Myofunctional Therapy
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program designed to improve the strength, coordination, and function of the facial and oral muscles—particularly the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw. These muscles play a crucial role in everyday activities such as breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
Through a series of personalized exercises and behavioral strategies, myofunctional therapy helps retrain improper muscle patterns and promote optimal oral function. It’s a natural, non-invasive approach that supports healthy growth and development across the lifespan.
Learn More About Myofunctional Therapy
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Myofunctional therapy may be beneficial for infants, children, and adults experiencing issues related to:
Mouth breathing
Tongue thrust (pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing or speaking)
Thumb or finger sucking habits
Speech sound errors, particularly with sounds like /s/, /z/, /sh/, and /ch/
Dental or orthodontic concerns, including open bite or relapse after braces
Sleep-disordered breathing or snoring
Feeding difficulties related to oral motor function
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs): tongue, lip, and cheek ties
Many clients are referred to myofunctional therapy by orthodontists, ENTs, pediatricians, dentists, or other speech-language pathologists. It is often part of a collaborative care approach to ensure long-term success in both oral health and speech development.
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Myofunctional therapy begins with a comprehensive evaluation to assess current oral habits, muscle function, and breathing patterns. From there, your therapist will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Therapy typically includes:
Guided exercises to improve muscle tone, coordination, and resting posture of the tongue and lips
Training for nasal breathing and correct swallowing patterns
Strategies to eliminate oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
Collaboration with other professionals such as orthodontists or ENTs, when needed
Consistent home practice to reinforce progress between sessions
The frequency and duration of therapy may vary, but most clients attend weekly or biweekly sessions over several months.
Why does Myofunctional Therapy matter?
Correct oral and facial muscle function plays a vital role in clear speech, healthy breathing, dental alignment, and overall wellness. Addressing myofunctional concerns early can prevent more serious issues later in life and support long-term improvements in communication and quality of life
Ready to Learn More?
If you think myofunctional therapy may be right for you or your child, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better oral function and lasting results.