Patient Education

If you’ve heard the term “myofunctional therapy” and are wondering what it means, you’re not alone. This innovative, non-invasive approach to oral and overall health is gaining recognition for its benefits in addressing various conditions. Let’s dive into what myofunctional therapy is, how it works, and who can benefit from it. What is Myofunctional Therapy? Myofunctional therapy involves daily exercises that target the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth to improve their function and establish muscle memory. These exercises are designed to help correct improper oral habits, enhance breathing, and support optimal jaw and facial development. Why is Myofunctional Therapy Important? The function of your orofacial muscles (those in your face and mouth) plays a crucial role in: Breathing: Proper tongue posture and muscle function encourage nasal breathing, which is healthier than mouth breathing. Swallowing/chewing: Myofunctional therapy can help correct swallowing and chewing patterns that may impact dental health or digestion. Sleep: Therapy can reduce snoring and improve symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Speech: Enhanced muscle coordination may alleviate certain speech issues. Jaw and palate development : dysfunction of the oralfacial muscles can hinder the development of the jaw and palate, creating less room for the tongue which can make you more susceptible to sleep/breathing disorders and poor oral health. Improving functionality in these areas in turn can positively impact your general health and quality of life. Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy? This therapy is effective for a wide range of people, including but not limited to: Children: To address habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrust, which in turn can affect the proper development of the mouth and jaw. Adults: For issues like snoring, sleep apnea , or TMJ pain . Orthodontic Patients: To enhance results and maintain alignment after braces. What to Expect in a Myofunctional Therapy Session During a session, you’ll work with Richell, our myofunctional therapist who will assess your oral and facial muscle function. She’ll guide you through customized exercises aimed at improving muscle coordination and strength. Regular practice is essential to see long-term benefits. Why Choose Myofunctional Therapy at Our Practice? At our practice, we integrate myofunctional therapy with your daily life and health history, for a comprehensive approach to your health. Our skilled therapist collaborates with other health professionals to ensure your therapy supports both oral and overall wellness.