What to Expect: The Myofunctional Therapy Process

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Your first visit includes a 60-90 min. complete evaluation of your oral and facial muscles, airway, and any tethered tissues (tongue, lip, or cheek ties). We’ll review your concerns, take photos/videos and measurements, and outline a personalized treatment plan with expected outcomes. This includes: 

• Review of medical, dental, and sleep history
• Assessment of breathing patterns (nasal vs. mouth breathing)
• Evaluation of tongue posture, mobility, and strength
• Observation of chewing and swallowing patterns
• Screening for airway, sleep, and facial growth concerns  

When appropriate, referrals may be recommended to ENT, orthodontic, dental, or sleep specialists to address structural or airway-related factors.  

Based on the evaluation findings, a customized therapy plan is created. This plan outlines:

• Individual therapy goals
• Targeted exercises and habit modifications
• Recommended therapy frequency and duration
• Collaborative care needs with other providers

Each plan is designed to support long-term functional improvement—not just short-term symptom relief. 

Your therapy sessions may include pre- and post-release exercises and preparation, if indicated. Habit elimination—such as thumb sucking or oral postural habits—is typically addressed once the first three core goals of therapy (breathing, tongue posture, and swallowing) are in progress or achieved.

Additional or follow-up sessions after your program’s completion may be scheduled as needed to maintain progress and support long-term functional success.

Therapy sessions are typically scheduled on a regular basis (typically biweekly). During each session:

• Exercises are reviewed and progressed
• Muscle function and posture are monitored
• Habits affecting oral function are addressed
• Adjustments are made based on progress
   

Education is a key component, empowering patients and caregivers to understand the “why” behind each exercise.

Consistent home practice is essential for success. Patients are provided with:

• Daily exercises tailored to their ability level
• Clear instructions and expectations
• Strategies to integrate proper breathing and posture into daily life
   

Short, consistent practice helps create lasting neuromuscular changes.