Most people are surprised to learn that how you use your tongue and facial muscles affects more than just your smile. Myofunctional therapy addresses these habits to promote better oral health, facial development, and breathing. At The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica, we specialize in integrative treatments that include this powerful therapy for children and adults alike.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a form of physical therapy for the face, tongue, and oral muscles. It involves a series of simple, guided exercises designed to improve the strength, coordination, and function of the muscles that control breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech. By retraining these muscles, we can improve everything from airway function to facial symmetry.
Conditions It Can Address
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Tongue thrust and improper swallowing
- Speech delays or articulation issues
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- TMJ disorders and jaw pain
- Orthodontic relapse
Why Tongue Posture Matters
One of the most common issues we see is low or improper tongue posture. Ideally, the tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth when you’re not eating or talking. This helps:
- Guide jaw development in children
- Maintain an open airway
- Support nasal breathing
- Prevent crowded teeth
When the tongue rests low in the mouth or falls backward during sleep, it can lead to snoring, clenching, and even obstructed breathing.
Case Study: Olivia’s Transformation
Olivia, age 9, came to our Santa Monica practice with persistent mouth breathing, allergies, and early signs of dental crowding. Her parents were concerned about her sleep quality and low energy levels during the day. After evaluating her tongue posture and breathing habits, we diagnosed a functional oral disorder and began a course of myofunctional therapy.
Over the next 12 weeks, Olivia learned proper nasal breathing, improved her tongue strength, and retrained her oral posture. As a result, she began sleeping better, waking up more refreshed, and even saw improvements in her posture and speech. Her dentist also noted that her dental arch began to expand naturally, reducing the need for braces.
Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Children:
- Developing jaws
- Speech delays
- Thumb sucking or pacifier dependence
Teens:
- Undergoing orthodontic treatment
- Mouth breathing or posture issues
Adults:
- TMJ disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Tongue-tie release recovery
The Treatment Process at The Dentist Lounge
We start with a comprehensive airway and functional oral exam. Once we identify muscle imbalances or compensations, we develop a custom therapy plan that includes:
- Weekly in-person or virtual sessions
- Daily home exercises (5–10 minutes)
- Progress monitoring and re-evaluation
Therapy usually lasts between 8–16 weeks depending on the severity and goals.
FAQs About Myofunctional Therapy
Is it painful? No. The exercises are gentle and easily adapted for children and adults alike.
Is it only for people with sleep apnea? No. While sleep apnea patients often benefit from therapy, anyone with dysfunctional breathing or poor oral habits can see major improvements.
Can it replace orthodontics? Sometimes. Myofunctional therapy can eliminate the root cause of crowding or relapse. When used alongside orthodontics, it improves outcomes and retention.
Is it covered by insurance? Coverage varies. Some plans reimburse for therapy when tied to speech, breathing, or TMJ diagnoses. We also offer affordable payment plans.
Our Holistic Approach
At The Dentist Lounge, we don’t just treat symptoms. We look at the habits and functions behind them. Myofunctional therapy aligns perfectly with our airway- and wellness-focused philosophy of care.
We collaborate with ENTs, speech pathologists, and orthodontists to ensure patients get comprehensive, supportive care.
Final Thoughts
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive, highly effective solution for a wide range of issues that go beyond the teeth. From kids struggling with facial development to adults with jaw tension or disrupted sleep, this therapy offers lasting, life-changing results.
Book Your Consultation Today
Curious if myofunctional therapy could help you or your child? Our team in Santa Monica is ready to guide you through a personalized evaluation.
Book a consultation → https://www.flexbook.me/dentlounge/1
