For many parents and adults, the idea of retraining the muscles of the mouth and face might sound unusual. Yet, myofunctional therapy—an evidence-based, non-invasive approach—has become an essential tool in managing a range of common and disruptive conditions. From helping children overcome speech delays and chronic mouth breathing to assisting adults in reducing snoring, jaw pain, or sleep apnea symptoms, this therapy works by correcting dysfunctional muscle habits that often go unnoticed.
Whether you’re a parent worried about your child’s orthodontic development or an adult struggling with poor sleep, fatigue, or jaw discomfort, myofunctional therapy offers practical solutions rooted in decades of clinical research. It is increasingly recognized in the fields of dentistry, ENT, speech-language pathology, and sleep medicine as a way to improve long-term outcomes—without surgery or medication.
This article provides a thorough, easy-to-understand breakdown of how myofunctional therapy works, what it treats, and the life-changing results it can deliver. focused on retraining the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth. It has gained significant attention for its wide-ranging benefits in managing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD, a condition that causes pain and problems with the jaw joint and muscles), malocclusion, speech difficulties, and more. The purpose of this article is to present the most comprehensive and research-backed exploration of myofunctional therapy available online, serving as a definitive resource for patients, clinicians, and healthcare practitioners.
Rooted in decades of interdisciplinary studies across orthodontics, speech-language pathology, and sleep medicine, myofunctional therapy addresses dysfunctional habits and promotes optimal oral posture. With growing recognition in functional health and airway dentistry circles, it is essential to understand not only what myofunctional therapy is but how it works, what conditions it treats, and what outcomes patients can expect.
Learn more about our clinical approach on our myofunctional therapy services page.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy involves the rehabilitation of the orofacial muscles to improve function and posture. These include the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw, which play vital roles in breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing. When these muscles are improperly functioning—a condition known as Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD, a condition where the muscles of the face and mouth don’t work as they should)—a host of complications may follow.
The foundation of myofunctional therapy lies in promoting nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, lip seal, and correct swallowing patterns. Exercises are typically prescribed and customized by trained therapists, often speech-language pathologists or dental professionals. The patient performs these exercises daily over a span of weeks or months.
While traditionally used as a supportive therapy for orthodontic treatment, the scope of OMT has expanded greatly. It now includes interventions for airway disorders, facial growth modification, post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain management, and neuromuscular dysfunction. The goal is not merely to treat symptoms but to address root causes—improper muscle patterns that contribute to a cascade of physiological effects.
Core benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
One of the key reasons for the increasing popularity of myofunctional therapy is its wide array of benefits across different medical domains. By correcting dysfunctional muscle patterns and improving posture, OMT produces both localized and systemic health improvements.
One of the most immediate benefits is the normalization of nasal breathing. Proper nasal respiration facilitates nitric oxide production, improves oxygen uptake, and supports craniofacial development in children. Patients who adopt nasal breathing often report improved sleep, reduced fatigue, and better concentration.
Another major benefit is pain reduction, especially in patients with TMD or bruxism. By releasing tension in overactive muscles, patients experience less jaw pain, headaches, and neck strain. In addition, myofunctional therapy has proven useful in reducing symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. Numerous studies demonstrate its ability to lower the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI, a number that shows how often breathing stops or slows during sleep), reduce snoring, and improve oxygen saturation.
On a structural level, myofunctional therapy can improve facial aesthetics by enhancing muscle tone, symmetry, and posture. It also promotes better swallowing mechanics, supports speech therapy, and contributes to long-term orthodontic stability by training the tongue to rest against the palate, preventing relapse.
Psychologically, many patients report increased self-awareness and improved oral health routines. The holistic nature of OMT—addressing function, posture, and awareness—often leads to enhanced quality of life.
Discover how myofunctional therapy directly improves breathing in our article on correcting mouth breathing.
Conditions treated by Myofunctional Therapy
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
TMD encompasses a variety of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and surrounding tissues. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking sounds, limited mouth opening, headaches, and facial discomfort. Research shows that myofunctional therapy, when used in conjunction with manual therapy or therapeutic exercises, significantly reduces pain intensity and improves functional outcomes.
In one study published in the International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies, patients undergoing myofunctional therapy showed notable improvement in jaw movement and a reduction in overall discomfort. Other systematic reviews affirm these findings, indicating that OMT can restore balance to overactive and underactive muscles, leading to long-term pain relief.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.32553/ijmbs.v9i1.3019
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is a potentially serious condition characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep, often due to collapsed upper airways. While treatments like CPAP and surgery are common, myofunctional therapy offers a non-invasive, adjunctive alternative.
A landmark meta-analysis published in Sleep found that OMT significantly reduces the AHI in both adults and children. By strengthening the oropharyngeal muscles, OMT increases airway tone, reduces collapsibility, and improves sleep quality. In combination with CPAP or oral appliances, it enhances compliance and clinical outcomes.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.4652
Swallowing Disorders
Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing can arise from neuromuscular or structural problems in the orofacial region. Myofunctional therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in rehabilitating patients with impaired swallowing reflexes, especially post-surgery or in neurodegenerative conditions.
Exercises target bolus preparation, tongue mobility, and airway protection, making them invaluable in pediatric, geriatric, and post-surgical populations. Improvements in swallowing biomechanics also contribute to better nutrition and decreased aspiration risk.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.1177/22143602241308762
Explore how manual techniques complement OMT on our voice, swallowing, and TMJ therapy page.
Speech Sound Disorders (SSD)
Children with speech difficulties often present with poor oral tone, limited tongue mobility, and mouth breathing. These issues can impair articulation and resonance. Myofunctional therapy complements speech-language therapy by addressing the foundational muscle patterns required for clear, intelligible speech.
Systematic reviews have found that combining OMT with articulation therapy leads to better outcomes than speech therapy alone in cases of functional SSDs.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijom51010004
Malocclusion and Orthodontic Disorders
Orthodontic relapse is often tied to unaddressed muscle dysfunction. Maladaptive swallowing, low tongue posture, and chronic mouth breathing exert pressure on dental arches and jawbones, leading to issues like open bite, overjet, or skeletal discrepancies.
Studies reveal that myofunctional therapy improves orthodontic stability, enhances facial growth trajectories, and decreases treatment duration. As a result, many forward-thinking orthodontists integrate OMT early in treatment planning.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.1997.23.1.6
Bruxism and Orofacial Pain
Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, is frequently related to stress and muscle hyperactivity. Myofunctional therapy helps relax the masseter and temporalis muscles, reducing pain and improving sleep. Techniques such as tongue placement training, muscle stretching, and awareness-building reduce the frequency and severity of bruxism episodes.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2017.15.520
Pediatric Applications
For parents, concerns about their child’s development can be a constant source of stress. Whether your child struggles with speech clarity, thumb-sucking, picky eating, or habitual mouth breathing, myofunctional therapy offers a structured, gentle approach to support healthier growth.
In children, myofunctional therapy improves facial muscle coordination and strengthens the tongue and lips—key components for clear speech, efficient swallowing, and proper breathing. By encouraging nasal breathing and correct tongue posture, it supports better jaw development and can even influence sleep quality by helping to reduce nighttime mouth breathing and snoring.
Research highlights not only physical improvements in facial tone and posture, but also behavioral benefits such as better focus, more restful sleep, and enhanced emotional regulation—especially in children with neurodevelopmental differences. When integrated early, OMT can have a profound, lasting effect on a child’s health and confidence.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_AJSLP-20-00245 benefit significantly from myofunctional therapy. By improving muscle coordination and tone early in life, it supports speech development, facial growth, and improved airway function.
