Myofunctional Therapy
Retraining Muscles for Better Function and Health
At Viva Orthodontics, we recognize that achieving optimal oral health and successful orthodontic outcomes goes beyond straightening teeth and aligning jaws. Myofunctional therapy is an essential component of comprehensive orthodontic care that addresses the underlying muscle patterns and habits that can affect breathing, swallowing, speech, and facial development. Dr. Jason Gallant and Dr. Kimberly Hodder work closely with myofunctional therapists throughout Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and South Surrey to provide holistic care for our patients.
Myofunctional therapy involves exercises and techniques designed to retrain the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. By correcting improper muscle function, we can improve treatment outcomes, enhance stability, and support overall health and wellness.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program of exercises designed to correct improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. These exercises help establish proper tongue position, correct swallowing patterns, eliminate harmful oral habits, and improve breathing.
The therapy addresses orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), which are patterns involving the muscles of the face, mouth, lips, and tongue that interfere with normal growth, development, or function. These disorders can contribute to a wide range of issues, including dental misalignment, speech problems, sleep-disordered breathing, and more.
Common Issues Addressed by Myofunctional Therapy:
Improper tongue resting position (tongue thrust)
Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
Incorrect swallowing patterns
Prolonged thumb or finger sucking
Nail biting and lip biting habits
Open mouth posture
Sleep-disordered breathing and snoring
TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain
Speech articulation problems
Facial muscle imbalances
How Myofunctional Therapy Supports Orthodontic Treatment
At Viva Orthodontics, we view myofunctional therapy as a valuable complement to traditional orthodontic treatment. While braces and aligners can move teeth into proper positions, underlying muscle dysfunction can compromise results and lead to relapse after treatment.
Benefits of Combining Myofunctional Therapy with Orthodontics:
Improved Treatment Stability
By establishing proper muscle function, myofunctional therapy helps maintain orthodontic results long-term and reduces the risk of relapse.
Enhanced Treatment Outcomes
Addressing muscle dysfunction during orthodontic treatment can lead to better alignment, improved bite function, and more balanced facial development.
Better Breathing and Airway Function
Therapy helps transition patients from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, improving oxygen intake, sleep quality, and overall health.
Faster Treatment Progress
When muscles work correctly, teeth can move more efficiently into their ideal positions, potentially reducing overall treatment time.
Reduced Need for Retention
Proper muscle function supports long-term stability, potentially reducing the need for extended retainer wear.
Prevention of Future Problems
Early intervention with myofunctional therapy can prevent the development of more serious orthodontic and health issues.
Who Benefits from Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy can benefit patients of all ages, from young children to adults. Here are some scenarios where we may recommend myofunctional therapy evaluation:
For Children:
Persistent thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age 4
Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
Speech difficulties or articulation issues
Tongue thrust during swallowing
Chronic congestion or allergies
Open bite or other bite problems
Restless sleep or snoring
Difficulty chewing or frequent choking
For Teens and Adults:
Undergoing orthodontic treatment to improve stability
History of orthodontic relapse
Chronic jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction
Sleep-disordered breathing or diagnosed sleep apnea
Chronic headaches or neck pain
Forward head posture
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Desire to improve facial aesthetics and muscle tone
During consultations at our Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, or South Surrey locations, we evaluate muscle function and can recommend myofunctional therapy when appropriate.
What to Expect from Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy typically involves working with a certified orofacial myofunctional therapist who specializes in these exercises and techniques. While the specific program varies based on individual needs, here's a general overview:
Initial Evaluation
A thorough assessment examines:
- Resting tongue position
- Swallowing patterns
- Breathing habits (nasal vs. mouth breathing)
- Lip seal and facial muscle tone
- Jaw function and range of motion
- Speech patterns
- Sleep quality and habits
Customized Exercise Program
Based on the evaluation, the therapist creates a personalized program of exercises targeting specific areas. Exercises may include:
- Tongue exercises to strengthen and establish proper resting position
- Breathing exercises to promote nasal breathing
- Swallowing retraining to correct improper patterns
- Lip and facial muscle exercises to improve tone and function
Postural exercises to support overall alignment
Regular Practice and Progress Monitoring
Success requires consistent daily practice, typically 10-20 minutes per day. Patients attend regular appointments (weekly or biweekly) to monitor progress, learn new exercises, and receive guidance. The typical therapy program lasts 6-12 months, though this varies by individual.
