myofunctional Therapy
myofunctional therapy in Greensboro, NC
what is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive treatment that retrains the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to improve breathing, swallowing, and jaw function. Our myofunctional specialist assesses your facial muscles to see if there are any orofacial myofunctional disorders like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or low tongue posture. If needed, we develop a personalized plan of exercises to correct the issues by helping the facial muscles function correctly.
Bad habits are often the cause of issues like snoring due to a restricted airway, sleep apnea, grinding your teeth, and frequent headaches and if untreated can lead to more complex and painful issues with chewing, swallowing, and speech. Breathing, bite, and posture can all be improved with myofunctional therapy and lead to better overall health.
infants
Myofunctional therapy for infants enhances tongue mobility and feeding efficiency, particularly following a frenectomy, to support optimal jaw and airway development. Through gentle exercises guided by a therapist or lactation consultant, it improves latch and tongue function, often paired with bodywork to release tension.
- Improves breastfeeding
- Promotes healthy jaw growth
- Reduces the risk of sleep-disordered breathing
- Established a foundation for lifelong airway health
Children
For children, therapy corrects habits like mouth breathing and tongue thrusting to guide proper jaw and airway development. Using exercises paired with appliances like MyoBrace or MyoMunchee, it addresses behavioral issues like thumb-sucking while encouraging nasal breathing.
- Widens dental arches
- Improves sleep and cognitive function
- Reduces the need for invasive orthodontics
- Supports optimal growth and long term airway health
Adults
We address orofacial myofunctional disorders in adults, such as mouth breathing and improper tongue posture, to alleviate sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, and airway restrictions. Through targeted exercises, often following treatments like MARPE or airway orthodontics, therapy retrains tongue posture and swallowing to enhance muscle function and promote nasal breathing.
- Reduces snoring
- Improves sleep quality
- Alleviates TMJ pain
- Enhances systemic health by minimizing airway obstructions and inflammation
- Fosters long-term well-being
What else can Myofunctional Therapy help with?
Improved Nasal Breathing
- Encourages nasal over mouth breathing
- Reduces airway resistance and increases oxygen exchange
- May lessen snoring and sleep-disordered breathing
- Supports treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Better Orthodontic & Dental Outcomes
- Improves long-term stability after braces
- Reduces orthodontic relapse
- Enhances outcomes with expansion and growth-modification therapies
- Addresses the functional habits behind orthodontic issues
Relief from TMJ Pain & Orofacial Tension
- Reduces strain in jaw, neck, and facial muscles
- Improves tongue posture to decrease TMJ stress
- May reduce headaches, facial discomfort, and tension patterns
Digestive & Postural Support
- Encourages proper chewing and swallowing for improved digestion
- Supports healthier body posture and alignment
- Promotes diaphragmatic breathing and core stability
Enhanced Facial & Craniofacial Development
- Promotes healthy tongue posture and oral rest position
- Guides proper facial growth and jaw alignment in children
- Helps prevent malocclusions and dental crowding
- Encourages balanced muscles for improved facial symmetry
Clearer Speech & Healthy Swallowing
- Supports correct tongue placement for articulation
- Helps eliminate tongue thrust
- Promotes efficient, coordinated swallowing
- Benefits children and adults with speech or oral-motor challenges
Behavioral & Cognitive Improvements
- Better sleep and breathing support emotional regulation
- May reduce symptoms related to ADHD and behavioral challenges
- Supports balanced nervous system function
Your Journey to Wellness Starts Here
Reach out to our team at 336-288-4499 or by sending a message and we’ll get your appointment scheduled. We’ll keep your smile healthy and thriving.
