What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
neuromuscular re-education
Myofunctional therapy is a neuromuscular re-education program that targets the muscles of the face, tongue, lips, and airway to restore optimal oral rest posture and functional movement patterns.
Therapy focuses on four core goals: nasal breathing, lip seal, proper tongue posture, and functional swallowing. These pillars support healthy oral function, promote better sleep, and contribute to long-term airway health and stability.
Myofunctional therapy is non-invasive, exercise-based, and individualized for each patient. It is often part of a collaborative care model alongside dentistry, sleep medicine, ENT, and speech-language pathology to address conditions like mouth breathing, tongue thrust, orthodontic relapse, and oral dysfunctions.
Ready to take the first step toward better breathing and function?
Email info@keymyo.com or call (910)-635-5048 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
MOST COMMON OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS
Low Resting Tongue Posture
Cheek, Lip, or Nail-Biting Habits
Cheek, Lip, or Nail-Biting Habits
Tongue resting low or forward in the mouth rather than gently suctioned to the palate.
Cheek, Lip, or Nail-Biting Habits
Cheek, Lip, or Nail-Biting Habits
Cheek, Lip, or Nail-Biting Habits
These unconscious or stress-related habits can lead to muscle tension, altered oral posture, and even dental trauma.
Tongue Thrust
Cheek, Lip, or Nail-Biting Habits
Facial Asymmetry Related to Muscle Function
Forward movement of the tongue during swallowing or at rest, which can affect dental alignment and speech.
Facial Asymmetry Related to Muscle Function
Incorrect Swallow Pattern (Atypical or Reverse Swallow)
Facial Asymmetry Related to Muscle Function
Imbalanced muscle use that may influence facial tone and appearance.
Incorrect Swallow Pattern (Atypical or Reverse Swallow)
Incorrect Swallow Pattern (Atypical or Reverse Swallow)
Incorrect Swallow Pattern (Atypical or Reverse Swallow)
Swallowing with excessive facial muscle involvement instead of proper tongue-to-palate coordination.
TMJ Discomfort Related to Dysfunctional Oral Habits
Incorrect Swallow Pattern (Atypical or Reverse Swallow)
Incorrect Swallow Pattern (Atypical or Reverse Swallow)
Tension or imbalance caused by poor oral posture, incorrect swallowing, or chronic mouth breathing.
Open Mouth Posture / Lip Incompetence
Inability to maintain lips together at rest, often contributing to mouth breathing and muscle imbalance.
Forward Head Posture (Related to Oral Dysfunction)
Often compensates for airway or oral posture issues, especially in mouth breathers.
Malocclusion Due to Habitual Patterns
Malocclusion Due to Habitual Patterns
While OMT does not move teeth, it can address underlying functional patterns—like tongue thrust or open-mouth posture—that contribute to orthodontic relapse.