Integration with Orthodontic Care
At Viva Orthodontics, we coordinate closely with myofunctional therapists to ensure treatment plans work together seamlessly. We may time orthodontic treatment to coincide with therapy milestones for optimal results.
The Connection Between Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Health
One of the most important benefits of myofunctional therapy is its impact on breathing and airway function. Proper nasal breathing is essential for optimal health, yet many children and adults are chronic mouth breathers due to muscle dysfunction, habits, or airway restrictions.
How Myofunctional Therapy Improves Breathing:
Establishes Nasal Breathing Patterns
Exercises help retrain the body to breathe through the nose, which filters, warms, and humidifies air while promoting proper oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
Strengthens Airway Muscles
Tongue and throat muscle exercises can help prevent airway collapse during sleep, reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
Improves Tongue Position
Proper tongue position (resting against the roof of the mouth) helps maintain open airways and supports proper facial growth in children.
Reduces Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Studies have shown myofunctional therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in both children and adults.
Supports Overall Health
Better breathing leads to improved sleep quality, increased energy, better concentration, and reduced risk of various health conditions.
Myofunctional Therapy for Different Age Groups
Young Children (Ages 4-8)
Early intervention is ideal for addressing habits like thumb sucking, establishing proper breathing patterns, and supporting healthy facial development. Parents in Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and South Surrey often see dramatic improvements when therapy begins early.
School-Age Children and Teens (Ages 9-18)
This age group often benefits most from myofunctional therapy in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Therapy helps ensure stable results and supports proper growth during critical developmental years.
Adults (Ages 18+)
Adults can absolutely benefit from myofunctional therapy, especially those experiencing TMJ pain, sleep issues, or orthodontic relapse. It's never too late to improve muscle function and overall health.
Finding a Qualified Myofunctional Therapist
At Viva Orthodontics, we work with certified orofacial myofunctional therapists throughout the Greater Vancouver area. We're happy to provide referrals to trusted professionals who collaborate with our team to ensure coordinated, effective care.
When selecting a myofunctional therapist, look for:
- Certification from recognized organizations (IAOM or similar)
- Experience working with orthodontists
- Positive reviews and outcomes
- Convenient location and scheduling
- Good communication and patient education
The Evidence Supporting Myofunctional Therapy
Research continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy for various conditions:
- Studies show significant improvement in sleep-disordered breathing and snoring
- Research demonstrates reduced orthodontic relapse rates when therapy is included
- Evidence supports improved speech outcomes in children with articulation disorders
- Studies confirm benefits for TMJ dysfunction and orofacial pain
- Research shows improved breathing patterns and nasal airway function
Our orthodontists stay current with the latest research and incorporate evidence-based practices into treatment planning.
Why Choose Viva Orthodontics for Comprehensive Care?
Holistic Approach: We recognize that successful orthodontic treatment requires addressing the whole system, not just moving teeth.
Collaborative Care: We work closely with myofunctional therapists, sleep specialists, ENT doctors, and other healthcare providers throughout the Greater Vancouver area.
Early Detection: We evaluate muscle function and breathing patterns at every consultation, identifying issues early when they're easiest to address.
Personalized Treatment Planning: We customize treatment plans to each patient's unique needs, incorporating myofunctional therapy when beneficial.
Convenient Locations: With four offices in Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and South Surrey, comprehensive care is always accessible.
Experienced Specialists: Dr. Gallant and Dr. Hodder are Certified Specialists in Orthodontics with extensive training in airway-focused and functional orthodontics.
Common Questions About Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional Therapy for Different Age Groups
Young Children (Ages 4-8)
Early intervention is ideal for addressing habits like thumb sucking, establishing proper breathing patterns, and supporting healthy facial development. Parents in Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and South Surrey often see dramatic improvements when therapy begins early.
School-Age Children and Teens (Ages 9-18)
This age group often benefits most from myofunctional therapy in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Therapy helps ensure stable results and supports proper growth during critical developmental years.
Adults (Ages 18+)
Adults can absolutely benefit from myofunctional therapy, especially those experiencing TMJ pain, sleep issues, or orthodontic relapse. It's never too late to improve muscle function and overall health.
Schedule a Comprehensive Evaluation
If you or your child experiences mouth breathing, snoring, speech difficulties, or other signs of muscle dysfunction, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive evaluation at one of our four convenient locations. We'll assess orthodontic needs, muscle function, and airway health to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Early identification and intervention with myofunctional therapy can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes, stability, and overall health. Contact Viva Orthodontics today to learn more about how myofunctional therapy can complement your orthodontic care.
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