Myofunctional Therapy
Physical therapy for the tongue, lips, and breathing pattern.
What it is
Myofunctional therapy (also called orofacial myofunctional therapy, or OMT) is a structured exercise program that retrains the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat. It works on the same principle as physical therapy for the back or knee, but applied to the muscles that control breathing, swallowing, chewing, and resting tongue posture. A trained orofacial myologist designs a personalized exercise plan and supervises progress.
Why we do it
The muscles of the orofacial complex are responsible for far more than chewing. Resting tongue posture (where the tongue sits when you are not using it) shapes the upper jaw and the floor of the nose during growth. Lip seal at rest determines whether you breathe through the nose or the mouth. The pattern of swallow (more than 1,000 times a day) either reinforces good orthodontic results or undoes them. Without correcting these underlying patterns, surgical and orthodontic results often relapse, and airway issues often persist despite anatomic corrections.
What happens during the procedure
The therapy course typically begins with an evaluation that screens for tongue position, lip seal, swallowing pattern, breathing pattern, and any oral habits. A custom exercise program is then introduced one stage at a time, with weekly or biweekly office sessions to check form and progress. Exercises target tongue strength and elevation, lip strength, nasal breathing pattern, and swallowing mechanics. Patients practice at home for 5 to 10 minutes, twice daily.
Who it’s for
Children with mouth breathing, tongue thrust, articulation issues, or orthodontic relapse risk. Adults with chronic mouth breathing, snoring, mild sleep apnea, jaw tension, or as preparation for and recovery from frenectomy. Patients who want to improve nasal breathing without medication. Often the missing piece for patients who have had surgery or orthodontics and still feel something is not quite right.
Recovery and what to expect
There is no recovery in the traditional sense. Mild muscle soreness in the first weeks of the program is normal as new muscle patterns are built. Results are gradual and become permanent only with consistent practice.