Myofunctional Therapy in Sacramento | Improve Breathing & Health

Dr. Kevin Adair, Sacramento Airway Orthodontist with a teenage patient

Enhancing Orthodontic and Airway Health

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a treatment designed to correct improper tongue posture, breathing habits, and oral muscle function. This therapy involves a series of exercises that retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat to work in harmony with the airway and jaw structure. By enhancing muscle function, this therapy complements orthodontic treatments and helps patients achieve long-term stability in both their airway and oral health.

Myofunctional therapy is beneficial for individuals who struggle with issues such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, improper swallowing patterns, and sleep-disordered breathing. By addressing these functional concerns early, patients at Airway Orthodontics in Sacramento can experience improved facial development, enhanced orthodontic results, and better overall health.

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The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Orthodontic Care

Orthodontic treatment is often focused on aligning the teeth, but true stability and long-term success require more than just straightening the bite. The position of the tongue, the way we breathe, and how the muscles of the face and mouth function all play a crucial role in maintaining proper alignment. Myofunctional therapy works in conjunction with orthodontic care to reinforce proper oral posture and function, ensuring that the results of treatment last.

When the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth, and the patient breathes through the nose rather than the mouth, natural jaw expansion occurs, leading to improved airway function and facial balance. Myofunctional therapy helps establish these healthy patterns and prevents orthodontic relapse, providing a strong foundation for long-term oral health.

Signs That Myofunctional Therapy May Be Needed

Many patients are unaware that their oral and facial muscles are not functioning properly. The following signs may suggest that personalized therapy could be beneficial:

Frequent mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
Poor tongue posture, where the tongue rests low in the mouth rather than on the roof
Thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use, which can affect jaw and palate development
Speech difficulties, including improper articulation of sounds
Snoring, restless sleep, or symptoms of sleep apnea
Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling
Chronic jaw tension, teeth grinding, or facial discomfort

Identifying and addressing these issues with myofunctional therapy can lead to significant improvements in breathing, facial structure, and oral health.

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How Myofunctional Therapy Works

Myofunctional therapy involves a personalized program of exercises designed to retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and airway. These exercises help improve posture, breathing habits, and muscle coordination to create lasting changes in oral function.

Retraining the Oral and Facial Muscles

The goal of myofunctional therapy is to strengthen and retrain the muscles responsible for proper oral posture and breathing. The therapy focuses on:

– Encouraging nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing
– Teaching proper tongue posture to support jaw and airway development
– Improving swallowing patterns to reduce strain on the jaw and throat
– Strengthening facial muscles to support orthodontic and airway treatments

Through consistent practice, patients can develop new muscle habits that enhance their overall health and the effectiveness of their orthodontic care.

Complementing Other Orthodontic and Airway Treatments

Myofunctional therapy is most effective when used in combination with other orthodontic and airway treatments. It enhances the results of:

Skeletal expansion treatments, which create more space in the mouth and airway
Braces or clear aligners, by ensuring that muscle imbalances do not cause orthodontic relapse
TMJ therapy, by reducing strain on the jaw muscles and improving function
Sleep apnea treatment, by promoting stronger airway muscles and better breathing patterns

By combining specialized exercises with orthodontic care, patients experience improved treatment outcomes and long-term stability.

happy male patient with Dr. Kevin Adair, Sacramento Airway Orthodontist, smiling

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy provides a wide range of benefits that go beyond orthodontics. By improving muscle function, patients experience better breathing, enhanced oral posture, and greater overall wellness.

Supports Natural Jaw Growth and Alignment

Proper tongue posture and nasal breathing encourage natural jaw development. When the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth, it applies gentle pressure that helps the jaw develop in a forward and balanced position, reducing the risk of narrow palates and misaligned bites.

Reduces Mouth Breathing and Sleep Issues

Mouth breathing can contribute to dry mouth, poor oxygen intake, and sleep disturbances. Myofunctional therapy encourages nasal breathing, which helps improve oxygen levels, reduce snoring, and alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.

Enhances Long-Term Orthodontic Results

Orthodontic treatment is most effective when the muscles of the face and mouth function properly. Myofunctional therapy helps maintain the alignment achieved through braces or clear aligners, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

Minimizes the Need for Invasive Treatments

By addressing the underlying causes of orthodontic and airway issues early, myofunctional therapy can reduce the need for extractions, surgeries, or other invasive procedures in the future.

Improves Speech, Swallowing, and Chewing Function

Proper tongue posture and muscle coordination are crucial in speech and swallowing. Many patients who undergo myofunctional therapy experience improved articulation and a more comfortable swallowing process.

What to Expect from a Myofunctional Therapy Program

Every patient’s needs are unique, and personalized therapy is designed to address specific concerns. A typical program includes:

A comprehensive evaluation of breathing patterns, tongue posture, and muscle function
A personalized exercise program designed to retrain and strengthen oral and facial muscles
Regular progress assessments to ensure improvements are being made
Coordination with orthodontists, airway specialists, and sleep experts for a holistic treatment approach

By following a structured therapy plan, patients can achieve lasting improvements in their airway and oral health.

Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing and Oral Health

Myofunctional therapy offers a natural, non-invasive way to improve airway function, enhance orthodontic results, and support overall well-being. Whether you are struggling with sleep disturbances, TMJ discomfort, or orthodontic relapse, this therapy can provide long-term solutions.

If you are interested in learning how myofunctional therapy can benefit you or your child, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Call Airway Orthodontics in Sacramento today at (916) 435-9575 to take the first step toward improved breathing, better jaw alignment, and lasting orthodontic success.

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