Myofunctional Therapy is “neuromuscular re-education” of the oral and facial muscles. The therapy can range from an eight-week to nine-month program depending on the needs of the patient. The therapy strengthens the muscles of the lips, tongue, cheeks and face and retrains the muscles so they properly function during breathing, chewing and swallowing.
At weekly appointments, exercises are demonstrated by our trained Myofunctional Therapist. Our Myofunctional Therapists also work with young children for any habit elimination such as thumb sucking and pacifier use. We use a reward system along with self-esteem motivational work so that children are the ones who want to change.
Myofunctional Therapy may require interdisciplinary intervention. We often incorporate speech therapists, osteopathic physicians, physical therapists, and ear/nose/throat specialists to improve a patient’s overall well-being.
Proper resting tongue position and posture during swallowing is crucial to facial growth. If the tongue is resting in the lower jaw, it will alter the growth of the upper and lower jaws, affect craniofacial growth patterns and impact the posture of the head, neck, and upper body.
Our focus is encouraging correct facial development, improving airway space, teaching nasal breathing and teaching patients the tools for long-term health. We know that a balanced, beautiful face with properly functioning muscles ultimately leads to straight teeth.
