What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Did you know that the resting position of your tongue can impact everything from the way you breathe, chew, and swallow to the way you look and speak?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized, exercise-based therapy that focuses on improving the function of the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. It helps correct improper habits such as mouth breathing, tongue thrust, and poor oral posture, which can impact breathing, sleep, speech, and facial development. Through guided techniques and personalized exercises, OMT supports proper nasal breathing, optimal tongue positioning, and overall oral function for better long-term health.

Myofunctional therapy can benefit both children and adults who have issues related to oral muscle function, breathing, and habits that impact overall health.

Children may benefit if they have:

• Mouth breathing or chronic nasal congestion
• Thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrust
• Speech difficulties
• Orthodontic concerns like crowding, open bite, or orthodontic relapse
• Sleep issues, or restless sleep
• Delayed or improper facial growth

Adults may benefit if they experience:

• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Jaw pain, clenching, or TMJ discomfort
• Mouth breathing or dry mouth
• Relapse after orthodontic treatment
• Difficulty with proper tongue posture
• Chronic fatigue related to poor sleep quality

By addressing the root cause of improper oral habits and muscle dysfunction, myofunctional therapy helps improve breathing, sleep, facial development, and overall wellness at any age.