True health is not just the absence of DISEASE; it’s a state of optimal well-being.

Bio:

My name is Crystal Butler, BSDH, OMT—a licensed dental hygienist specializing in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. 

With over a decade of experience in oral health, I’ve come to deeply understand how oral function connects to whole-body wellness. I founded Key Myofunctional Therapy, LLC to provide personalized, one-on-one care for issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrust, tongue-tie, TMJ muscle related dysfunction, orthodontic relapse, and muscle related sleep-disordered breathing. I specialize in airway-focused myofunctional therapy, helping patients address the root causes of symptoms that interfere with breathing, sleep, and oral function. 

My academic journey began at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where I studied pre-dental coursework before stepping away to raise my children. After several years at home, I returned to school and completed the dental hygiene program at Cape Fear Community College. Two years into practice, I pursued further education through Minnesota State University Mankato, where I was drawn to the public health aspect of their program. 

My initial goal was to attend dental school, but after navigating personal health challenges—including a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis—I chose to shift my focus toward a path that aligned with both my values and wellness goals. 

During this time, I began noticing subtle yet concerning changes in my children—open mouth posture, snoring, jaw pain, facial asymmetry, and altered growth.  These changes were unexpected in otherwise healthy, active children. My curiosity turned to passion, and through deep research and collaboration with airway-focused practitioners, I discovered a common thread: orofacial muscular dysfunction.

Motivated by what I was learning—and seeing the same patterns presenting in my dental hygiene patients—I enrolled at the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. While studying, I started practicing the exercises on myself.  The improvements were remarkable—my tongue posture, lip strength, jaw comfort, and overall facial balance all improved. That personal transformation ignited a deeper commitment to this work.

Today, I’m passionate about educating patients and collaborating with dental, medical, and allied health professionals to achieve lasting, functional outcomes. Each therapy plan reflects my commitment to combining proven methods with genuine care to restore optimal function and vitality.

My Journey: Why I Chose This Path

While my professional training laid the foundation, it was my personal journey that truly shaped my passion for this work.

My path to myofunctional therapy was not a straight line—it was shaped by personal experience, professional insight, and a desire to heal from the inside out. What began as a pursuit of dentistry evolved into a deeper mission after facing my own health challenges and witnessing the impact of breathing dysfunction in my children.

I’ve always been drawn to helping others, but it wasn’t until I experienced the physical transformation from doing myofunctional therapy myself that I truly understood its power. This isn’t just a career—it’s personal. I am passionate about sharing this work with families who feel overlooked, misunderstood, or stuck. My goal is to help you uncover the root of dysfunction and support your journey to healing.

If you’re ready to explore how myofunctional therapy can help you or your child, I invite you to schedule a free consultation—I’d be honored to walk alongside your healing journey.