cause and create a personalized plan for you or your child.