Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face so they work together naturally. This gentle, exercise-based approach helps improve breathing, swallowing, and speech in both children and adults. It also supports healthy facial growth and promotes overall comfort and function. Schedule your visit with Eastern Hills Family Dental in Las Vegas, NV, to start improving your oral balance and long-term wellness.
What Myofunctional Therapy Treats
Myofunctional therapy helps correct muscle habits that can interfere with normal breathing and oral coordination. These habits often develop early in life and can affect speech, eating, and even orthodontic results. With guided exercises, patients can strengthen their muscles and create healthier movement patterns that last.
- Mouth breathing: Helps patients who rely on mouth breathing transition toward healthier nasal airflow
- Tongue thrust: Trains the tongue to rest correctly and avoid putting pressure on teeth
- Swallowing challenges: Builds smoother, more efficient swallowing for greater ease during meals
- Speech difficulties: Improves clarity and pronunciation through better tongue control
Benefits For Children & Adults
Myofunctional therapy benefits children and adults alike by improving function, posture, and breathing. For children, it encourages balanced facial growth and supports orthodontic stability. For adults, it helps relieve tension, improve breathing, and create more comfort in daily activities.
- Promotes healthy development: Guides facial and jaw growth during key stages of childhood
- Encourages nasal breathing: Helps replace mouth breathing with healthier patterns
- Reduces strain: Relieves tightness and discomfort in the jaw and facial muscles
- Supports restful sleep: Can lessen mild snoring and improve nightly breathing quality
Exercises To Improve Tongue & Jaw Function
Every treatment plan includes easy exercises that strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the tongue, lips, and jaw. These exercises are designed to be practiced at home and gradually incorporated into daily habits. Over time, patients notice greater ease while speaking, eating, and resting.
- Tongue placement: Trains the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth instead of between teeth
- Swallow retraining: Encourages smoother, more efficient swallowing motions
- Jaw alignment: Builds balance to reduce popping or strain while chewing
- Muscle coordination: Improves overall stability and control of oral movements
How Therapy Supports Airway Health
Proper muscle posture plays a major role in airway health and breathing efficiency. By promoting nasal breathing and a stable tongue position, Myofunctional therapy helps reduce snoring and shallow breathing. These improvements contribute to better rest, stronger focus, and higher daytime energy.
- Promotes clear airways: Encourages breathing through the nose for consistent airflow
- Improves tongue posture: Keeps the tongue from collapsing toward the throat during sleep
- Reduces sleep disruptions: Helps minimize snoring and breathing pauses
- Boosts oxygen flow: Supports improved alertness and concentration throughout the day
Combining Myofunctional Therapy With Orthodontics
When used alongside orthodontic treatment, Myofunctional therapy enhances both comfort and long-term results. Strengthening and retraining the oral muscles helps ensure that teeth remain stable after braces or aligner treatment. This partnership encourages lasting balance and a naturally aligned smile.
- Prepares muscles for treatment: Builds a stable foundation before orthodontic work begins
- Supports alignment: Helps maintain tooth position once treatment is complete
- Improves bite function: Promotes harmony between the tongue, jaw, and facial muscles
- Encourages lasting comfort: Reduces tension and supports a naturally balanced smile
Empower Your Smile With
Better Muscle Harmony
Myofunctional therapy is a simple yet powerful way to strengthen the connection between your muscles, breathing, and smile. It helps create balance, confidence, and comfort that extend far beyond your mouth. With personalized care from the trusted team at Eastern Hills Family Dental in Las Vegas, NV, you can experience better breathing, improved sleep, and lasting wellness. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more harmonious smile.