Myofunctional
Therapy
Building Healthier Habits for Better Oral Function & Development
Healthy jaw development involves more than just teeth. The way a child breathes, swallows, positions their tongue, and uses their oral muscles can influence dental alignment, bite development, and long-term oral function. Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining these muscles and habits to support healthier patterns during growth and beyond.
The Potential Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
When appropriately recommended, myofunctional therapy may help:
- Improve Tongue Posture: Encourage a more natural resting position of the tongue within the mouth.
- Support Nasal Breathing: Promote healthier breathing habits when the nasal airway is clear.
- Improve Lip Closure: Strengthen awareness and coordination of the muscles responsible for a comfortable lip seal.
- Correct Swallowing Patterns: Retrain tongue movements associated with tongue thrust and atypical swallowing.
- Address Oral Habits: Help children overcome persistent thumb sucking, finger sucking, and other habits that may influence dental development.
- Support Jaw & Dental Development: Reduce certain muscle and habit-related influences that may contribute to developing bite problems.
- Complement Orthodontic Treatment: Address functional habits that may affect treatment progress or long-term stability.
When Should Your Child Be Assessed?
We encourage parents to consider an early jaw development assessment around age 7, earlier (age 5) if signs of restricted growth are present. Signs may include habitual mouth breathing, difficulty keeping the lips closed, tongue thrust, thumb sucking, open bites, or unusual swallowing patterns. Early recognition allows us to identify concerns and determine whether therapy, further investigation, or simple monitoring is appropriate.
Healthy Muscles. Healthy Habits. Healthy Development.
Think of myofunctional therapy as physical therapy for the muscles of the mouth and face. At Aura Orthodontics, we look beyond tooth alignment to understand how oral muscle function, breathing patterns, and daily habits may influence a child’s development. When indicated, myofunctional therapy can complement orthodontic treatment before, during, or after care. Where airway obstruction or other medical concerns are suspected, we may also recommend assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional. Not every child needs therapy, but identifying persistent functional concerns early can help guide more informed treatment decisions. Healthy smiles are supported by healthy function.
Concerned about your child’s breathing, tongue posture, or oral habits?
Book an early oral function assessment with Aura Orthodontics.
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