Frequently Asked Questions

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Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment that helps the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue work together in harmony. By improving muscle function and coordination, therapy supports proper nasal breathing, speech, chewing, and swallowing.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy can benefit children, teens, and adults who experience:

• Mouth breathing or difficulty breathing through the nose
• Tongue thrust or incorrect swallowing patterns
• Speech articulation challenges
• Improper tongue posture or low tongue resting position
• Orthodontic concerns, including relapse after braces or aligners
• Sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, or mild sleep apnea
• Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or other oral habits
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing efficiently
• Facial muscle weakness or imbalance

By improving the coordination and function of the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue, orofacial myofunctional therapy supports healthy breathing, swallowing, chewing, speech, sleep, and overall health.

Common signs of a tongue posture or breathing issues include mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, double chin appearance, difficulty keeping the lips closed, speech concerns, crowded teeth, forward head posture, tight chin muscles, and difficulty with attention and focus.

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, an evaluation can help identify whether tongue posture, oral muscle function, or breathing patterns may be contributing factors.

Nasal breathing allows the body to utilize nitric oxide, a naturally produced molecule that helps improve oxygen absorption, endurance levels, circulation, and immune functions.  When we breathe through the mouth, we bypass this important benefit.

Proper tongue posture—resting the tongue gently against the roof of the mouth—helps support healthy jaw growth, a well-shaped palate, and proper tooth alignment. When the tongue rests low in the mouth, it may contribute to a narrow palate, crowded teeth, bite issues, and changes in facial development. Proper tongue posture also supports nasal breathing and overall oral function. 

Because every client is different, therapy is customized to meet your individual needs. We meet once a week, either in person or virtually, for sessions lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. Your individual evaluation will help determine the recommended length of your program. The best results come from consistent practice, so daily home exercises are an important part of the process and key to success.

We offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. For some children, in-person sessions may be beneficial as it can be challenging to stay engaged through a screen. If virtual therapy is the best fit for your family, a therapy kit containing all necessary supplies for sessions and home exercises will be mailed directly to you. Together, we'll determine the option that best supports your success and comfort.

No referral is required. Some clients are referred by their dentist, orthodontist, physician, speech-language pathologist, or healthcare provider, while others find us on their own after recognizing concerns with breathing, tongue posture, oral habits, or sleep. If you feel that something may be affecting your or your child's oral function and overall wellness, we would be happy to help determine whether myofunctional therapy is right for you. 

We do not work directly with insurance companies or submit claims to them. However, we can provide a detailed receipt and superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement vary by plan, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider.