What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?

An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) occurs when the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat are not working in balance. These muscle patterns can interfere with normal functions such as breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

OMDs often develop from:

Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)
Chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged tonsils
Airway concerns
Structural imbalances of the jaw or facial muscles

Common signs of an OMD may include:

Tongue thrust (where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth when swallowing)
Open-mouth posture
Low tongue posture
Difficulty maintaining proper lip seal

When left unaddressed, OMDs can contribute to dental misalignment, speech challenges, sleep-disordered breathing, jaw discomfort, and TMJ concerns.

The good news? With early identification and proper guidance, these muscle patterns can be retrained. Orofacial myofunctional therapy gently helps restore healthy function - and early intervention is especially beneficial during childhood, when the face and jaw are still developing.

Could you or your child benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?

Many families are surprised to learn that common symptoms like mouth breathing, restless sleep, or jaw discomfort may be linked to oral muscle function.

If you or your child experience any of the following, myofunctional therapy may help:

Breathing & Sleep Concerns

Mouth breathing (day or night)
Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
Poor sleep quality, restlessness, or daytime fatigue
Jaw pain, facial pain, or headaches
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Speech concerns (lisps, unclear articulation)
Chronic nasal congestion or allergies
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Dental & Orthodontic Concerns

Tongue thrust or tongue resting against or between the teeth
Crowded or crooked teeth
Teeth grinding or clenching
Open bite, overbite, or underbite
Relapse after orthodontic treatment
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
Difficulty tolerating orthodontic appliances

Airway & Sleep-Related Concerns

Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing
Suspected or diagnosed sleep apnea
Bedwetting, night waking, or behavioral concerns in children
ADHD-like symptoms linked to poor sleep quality

Facial Growth & Development (Children)

Long, narrow face or recessed jaws
Low tongue posture
Poor lip seal
Delayed or altered oral development

How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help

Through personalized, step-by-step muscle retraining, myofunctional therapy helps restore harmony.

Therapy may help by:

Training proper tongue posture and function
Establishing nasal breathing patterns for better oxygen intake and overall health.
Improving swallowing and chewing mechanics
Supporting healthy facial growth and airway development which may help with snoring or mild sleep apnea.
Enhancing orthodontic stability and outcomes
Improving sleep quality and overall wellness
Reducing strain on the jaw joint by improving muscle coordination.
Increased energy and alertness
Reduced clenching/grinding
Increasing tone and mobility of oral structures
Establishing symmetry to the face