Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a therapy program that corrects the dysfunction of the tongue and facial muscles. It addresses Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) such as:

  • tongue thrusts

  • breathing problems

  • mouth breathing

  • open mouth posture

  • thumb and finger sucking

  • teeth clenching and grinding

  • TMJ pain

  • neck and shoulder tension

  • Sleep Apnea
    and so much more!

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional Therapy is highly beneficial for both children and adults. When patients are fully committed to the program, this treatment can play an instrumental role in retraining the facial muscles and tongue, which may have been dysfunctional for years. By restoring normal function to these muscles, the overall health and well-being of the patient can be significantly improved.

Our therapist will create a customized exercise program that caters to the specific needs of the patient. It's worth noting that most programs require around 12 to 15 sessions, which can be conducted in person or virtually. If the patient is a child, the parent(s) must be fully committed to the program, as this will lead to better results.

The exercises will enhance the strength, control, and coordination of facial and tongue muscles, thereby correcting orofacial dysfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you exhibit any of these, you may be a candidate for Myofunctional Therapy. Habitual Mouth Breathing - Vaulted Palate - Tongue Thrusting - Tongue Tied

  • 1. Snoring or pediatric apnea

    2. Tongue thrusting

    3. Thumb sucking

    4. Open mouth breathing

    5. Trouble or messy eating, drinking, sucking, or swallowing

    6. Mouth open when in a relaxed state

    7. Misaligned or crowded teeth -open bite, underbite, overbite, crossbite

  • 1. Teeth clenching and grinding

    2. Low tongue posture or open mouth

    3. Chronic fatigue

    4. Sleep that is not restful

    5. Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

    6. Snoring or sleep apnea

    7. Anxiety or depression

    8. Persistent headaches

    9. Tension in the shoulders and neck

  • These dysfunctions can have a severe impact on various aspects of our lives such as sleep quality, dentition, chewing, swallowing, speech, and physical and mental health. Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help individuals of all ages in retraining the muscles of the face and tongue that may have been dysfunctional for years.

    The benefits of MFT are:

    - Improved airway health

    - Reduced clenching/grinding

    - Reduced TMJ pain and headaches

    - Prevention of orthodontic relapse (teeth moving after braces are removed)

    - Increasing tone of facial and oral muscles