Myofunctional therapy has gained significant attention in recent years as more patients seek solutions for breathing issues, sleep disorders, jaw discomfort, orthodontic relapse, and oral habits that affect overall health. Although the term may sound highly specialized, the concept is simple: myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth to restore proper function.
This gentle, exercise-based therapy can be life-changing for children and adults, especially those struggling with chronic mouth breathing, snoring, tongue-tie, speech challenges, or swallowing disorders. But what exactly does myofunctional therapy involve—and who is qualified to provide it? Here is what you need to know
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a structured program of exercises that target the tongue, lips, cheeks, and facial muscles. The goal is to improve oral rest posture, breathing patterns, chewing, swallowing, and overall neuromuscular coordination.
At its core, myofunctional therapy addresses four key functions:
- Proper tongue posture (tongue resting on the palate)
- Nasal breathing
- Adequate lip seal
- Efficient, coordinated swallowing
When any of these functions are impaired—whether due to anatomy, allergies, habits, or developmental patterns—the body compensates. Over time, these compensations can contribute to airway issues, dental crowding, TMJ problems, sleep-disordered breathing, and even behavioral or speech concerns in children.
Myofunctional therapy corrects these patterns by retraining the muscles and building new, healthier habits.
What Conditions Can Myofunctional Therapy Support?
While treatment plans are individualized, myofunctional therapy is commonly used for:
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue-tie (pre- and post-release care)
- Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
- TMJ dysfunction and facial pain
- Orthodontic treatment support (preventing relapse)
- Oral habits such as thumb sucking and pacifier use
- Speech sound errors related to tongue placement
- Chronic allergies affecting nasal breathing
- Poor chewing or swallowing patterns
Many patients notice improvements not only in mouth and airway function but also in energy levels, sleep quality, focus, and overall comfort.
Who Provides Myofunctional Therapy?
Because the field overlaps dentistry, speech therapy, breathing therapy, and airway development, several types of professionals may specialize in this work. The strongest programs involve collaboration among multiple providers.
- Certified Orofacial Myologists (COMs)
COMs are specialists trained explicitly in myofunctional therapy. They complete advanced education in oral-facial muscle function, tongue posture, airway considerations, and habit elimination. Certified orofacial myologists are often considered the gold standard for this type of care.
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
SLPs with training in orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) frequently administer therapy, especially when speech articulation or swallowing issues are present. Their background in anatomy, oral motor patterns, and pediatric development makes them well-suited to this work.
- Dentists and Orthodontists
Some dental professionals pursue myofunctional therapy training to support orthodontic treatment, tongue-tie care, jaw development, early airway intervention, and sleep-disordered breathing. They may offer therapy themselves or collaborate with a specialist.
- Registered Dental Hygienists
RDHs often expand into myofunctional therapy due to their expertise in oral anatomy, oral habits, and preventive care. Many hygienists complete certification programs and operate as primary myofunctional therapists within dental or independent clinics.
- Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Breathing Specialists
Certain PTs, OTs, and breathing practitioners pursue additional training to integrate facial muscle coordination, posture, diaphragmatic breathing, and craniofacial development into holistic therapy plans.
How to Choose the Right Provider
When selecting a myofunctional therapist, consider:
- Formal training and certification
- Experience with your condition (e.g., tongue-tie, orthodontics, sleep issues)
- Collaboration with dentists, ENTs, sleep specialists, or other clinicians
- A personalized, evidence-based therapy plan
- Integration of breathing and airway assessment
The best providers consider the mouth-body connection and address not just symptoms but the underlying cause.
Myofunctional therapy is a powerful, non-invasive approach that improves oral function, supports airway health, and enhances long-term wellness. With a range of expert providers—from certified orofacial myologists to speech therapists and dental professionals—patients have more access than ever to this specialized care. Whether you or your child struggles with breathing, sleep, speech, or oral habits, myofunctional therapy offers a targeted and holistic path to better function and long-term wellness.