Myofunctional Therapy
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy focuses on correcting improper habits involving the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles to help address issues like:
- ● Mouth breathing
- ● Tongue thrusting
- ● Incorrect swallowing patterns
- ● Snoring and sleep disturbances
- ● TMJ discomfort and jaw pain
Through a personalized program of simple, targeted exercises, myofunctional therapy works to strengthen and coordinate these muscles, supporting proper breathing, chewing, and swallowing. Think of it like physiotherapy for your mouth! This therapy works for both children and adults and is often recommended alongside orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to create a strong foundation for your oral health.
Improve Breathing, Oral Health, and Overall Wellness with Myofunctional Therapy
At Kemptville Smiles, we take a whole-person approach to oral health. Myofunctional therapy is a natural, exercise-based treatment that helps retrain the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. This therapy improves oral function, supports orthodontic treatment, and contributes to better overall wellness by addressing orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) – abnormal muscle movement patterns in the mouth and face. Our team, including our registered dental hygienists, is trained in providing personalized myofunctional therapy to address the root causes of oral and airway issues for patients of all ages. Whether you’re an adult looking to improve breathing and bite alignment or you’re exploring early intervention for your child, myofunctional therapy offers a range of benefits.
Signs You or Your Child Might Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy
If you’re experiencing certain symptoms or habits, myofunctional therapy may be the right solution. Common signs include:
- ● Chronic mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- ● Snoring or symptoms of mild sleep apnea
- ● Speech difficulties or unclear pronunciation
- ● Jaw pain or frequent headaches
- ● Crowded teeth or orthodontic relapse
- ● Persistent dry mouth
- ● Visible tongue thrust when swallowing
These issues can affect children and adults, but the good news is that early intervention and proper therapy can make a lasting difference. If these signs sound familiar, book an appointment to learn how we can help.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
Many of these benefits extend beyond your dental health. Successful patients often experience:
- ● Improved breathing patterns: Encourages nasal breathing, which supports better oxygen intake and sleep quality.
- ● Enhanced orthodontic outcomes: Supports treatments like braces or Invisalign by addressing underlying muscle habits that impact alignment.
- ● Reduced TMJ discomfort: Helps relieve tension in the jaw and facial muscles.
- ● Better facial development in children: Promotes healthy growth and structure of the jaws and face.
- ● Long-term oral health: Reduces risks associated with dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Myofunctional Therapy and Orthodontic Care
One of the most valuable aspects of myofunctional therapy is its ability to support orthodontic care. Poor muscle function and bad oral habits can lead to orthodontic challenges, including relapse after treatment. Myofunctional therapy helps by:
- ● Supporting long-term orthodontic stability
- ● Preventing shifting of teeth post-treatment
- ● Guiding proper jaw growth and alignment in children
- ● Enhancing muscle balance for better bite function
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment or currently wearing aligners, myofunctional therapy can complement your care plan for better results. Learn more about our orthodontic services here.
