Myofunctional Therapy for Better Oral Health
At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, our trained myofunctional therapist Jamille works with patients of all ages to address orofacial muscle dysfunction. Myofunctional therapy uses targeted exercises to retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth to function properly.
Improper oral habits such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and incorrect swallowing patterns can contribute to a wide range of issues including speech difficulties, orthodontic relapse, sleep-disordered breathing, TMJ pain, and poor facial development. Myofunctional therapy addresses the root cause of these problems rather than just the symptoms.
What to Expect
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of your oral and facial muscle function. Jamille will evaluate breathing patterns, tongue posture, swallowing habits, and overall muscle coordination. From there, she creates a personalized program of simple, painless exercises that patients practice daily at home.
Children respond especially well to myofunctional therapy. Early intervention can guide proper facial growth, reduce the need for orthodontic treatment, and help kids breathe, sleep, and eat more comfortably. Sessions are fun and engaging, making it easy for young patients to stay on track with their exercises.
What Does Myofunctional Therapy Treat?
Myofunctional therapy can help with a variety of conditions including mouth breathing, tongue thrust and incorrect swallowing, thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use, tongue ties (before and after frenectomy), snoring and mild sleep apnea, TMJ dysfunction, orthodontic relapse, and speech articulation issues. Our therapist Jamille will conduct a thorough assessment to create a personalized treatment plan.
Myofunctional Therapy FAQs
Have questions about myofunctional therapy? Here are some frequently asked questions:
- What is myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program of exercises designed to correct improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. It addresses the underlying muscular causes of issues like mouth breathing, improper swallowing, and tongue thrust, helping patients develop healthy oral habits that support proper dental and facial development.
- Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?
Both children and adults can benefit from myofunctional therapy. It is particularly helpful for individuals who mouth breathe, have a tongue tie, experience TMJ pain, snore, have difficulty with speech sounds, or have experienced orthodontic relapse. Early intervention in children can help guide proper facial development.
- How long does treatment take?
A typical myofunctional therapy program runs for several months, with regular appointments and daily home exercises. The length of treatment depends on the individual and the severity of the issues being addressed. Most patients notice improvements within the first few weeks of consistent practice.
- Is myofunctional therapy painful?
No, myofunctional therapy is completely non-invasive and pain-free. The exercises involve simple movements of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. Patients are taught exercises during appointments and practice them at home daily. Think of it as physical therapy for your mouth and face.
- How does myofunctional therapy relate to tongue ties?
Myofunctional therapy is often recommended before and after a tongue tie release (frenectomy). Pre-release therapy helps prepare the muscles and establish proper movement patterns, while post-release therapy ensures the tongue learns to function correctly with its new range of motion, preventing reattachment and maximizing results.
- Does insurance cover myofunctional therapy?
Coverage for myofunctional therapy varies by insurance plan. Some extended health benefits may cover a portion of treatment. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your coverage. Our team is happy to provide you with the documentation needed for submitting claims.