What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy (also called orofacial myofunctional therapy or orofacial myology) is a specialized therapy that focuses on evaluating and treating disorders of the muscles and functions of the face, mouth and tongue. It addresses disorders, called Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) related to breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech by retraining the orofacial muscles to achieve optimal function and positioning.

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Nasal Breathing

Optimize your airway function and restore nasal breathing, ensuring deep, revitalizing rest for total body recovery and improved athletic endurance.

Four Goals of Myofunctional Therapy?

Proper Tongue Posture

Correct jaw positioning and tongue posture to enhance facial symmetry, provide a natural foundation for aesthetic wellness and support jaw development.

Correct Swallowing Pattern

Strengthen patterns for proper swallowing and chewing, directly impacting nutrient absorption and long-term metabolic health.

Lip Seal

Ensuring the lips remain closed at rest to reduce dry mouth and prevent mouth breathing.

The Myofunctional Therapist's Role

Our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist (OMT) is trained in recognizing OMDs, teaching and coaching child and adult patients in the correct exercises and techniques to retrain, strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the face, tongue and mouth so that our patients can achieve the four primary goals.

Habit training (e.g., keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth) and breathing retraining (encouraging nasal breathing) also play important roles in long term success.

Meet Nidia!

Myo Minute

Short Instructive Videos on Myofunctional Therapy

Got a minute? Great! Then you have time to learn a little about Myofunctional Therapy, techniques, and how it can benefit you! Each video is hosted by our own Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, Nidia! Watch one now!.

What is a Tongue Tie?

Also Known as Ankyloglossia

A tongue tie (Ankyloglossia) is a congenital disorder where the strip of connective tissue under your tongue, called the Lingual Frenulum, is too short, thick, or tight. The tongue, in effect, is tied down, hence the term. This condition can severely restrict the tongue's range of motion which can lead to infant, childhood, and adult Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. There are four grades of tongue tie and they are depicted in the illustration in this section.

Myofunctional Therapy can be effective in correcting the OMDs caused by this condition on it's own in mild cases, however, surgical intervention is often required. This procedure is called a Lingual Frenectomy or Lingual Frenotomy and must be performed by a dentist, oral surgeon, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat MD) or other medical practitioner.

Our Myofunctional Therapist can assist in determining your condition. Start by making an appointment for a free consultation.

What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

Common OMDs and their symptoms

Many people have no idea they are living with an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder because they've been compensating for it all of their lives. It's normal to them until they hear or see what normal actually is. Reference the list of the more common OMDs and the common symptoms you can use to spot them.

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in Children

It is common for children to have OMDs and exhibit the symptoms noted in the list as well. More importantly, noticing and resolving these issues early is especially important in children as some of these issues can effect facial and skeletal development. These developmental changes can be life changing and permanent such as a long, narrow face and underdeveloped jaw. Other changes can lead to expensive orthodontic work to realign teeth.

If you suspect your child may be suffering from an OMD, you can schedule a free initial consultation with our Myofunctional Therapist.

Schedule your free initial consultation

Start your journey to better health with us today!

Our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist (OMT) Nidia will meet with you face to face in our office.
Consultations typically last 30 minutes.
She will spend time listening to your concerns.
You will receive a brief introduction to Myo.
She will take photos and measurements.
She will discuss treatment options and benefits and set realistic expectations for you.
If you are not already under the care of a doctor, she may refer you to a partnering physician for diagnosis and lingual frenectomy, if needed.

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