Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?

Individuals of all ages can benefit from myofunctional therapy, especially those who experience mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, tongue-tie, orthodontic issues, TMJ disorders, or speech problems.

How do I find a myofunctional therapist near me?

To find a qualified myofunctional therapist, look for credentials from organizations like AOMT or IAOM, check reviews, and schedule a consultation to ensure the therapist's approach aligns with your needs.

What happens during myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy includes an initial assessment, customized exercises for facial and tongue muscles, and regular follow-up sessions to track progress and make adjustments as needed.

Can myofunctional therapy help with sleep apnea?

Yes, myofunctional therapy can help reduce snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms by strengthening airway muscles and promoting nasal breathing. However, it is often used alongside other treatments like CPAP or oral appliances.

The Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy Near You

Q: What is myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based treatment designed to improve the function of the facial, tongue, and throat muscles. It helps with breathing, tongue posture, sleep quality, and craniofacial development.

What to Know and Where to Begin

If you’re searching for “myofunctional therapy near me,” you’re likely exploring solutions to improve breathing, oral function, or craniofacial development for yourself or a loved one. Myofunctional therapy, a growing field at the intersection of dental and medical health, addresses the root causes of issues like mouth breathing, crowded teeth, snoring, and even sleep-disordered breathing. This guide will help you understand the basics of myofunctional therapy, its benefits, and how to find the right provider near you.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a customized, exercise-based approach designed to optimize the function of the muscles in the face, mouth, and throat. By retraining these muscles, therapy can improve:

Breathing patterns: Helps transition from mouth breathing to nasal breathing.
Tongue posture: Encourages proper tongue positioning on the roof of the mouth.
Sleep quality: Reduces snoring and addresses sleep apnea symptoms in conjunction with a sleep physician.
Craniofacial growth: Supports proper jaw and airway development in children.

Who Can Benefit?

Myofunctional therapy is ideal for individuals of all ages experiencing:

Mouth breathing
Sleep-disordered breathing or snoring
Tongue-tie or other oral restrictions
Orthodontic issues like crowded or misaligned teeth
Jaw discomfort (TMJ disorders)

Additionally, children who exhibit speech issues, improper chewing, or chronic thumb-sucking habits may greatly benefit from early intervention.

How to Find the Right Myofunctional Therapist Near You

When searching for a myofunctional therapist, consider the following:

Look for Credentials: Ensure the therapist has specialized training in myofunctional therapy, such as certifications from recognized organizations like the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) or the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM).
Check Experience: Seek a provider experienced in treating diverse cases, from pediatric to adult clients. Therapists with a background in dental hygiene, speech-language pathology, or related fields often bring a well-rounded perspective.
Read Reviews: Online reviews or testimonials can provide insight into the therapist’s success with previous clients.
Consult for Compatibility: Schedule a consultation to ensure the therapist’s approach aligns with your needs and goals. Many therapists also offer virtual sessions if in-person visits aren’t feasible.

What to Expect During Therapy

A myofunctional therapy program is typically tailored to the individual. Here’s what therapy may include:

Initial Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your breathing patterns, tongue posture, swallowing function, and facial muscle coordination.
Customized Exercises: A series of daily exercises designed to strengthen or retrain the orofacial muscles.
Tracking Progress: Regular follow-up sessions to monitor improvements and adjust the program as needed.

Start Your Journey to Better Health

If you’re ready to improve your breathing, sleep, and oral function, take the first step by reaching out to a qualified myofunctional therapist near you. Many providers offer compassionate, expert care to help you or your child thrive.

Tamara Thomas

Tamara is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, as well as the owner of Facial Physique Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. As a mentor, she guides professionals through foundational and advanced myofunctional therapy courses. Tamara serves on the board of the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists, where she advocates for the integration of oral-systemic education in healthcare. Passionate about spreading awareness of myofunctional disorders, she is dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals with the tools to screen and support patients effectively. Her mission is to bridge the gap between medicine and dentistry to promote whole-body wellness.