Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial myofunctional therapy uses guided exercises and habit training to address selected patterns involving the tongue, lips and other oral muscles. Depending on the assessment, goals may involve oral resting posture, lip closure, swallowing patterns or coordination. Care may involve collaboration among appropriately trained professionals, such as a speech-language pathologist, dentist, physician or ear, nose and throat specialist. ASHA: Orofacial myofunctional disorders

Mouth breathing or an open-mouth resting posture is not automatically a habit that exercises can correct. Nasal obstruction and other medical or structural factors may need attention first. Therapy aimed at nasal breathing should follow appropriate assessment of airway concerns. Do not force a closed-mouth posture when nasal breathing is difficult. ASHA: Orofacial myofunctional disorders

Some studies suggest that myofunctional exercises may improve certain sleep-related outcomes in adults. However, studies have generally been small and short, and the certainty of the evidence varies. A Cochrane review published in 2020 found possible benefits for outcomes such as daytime sleepiness and sleep quality, while emphasizing the need for better research. Evidence in children was particularly limited. These findings do not establish a predictable result for every patient. Cochrane: Myofunctional therapy for obstructive sleep apnea

Do not stop or change prescribed CPAP because you are considering tongue or throat exercises. Discuss any change with the clinician managing your sleep apnea. Myofunctional therapy should not be presented as an automatic replacement for CPAP or other prescribed sleep-apnea treatment. In the Cochrane review, exercises alone did not establish equivalent control of breathing interruptions compared with CPAP. Cochrane review

An assessment may consider oral resting posture, tongue and lip movement, swallowing patterns, breathing concerns and relevant medical or dental history. The findings help determine whether therapy, another assessment or coordinated care is appropriate. ASHA: Orofacial myofunctional disorders Useful questions to bring include: • What specific finding would therapy address? • Who would provide treatment, and what is their relevant training? • Does anything need medical assessment before exercises begin? • How will progress be measured? • How will this fit with any existing dental, speech or sleep treatment?

Ask the provider for a written plan explaining the goals, exercises, practice schedule and review appointments. Request demonstrations and feedback so that you understand the intended movements. A plan should explain what to do if exercises cause discomfort, feel difficult to perform or do not seem to help. Whole Tooth has not confirmed a particular program or schedule.

There is no single schedule promised by this guide. Ask how much practice the proposed program involves, when progress will be reviewed and what would lead the provider to change or stop the plan. Practice is a commitment to discuss before treatment begins; it is not a guarantee of improvement.

For sleep apnea, the available research does not justify promising a cure, a particular reduction in severity or freedom from prescribed treatment. Evidence about long-term outcomes and adverse effects remains limited. Cochrane review Ask the provider to distinguish an achievable therapy goal from a claim about changing facial appearance, resolving airway obstruction or treating a separate medical condition.

Before agreeing to a program, request an estimate explaining: • Initial assessment charges. • The number and length of planned sessions. • What follow-up and reassessment include. • Any separate medical, dental, speech or sleep assessments. • Cancellation terms and whether additional sessions cost extra. Whole Tooth’s pricing, provider arrangements and insurance coverage for this service have not been confirmed.

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