Numerous studies highlight improvements in tongue strength, mastication, and even behavioral regulation in children undergoing OMT.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_AJSLP-20-00245
Chronic mouth breathing can impact sleep and development. Read more in our guide to mouth breathing and sleep in children.
Biological Mechanisms Behind Myofunctional Therapy
Understanding how myofunctional therapy achieves its wide-reaching outcomes requires a closer look at the underlying physiological and neurological mechanisms. At its core, OMT stimulates both structural and neuromuscular changes in the orofacial system.
A key mechanism is neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and form new connections based on experience or training. When myofunctional exercises are performed consistently, they encourage the development of new motor patterns, improving the coordination and endurance of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. Studies show that this kind of repetitive muscle training enhances muscle memory and can lead to long-term behavioral change.
Additionally, OMT promotes muscle toning and stabilization, which is essential for maintaining the correct oral rest posture—lips closed, teeth slightly apart, and tongue resting on the palate. This posture supports nasal breathing and reduces strain on surrounding musculature, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic mouth breathing habits.
On a skeletal level, OMT indirectly influences bone development through muscular attachments. In children, these effects are more pronounced. Proper tongue posture against the palate during rest and swallowing stimulates the maxillary arch, facilitating ideal craniofacial development and alignment.
Moreover, OMT helps optimize swallowing biomechanics. This includes better bolus control, more efficient clearance of food, and enhanced safety mechanisms that protect the airway during swallowing. Improvements in these areas reduce the risk of choking and improve digestive outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations like infants, the elderly, and those recovering from neurological events.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2008/019)
Learn more about how tongue posture impacts function and speech clarity.
Clinical Outcomes & Research Evidence
The clinical effectiveness of myofunctional therapy is supported by a growing body of high-quality evidence, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and longitudinal observational studies.
In the context of sleep-disordered breathing, particularly OSA, numerous studies validate OMT as a powerful adjunctive treatment. A comprehensive meta-analysis by Camacho et al. found significant reductions in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and improvements in oxygen saturation. These benefits were evident in both adults and children, confirming the therapy’s versatility across age groups.
Patients with TMD have also reported a reduction in pain scores following OMT. By promoting muscular balance, reducing clenching behaviors, and improving joint function, patients often experience better sleep, reduced reliance on pain medication, and improved quality of life. One study highlighted a mean reduction of 4.5 points on the Visual Analog Scale, marking a clinically meaningful improvement in chronic pain symptoms.
Research into the therapy’s psychological benefits is equally promising. Improvements in oral health-related quality of life (OHQOL) have been observed, particularly among post-surgical patients and individuals with chronic orofacial conditions. These patients report better mood, increased confidence, and more consistent oral hygiene practices following myofunctional intervention.
The therapy’s impact on pediatric populations is especially significant. Children undergoing OMT often demonstrate better compliance with orthodontic appliances, improved feeding and swallowing, and enhanced communication skills. In children with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, the therapy is associated with reduced hypersalivation, improved chewing coordination, and regulated facial expressions.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.4652 Citation: https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20212020313
Technology, Tools, and the Rise of Telehealth
Advancements in technology have opened new frontiers in the practice and monitoring of myofunctional therapy. Digital tools now play a significant role in both assessment and treatment.
Electromyography (EMG) and pressure-sensitive oral devices allow clinicians to quantify muscle activity and track progress over time. Tools like the Orofacial Myofunctional Examination with Scores (OMES) offer structured, validated metrics for evaluating patient improvement. These innovations bring objectivity and standardization to an area of therapy that was once highly subjective.
One of the most promising developments in recent years is the integration of telehealth into myofunctional therapy programs. Scoping reviews and pilot studies confirm that remote delivery of OMT can be just as effective as in-person care when supported by video conferencing, digital feedback tools, and interactive exercise modules.
