How Myofunctional Therapy Complements Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatment is about more than creating a beautiful, straight smile. It’s also about establishing healthy function - how the teeth, jaws, tongue, and facial muscles work together every day. While braces and clear aligners effectively move teeth into proper alignment, long-term stability often depends on correcting the underlying muscle habits that may have contributed to misalignment in the first place.
 

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program of exercises designed to retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and face. These exercises help correct improper oral habits and promote healthy breathing, swallowing, and resting tongue posture.

Common issues addressed by myofunctional therapy include:

• Tongue thrust (forward tongue movement during swallowing)
• Mouth breathing
• Improper tongue resting position
• Speech concerns related to oral muscle patterns
• Jaw tension or improper muscle coordination

By improving muscle function, myofunctional therapy supports the structural changes achieved through orthodontics.
 

How Myofunctional Therapy Enhances Orthodontic Treatment

Myofunctional therapy plays an important role in supporting long-term orthodontic results. After braces or aligners are removed, retainers help maintain alignment, but improper muscle habits can still cause teeth to shift over time. By retraining the muscles of the tongue and face, myofunctional therapy reduces the pressure that leads to relapse and promotes lasting stability.

In children, muscle habits significantly influence jaw growth and facial development. Early myofunctional therapy can encourage proper palate expansion, support nasal breathing, and guide healthier growth patterns. When combined with orthodontic care, it may also reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

Breathing patterns are closely connected to orthodontic concerns. Mouth breathing and improper tongue posture can affect both facial development and dental alignment. Myofunctional therapy promotes nasal breathing, correct tongue placement, and a proper lip seal at rest, contributing to improved airway health, better sleep quality, and overall oral wellness.

It also supports clearer speech and healthier swallowing patterns by strengthening and coordinating oral muscles. As muscle function improves, orthodontic results are better maintained. Additionally, balanced muscle activity can reduce jaw tension and discomfort, including strain associated with TMJ issues, helping patients feel more comfortable during and after treatment.
 

Create a Strong Foundation for Your Smile

Orthodontic treatment creates beautiful, aligned smiles - but maintaining those results requires more than simply moving teeth. Myofunctional therapy complements orthodontics by correcting harmful habits, promoting healthy breathing, and improving muscle coordination. Together, these approaches provide a stronger foundation for long-term oral health, stability, and confidence.

Contact Reaves Dental to schedule a consultation and learn whether myofunctional therapy could be a beneficial part of your personalized treatment plan. Visit our office in New Hartford, New York, or call (315) 736-0139 to book an appointment today.