Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy at Normanview Dental

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a personalized therapy program designed to retrain the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to function properly. The goal is to establish healthy resting posture of the tongue, lips, and jaw while improving breathing, chewing, and swallowing patterns.

OMT uses targeted, painless exercises to:

1. Strengthen the tongue, lips, and cheek muscles
2. Retrain proper chewing and swallowing patterns
3. Promote correct oral rest posture
4. Encourage nasal (nose) breathing

The exercises are gentle, easy to learn, and suitable for both children and adults.

Who Can Benefit from OMT?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy may benefit individuals of all ages who experience:

1. Mouth breathing
2. Tongue tie
3. Snoring or sleep apnea
4. Crowded or misaligned teeth
5. Forward head posture
6. Low tongue posture
7. Tongue thrust
8. TMJ discomfort
9. Anxiety
10. Acid reflux

The 4 Goals of Myofunctional Therapy

Nasal Breathing

Breathing through the nose is how the body is designed to function. Nasal breathing filters, warms, and humidifies the air while supporting overall health. It also promotes the release of healthy nitric oxide within the body.

Proper Lip Seal

The lips should rest comfortably together at rest. A proper lip seal supports better sleep, reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and encourages healthy breathing patterns.

Correct Tongue Posture

The tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth, forming a natural tongue seal. When positioned correctly, the tongue supports the upper jaw, promotes proper facial development, and helps teeth grow in straighter. Tongue posture also plays an important role in overall facial appearance.

Healthy Swallowing Patterns

A tongue thrust occurs when the tongue pushes forward during swallowing. This can cause air swallowing, which may lead to acid reflux, gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort. Tongue thrust can also contribute to tooth misalignment—even after orthodontic treatment.

The Ripple Effect

When all four goals of myofunctional therapy are achieved, patients often experience broader health improvements, including:

1. Improved posture
2. Reduced head, neck, and jaw tension (including headaches)
3. Improved digestion
4. Lower likelihood of orthodontic relapse after braces
5. Reduced snoring and sleep apnea symptoms