The ability to deliver care remotely is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural or underserved areas. It also supports better adherence, as patients can practice exercises at home under virtual supervision, reducing the barriers of transportation and time constraints.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.52010/IJOM.2020.46.1.6
Psychological and behavioural impacts
For both adults and children, the psychological and emotional toll of chronic pain, poor sleep, and breathing dysfunction can be just as impactful as the physical symptoms. Myofunctional therapy addresses these deeper issues by fostering greater self-awareness and giving patients tangible tools to take control of their health.
In children, parents often report better mood regulation, improved attention span, and fewer sleep disturbances once therapy is underway. For adults, the relief from long-standing issues like jaw tension, snoring, and sleep-related fatigue can improve everything from daily energy levels to interpersonal relationships. Restoring restful sleep and reducing chronic tension leads to better concentration, patience, and mental clarity.
Moreover, because OMT requires regular engagement and feedback, it builds motivation and a sense of empowerment. Patients become more in tune with their breathing and body mechanics, which often leads to sustained lifestyle changes and long-term health improvements.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.1987.13.3.2, myofunctional therapy offers significant psychological and behavioral advantages. These outcomes are often underrepresented in clinical discussions but are critical to the long-term success of therapy.
One major factor is patient motivation. By actively involving individuals in their own recovery through daily exercises and feedback, OMT fosters a sense of control and responsibility. This participatory approach improves adherence and encourages patients to develop healthier oral habits.
Studies show that OMT also contributes to a reduction in anxiety and stress, particularly in patients struggling with chronic pain or sleep disturbances. Improved sleep quality and reduced muscular tension lead to better daytime functioning, mood regulation, and social engagement.
Moreover, for patients recovering from orthognathic or facial reconstructive surgery, myofunctional therapy provides a framework for reintegrating normal function while minimizing trauma. This can significantly improve the rehabilitation process and help patients regain their confidence and quality of life.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.1987.13.3.2
The future of Myofunctional Therapy
Looking ahead, the future of myofunctional therapy is both exciting and promising. As research continues to evolve, we are beginning to understand how genetics, microbiology, and digital therapeutics intersect with muscle training and oral function.
Recent studies suggest that genetic variation, particularly in genes like COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase), may influence an individual’s pain sensitivity and response to therapy. This insight opens the door to personalized treatment plans based on genetic testing, allowing for more targeted and effective care.
Meanwhile, the oral and gut microbiome is gaining attention for its role in immune modulation and systemic inflammation. Since myofunctional therapy improves nasal breathing and reduces mouth breathing, it may positively influence the microbiome by restoring a healthier oral environment. Further research in this area could uncover new ways in which OMT enhances systemic health.
Additionally, we are witnessing the integration of AI and wearable technologies into therapy. Devices that track tongue position, breathing rates, and muscle activation are being explored as real-time feedback tools to enhance precision and accountability in at-home therapy.
All signs point to a future where myofunctional therapy becomes a central pillar in interdisciplinary healthcare, particularly in pediatric development, airway management, and craniofacial orthopedics.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.643255
Conclusion
Myofunctional therapy is far more than a niche dental treatment. It is an evidence-driven, patient-centered intervention that addresses the muscular and functional foundations of breathing, speech, posture, sleep, and aesthetics. By retraining the tongue, lips, and facial muscles, OMT delivers transformative outcomes across all age groups—from infants with feeding issues to adults suffering from sleep apnea and chronic pain.
As awareness grows and clinical tools improve, myofunctional therapy stands poised to play a central role in 21st-century healthcare. Whether used as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with orthodontics, speech-language therapy, or surgical interventions, OMT offers a holistic, lasting solution to complex functional disorders.
For those seeking to improve their health from the inside out, this therapy represents a simple yet powerful starting point.
FAQs
If you’re new to myofunctional therapy—or considering it for yourself or your child—you’re likely to have questions. This section answers some of the most common queries we hear from patients and parents, helping you make informed decisions about care and next steps.
What causes orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs)?
OMDs are often caused by chronic mouth breathing, thumb sucking, tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), allergies, enlarged tonsils/adenoids, or poor posture. These factors disrupt the balance and coordination of oral muscles.
