Myofunctional Therapy

Improving Function, Breathing And Lifelong Smile Health

Oral myofunctional health refers to the function and coordination of the tongue, lips, cheeks and jaw. These muscles play a vital role in everyday activities such as breathing, chewing, swallowing and speaking. When these muscles function incorrectly, they can contribute to orthodontic problems, airway issues, speech difficulties and sleep disorders. Glass Orthodontics offers myofunctional therapy as a way to to support healthy jaw development, facial balance and alignment, improving symptoms and issues caused by oral muscles functioning incorrectly.

Young patient smiling after myofunctional therapy treatment in Chesapeake VA orthodontic office serving Elizabeth City NC and Moyock NC

Myofunctional Therapy

Improving Function, Breathing And Lifelong Smile Health

Oral myofunctional health refers to the function and coordination of the tongue, lips, cheeks and jaw. These muscles play a vital role in everyday activities such as breathing, chewing, swallowing and speaking. When these muscles function incorrectly, they can contribute to orthodontic problems, airway issues, speech difficulties and sleep disorders. Glass Orthodontics offers myofunctional therapy as a way to to support healthy jaw development, facial balance and alignment, improving symptoms and issues caused by oral muscles functioning incorrectly.

Young patient smiling after myofunctional therapy treatment in Chesapeake VA orthodontic office serving Elizabeth City NC and Moyock NC

Myofunctional therapy uses simple, targeted exercises to retrain these oral muscles. It supports proper development, improves overall health and enhances orthodontic outcomes. Dr. Glass incorporates a comprehensive, airway-focused approach to ensure lasting results in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City. NC and Moyock, NC. Learn more about myofunctional therapy by reading on or scheduling a complimentary consultation at our office.

At Glass Orthodontics, oral myofunctional therapy is a customized program of exercises designed to retrain oral and facial muscles. It focuses on proper tongue posture, nasal breathing and correct swallowing patterns. This type of treatment is noninvasive, and Dr. Glass tailors it to each patient’s individual needs. It is often used alongside orthodontic treatment for optimal results, supporting long-term stability and airway health.

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) occur when the muscles of the mouth and face function improperly. They can affect breathing, swallowing, speech, jaw development and tooth alignment, impacting both children and adults. These disorders often begin in childhood and can persist into adulthood if left untreated. They affect:

  • Bite alignment and jaw development

  • Facial growth and symmetry

  • Speech and swallowing

  • Breathing and airway health

  • Sleep quality and overall wellness

Signs And Symptoms Of An Oral Myofunctional Disorder

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an OMD early can help you seek care at one of our offices in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC sooner and prevent complications from lack of treatment. Some common indicators include:

  • Mouth breathing or difficulty breathing through the nose

  • Limited tongue movement

  • Messy or difficult eating beyond early childhood

  • Overbite, underbite or other orthodontic concerns

  • Tongue pushing against or between the teeth

  • Difficulty pronouncing sounds such as “s” “sh” or “j”

  • Difficulty closing the lips to swallow

Orthodontist performing myofunctional therapy and oral function treatment in Chesapeake VA orthodontic office near Elizabeth City NC and Moyock NC

Why Is Oral Myofunctional Health So Important?

Proper oral muscle function plays a vital role in both smile health and overall well-being. OMDs can contribute to a variety of oral health concerns, such as:

  • Poor swallowing patterns that place pressure on teeth and push them out of alignment

  • Tongue thrust, which may contribute to misalignment and orthodontic relapse

  • Abnormal bites that affect comfort and aesthetics

  • Constantly parted lips, often linked to mouth breathing

  • Cosmetic concerns that impact facial harmony

  • Speech problems that affect communication and confidence

  • Temporomandibular joint disorders, which can cause jaw pain and discomfort

  • Sleep-disordered breathing and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, which can affect energy levels and overall health

Causes Of An Oral Myofunctional Disorder

While there is not one singular cause of OMD, there are many common factors that can contribute to one. Some examples are:

  • Chronic mouth breathing

  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

  • Tongue-tie

  • Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
  • Allergies or nasal obstruction
  • Genetics and developmental factors
  • Improper oral habits

Benefits Of Oral Myofunctional Therapy

If you or a loved one suffer from an OMD, there are many benefits to seeking treatment at Glass Orthodontics. After assessing your needs during a comprehensive exam, Dr. Glass will formulate a therapeutic plan that:

  • Encourages proper nasal breathing

  • Promotes healthy jaw development

  • Improves bite alignment and orthodontic outcomes

  • Enhances speech clarity

  • Enhances facial balance and smile aesthetics

  • Supports proper swallowing patterns

  • Reduces harmful oral habits

  • Improves sleep quality

  • Supports airway health

  • Helps maintain long-term orthodontic results

FAQs About Myofunctional Therapy

It’s normal to have questions about myofunctional therapy. Below, Dr. Glass has answered some of the most common ones we receive from parents and patients alike in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC and Moyock, NC.

Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?

Children, teens and adults experiencing issues with breathing, swallowing, speech or bite alignment.

Yes. It complements braces and Invisalign® by addressing the muscle habits that contribute to misalignment.

Treatment timelines vary, but many patients typically see improvement within a few months with consistent practice.

No. Oral myofunctional therapy is a gentle, noninvasive treatment that involves simple exercises designed to retrain the muscles of the mouth and face. Most patients find the process comfortable and easy to incorporate into their daily routines.

Sessions are typically short and convenient, often lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. Dr. Glass provides personalized guidance and exercises that patients practice at home to achieve the best possible results.

If your child exhibits signs such as mouth breathing, tongue thrust, speech difficulties or improper swallowing patterns, they may benefit from myofunctional therapy. A complimentary consultation with Dr. Glass can determine whether treatment is appropriate and support healthy growth and development.

BECAUSE A GOOD SMILE FEELS

AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS

Ready to take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile? Request your complimentary orthodontic consultation with Glass Orthodontics today. Our team proudly welcomes patients from Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC, and Moyock, NC, and will guide you through personalized treatment options in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Get started today and discover how easy it can be to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.