Myofunctional Therapy

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based therapy that helps “retrain” muscles of the lips, tongue, mouth, and face. The course of treatment typically lasts for 6 months.  The exercises will be reviewed in your session, but should also be done at home. 

Research shows that Myofunctional Therapy can help improve the following symptoms:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and mild sleep apnea – Strengthening the airway muscles can improve breathing efficiency and reduce airway collapse.

  • Chronic mouth breathing and nasal congestion – Training proper nasal breathing can enhance oxygen intake and overall health.

  • Speech clarity and articulation – Strengthening and retraining the tongue and lips can improve articulation and pronunciation.

  • Facial and jaw tension, TMJ discomfort, and teeth grinding – Balanced muscle function can alleviate strain on the jaw and reduce clenching and grinding.

  • Swallowing and chewing difficulties – Correcting tongue and muscle coordination can make eating and swallowing more efficient and comfortable.

  • Postural issues and chronic pain – Improving tongue posture can influence overall body posture, reducing tension in the neck, shoulders, and head.

How Do I Know if I need Myofunctional Therapy

You may benefit from myofunctional therapy if you experience:

  • Mouth breathing, especially during sleep, can lead to dry mouth, poor oxygenation, and facial structural changes over time.

  • Tongue thrust – Pushing the tongue forward against or between the teeth while swallowing, speaking, or at rest can cause speech issues and impact dental alignment.

  • Speech difficulties

  • Snoring or sleep apnea symptoms

  • Jaw pain, TMJ issues, or teeth grinding (bruxism) – compensation of facial and oral muscles can lead to tension, clenching, and discomfort in the jaw.

  • Open bite or dental misalignment such as an open bite or an improper bite.

  • Frequent headaches or neck pain

  • Drooling or difficulty keeping lips closed

  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing

What Are the Next Steps?

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, it’s best to contact us for an evaluation. Oftentimes, other professionals (e.g. dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, etc.) are involved in the treatment process. An individualized treatment course and recommendations will be created based on assessment results.

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