Myofunctional Therapy is like physical therapy for the mouth and face muscles.  Myofunctional therapy is an individualized program of static and dynamic strength and pattern retraining exercises of the tongue and orofacial muscles intended to correct maladaptive oral habits and help restore correct oral resting posture.

Orofacial myofunctional disorders are disorders of the muscles and the functions of the face and mouth. These disorders may affect breastfeeding, chewing, swallowing, speech, jaw movement, facial and skeletal growth, malocclusion, orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene, facial appearance and more.

Myofunctional therapy starts at age 4.

At any age, it is important to address myofunctional impairments sooner rather than later. For children, this is important because of the time-sensitive window regarding a child’s craniofacial development. The facial development of a child is mostly complete by age 10-12. A child must have voluntary control of the muscles and be old enough to cooperate, comply and comprehend therapy. Adults can achieve success with therapy at any age, but will most likely require a "team" to achieve optimal health.  

The 4 goals of orofacial myofunctional therapy include correct tongue posture, correct mouth posture, nasal breathing, and correct swallowing habits.

Not even close! Orofacial myofunctional therapy helps strengthen the tongue and orofacial muscles, develop coordination, create new neuromuscular connections, improve breathing, balance mood and build positive, lifelong habits.