Orofacial myofunctional therapy is an individualized treatment approach for children, adolescents, and adults with patterns involving the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles. Therapy focuses on developing functional oral rest posture, coordinated movement patterns, and skills that can be carried into everyday life. Improving the way the muscles of the mouth and face work together for more efficient breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing.

Who May Benefit?

Orofacial myofunctional therapy may be recommended for individuals experiencing:

• Open-mouth resting posture

• Mouth breathing

• Tongue thrust

• Low or forward tongue resting posture

• Difficulty maintaining lip closure

• Atypical chewing or swallowing patterns

• Speech sound difficulties related to oral posture or movement

• Oral habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use

• Difficulty establishing functional patterns before or after a tongue-tie procedure

• Changes associated with orthodontic treatment

Our Approach

Therapy begins with a comprehensive myofunctional evaluation to understand each client’s oral structures, movement patterns, breathing habits, and functional needs.

Treatment may include exercises and functional activities designed to support:

• Nasal breathing when medically appropriate

• Proper tongue resting posture

• Comfortable lip closure

• Coordinated chewing and swallowing

• Improved tongue, lip, and jaw awareness

• More efficient oral-motor patterns

• Carryover into daily routines

Each treatment plan is personalized according to the client’s age, abilities, needs, and goals. For younger clients, caregivers are actively involved so skills can be practiced consistently at home.

Collaborative Care

Orofacial function can be influenced by many medical, dental, structural, and behavioral factors. When appropriate, we collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, pediatricians, physicians, lactation consultants, and other members of the client’s care team. Myofunctional therapy does not replace necessary medical, dental, or surgical care. Instead, it can complement those services by helping establish and maintain functional movement patterns.

Could Myofunctional Therapy Help?

Schedule a complimentary consultation call to discuss your or your child’s concerns and determine whether a myofunctional evaluation may be the right next step.