Myofunctional Therapy

What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs can directly or indirectly impact breastfeeding, facial growth & esthetics, chewing, swallowing, speech, orthodontic stability, jaw movements, oral hygiene, and more. Myofunctional Therapy helps identify and treat OMDs.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is an individualized program of exercises to help you achieve correct coordination of the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and soft palate (think physical therapy for the face and mouth).

These exerises retrain the muscles to improve breathing, bite and orofacial posture. When proper function is achieved improvements can be made to overall health.

Myofunctional Therapy

Could Help With The Following Concerns:


  • Tongue-Tie

  • Mouth Breathing

  • Tongue Thrust Swallowing Pattern

  • Jaw Pain

  • Sleep Disordered Breathing (snoring, OSA, UARS)

  • Oral Habits (thumb/finger sucking or pacifier use)

  • Oral Health Issues

  • Orthodontic relapse

The 4 Goals of Myofunctional Therapy

Goal #1

Nasal Breathing

We were meant to breathe through our noses! Our nose filters, warms, and moistens the air when we breathe and releases nasal nitric oxide. Mouth breathing is detrimental to proper facial growth.

Goal #2

Lip Seal

Our lips should naturally rest together. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, promotes nasal breathing and helps achieve ideal facial growth.

Goal #3

Tongue Posture

Our Tongue should make contact with our palate (from front to back). Correct tongue posture is important for nasal breathing, correct swallowing and can guide proper tooth alignment and ideal facial development.

Goal #4

Swallowing

When your tongue is in the wrong spot it can lead to an incorrect swallowing pattern. This can cause you to swallow more air and lead to digestive issues like gas, bloating, acid reflux, etc.