5 Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Backed by Research and Clinical Experience
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a non-invasive, exercise-based approach that improves the function of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and facial muscles. This therapy goes beyond surface-level habits — it can transform breathing, sleep, speech, oral development, and even posture. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, here are five powerful, research-backed benefits of myofunctional therapy.

1. Promotes Healthy Nasal Breathing

One of the primary goals of OMT is to retrain the body to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth. Nasal breathing filters, warms, and humidifies the air, helping to reduce allergens and support better oxygen exchange. Mouth breathing, by contrast, is often linked to disrupted sleep, enlarged tonsils, and altered facial growth in children.

📚 Research:
“Mouth breathing: adverse effects on facial growth, health, academics, and behavior.”
Jefferson Y. Gen Dent. 2010;58(1):18-25.

2. Supports Better Sleep Quality and Airway Health

Myofunctional therapy strengthens airway muscles, helping to maintain an open upper airway during sleep. This can reduce snoring and lessen the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Improved nighttime breathing leads to deeper rest, enhanced energy, and better focus during the day — especially critical for growing children and busy adults.

📚 Research:
“Myofunctional therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
Camacho M et al. Sleep. 2015;38(5):669–675.
Therapy reduced apnea severity by 50% in adults and 62% in children.

3. Encourages Proper Facial and Dental Development

In growing children, proper tongue posture and nasal breathing are key drivers of healthy facial growth and jaw alignment. OMT supports ideal oral rest posture — tongue to the palate, lips sealed, and nasal breathing — which helps guide the development of wide dental arches and balanced facial proportions. It also complements orthodontic treatment, improving results and long-term stability.

📚 Research:
“The effect of mouth breathing versus nasal breathing on dentofacial and craniofacial development.”
Harari D et al. Laryngoscope. 2010;120(10):2089-2093.

4. Improves Speech and Swallowing Function

Orofacial muscle dysfunction can contribute to speech issues such as lisping, articulation delays, and improper swallowing patterns. Myofunctional therapy helps retrain the oral muscles for better coordination and tone, supporting clearer speech and safer, more effective swallowing — important for both children and adults with speech challenges or dysphagia.

📚 Research:
“Effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy on speech intelligibility in children.”
Gommerman S, Hodge M. Int J Orofacial Myology. 1995;21:9-22.

5. Helps Prevent Orthodontic Relapse

Even after braces or aligners, teeth can shift back if dysfunctional muscle habits like tongue thrusting or low tongue posture persist. OMT corrects these underlying habits, promoting long-term stability. It’s the often-overlooked key to lasting orthodontic success.

📚 Research:
“A comparison of tongue, lip, and jaw muscle activity in children with and without anterior open bite.”
Huang Y, King GJ. Angle Orthod. 1998;68(3):195–202.

Bonus: Additional Benefits

• Reduces TMJ pain, clenching, and grinding by improving jaw stability and alignment.
• Improves posture and facial aesthetics through balanced muscle tone and function.
• Boosts confidence and overall well-being by supporting better breathing, sleep, speech, and eating comfort.
• May reduce the need for future invasive procedures by addressing dysfunction early.

Who Can Benefit?

Children: OMT supports early facial and jaw growth, reduces the risk of tooth decay and speech delays, and prepares children for better orthodontic outcomes.

Teens and Adults: Myofunctional therapy helps with sleep issues, TMJ dysfunction, posture problems, and overall quality of life.

Ready to Get Started?

At Facial Physique, we specialize in identifying the root causes of orofacial dysfunction and designing personalized programs to improve breathing, facial development, and overall function. If you're curious whether myofunctional therapy could help you or your child, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.