How is myofunctional therapy different from speech therapy?
While both may involve oral exercises, myofunctional therapy targets muscle function, posture, and breathing mechanics, whereas speech therapy focuses on communication skills, articulation, and language development. The two often work synergistically.
What kind of exercises are used in myofunctional therapy?
Exercises may include tongue elevation, lip seal training, nasal breathing drills, swallowing retraining, and coordinated movements designed to build strength, tone, and endurance in the facial muscles.
Who is qualified to offer myofunctional therapy?
Qualified providers often include speech-language pathologists (SLPs), dental hygienists, dentists, and specially certified orofacial myologists. Certification programs and advanced training ensure proper application.
Is myofunctional therapy suitable after surgery?
Yes. It is commonly used post-orthognathic surgery or tongue-tie release to restore function, reduce scar tissue complications, and support long-term healing
How does myofunctional therapy help with orthodontic treatment?
It addresses the muscle patterns that affect tooth and jaw alignment. By retraining these patterns, therapy can prevent orthodontic relapse and promote stable results.
Can myofunctional therapy be done at home?
Yes. Most programs include home exercises performed daily, often guided by a therapist through virtual check-ins or with the aid of apps and digital platforms.
References
- Camacho, M., Certal, V., Abdullatif, J., et al. (2015). Myofunctional therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep, 38(5), 669–675. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.4652
- Saccomanno, S., Antonini, G., D’Alatri, L., et al. (2020). Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: Literature Review and Treatment Protocols. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(13), 4706. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134706
- de Felício, C. M., & Ferreira, C. L. P. (2008). Orofacial myofunctional therapy: Changes in oral myofunctional disorder scores. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 51(2), 378–383. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2008/019)
- Marziniak, M., et al. (2019). Myofunctional therapy in temporomandibular disorder treatment. Cranio: The Journal of Craniomandibular Practice, 37(6), 395–401. https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2019.1668996
- Chaves, T. C., de Andrade, A. C., et al. (2017). Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and Pain in TMD: A Case-Control Study. MTP&RehabJournal, 15, 520. https://doi.org/10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2017.15.520
- Guilleminault, C., Huang, Y.-S., Monteyrol, P. J., et al. (2013). Critical role of myofunctional therapy in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Nature and Science of Sleep, 5, 117–127. https://doi.org/10.2147/nss.s141132
- Gómez-Polo, C., Muñoz, C., et al. (2021). Influence of orofacial myofunctional therapy on oropharyngeal dysphagia. Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease, 15, 22143602241308762. https://doi.org/10.1177/22143602241308762
- Ruscello, D. M. (2008). Nonspeech Oral Motor Treatment Issues Related to Children with Developmental Speech Sound Disorders. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 39(3), 380–391. https://doi.org/10.1044/0161-1461(2008/036)
- De Stefani, A., Bruno, G., et al. (2022). The role of myofunctional therapy in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Australian Dental Journal, 67(1), 67–75. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12690
- Tomczak, B., et al. (2020). Usefulness of online myofunctional therapy. International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy, 46(1), 6–12. https://doi.org/10.52010/IJOM.2020.46.1.6
- Stupka, K., et al. (2022). Myofunctional therapy outcomes in children with Down Syndrome. Scientific Journal of the National Pedagogical University, 5(150), 35–41. https://doi.org/10.31392/npu-nc.series15.2022.5(150).06
- El-Sayed, A. A., et al. (2021). Oral microbiome and systemic immune regulation. Frontiers in Immunology, 12, 643255. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.643255
- Trawitzki, L. V., et al. (2006). Pain and dysfunction of the masticatory system in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 35(5), 427–432. https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.1987.13.3.2
- Velloso, I. S., et al. (2021). Myofunctional therapy improves oral health-related quality of life in post-treatment patients. CoDAS, 33(3), e20200288. https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20212020313
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