Many patients do not realize that the way they use their tongue and facial muscles plays a critical role in their orthodontic results. At Airway Orthodontics in Sacramento, we incorporate Myofunctional therapy to help retrain these muscles to function correctly, ensuring better airway health, facial development, and long-term stability of orthodontic treatments.

Proper tongue posture and muscle coordination contribute to a well-aligned jaw and open airway, reducing the risk of breathing problems and orthodontic relapse. Whether for children undergoing early intervention or adults seeking to maintain orthodontic results, myofunctional therapy offers valuable support in improving oral function and stability.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy and Who Can Benefit?

Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises designed to retrain oral and facial muscles to function properly. These exercises focus on strengthening the tongue, improving nasal breathing, and promoting correct swallowing patterns to support optimal jaw development and airway health.

This therapy is beneficial for individuals of all ages, including:

  • Children undergoing orthodontic treatment to support jaw and airway development.
  • Adults with TMJ disorders (such as jaw pain, clicking, or tension), sleep-disordered breathing, or persistent orthodontic relapse.
  • Patients who experience chronic mouth breathing, improper tongue posture, or speech difficulties.
  • Those looking to improve nasal breathing and facial muscle coordination for long-term oral health.

Many adults with TMJ dysfunction find that improving tongue posture and reducing muscle strain through therapy helps alleviate joint discomfort and improve jaw function. By addressing these issues, myofunctional therapy helps create a strong foundation for a healthier airway and more stable orthodontic results.

How Tongue Posture Impacts Breathing, Facial Growth, and Orthodontic Stability

Tongue posture is one of the most overlooked factors in orthodontic and airway health. The way the tongue rests in the mouth affects breathing patterns, jaw alignment, and facial growth.

The Importance of Proper Tongue Resting Position

When at rest, the tongue should sit against the roof of the mouth, with the tip lightly touching the area behind the upper front teeth. This positioning encourages the upper jaw to develop properly, creating enough space for teeth to align naturally and allowing for better nasal breathing.

If the tongue rests too low in the mouth or presses against the teeth, it can contribute to:

  • Narrow palates and misaligned teeth.
  • Restricted airway space, increasing the risk of breathing difficulties.
  • Poor facial symmetry and long-term jaw development issues.

The Connection Between Breathing Patterns and Orthodontic Outcomes

Breathing through the nose is essential for proper oral and airway function. Nasal breathing promotes correct tongue posture, strengthens the airway, and reduces the likelihood of orthodontic relapse.

Mouth breathing, on the other hand, is often linked to:

  • Underdeveloped jaw structures that require orthodontic correction.
  • A higher likelihood of needing braces or additional orthodontic interventions.
  • Increased risk of sleep apnea, snoring, and other airway-related conditions.

Encouraging proper nasal breathing through myofunctional therapy helps maintain orthodontic results while improving overall airway function.

How Poor Tongue Posture Can Affect Orthodontic Stability

If oral muscle function is not properly addressed after orthodontic treatment, teeth can shift back to their original positions. Poor tongue posture and incorrect swallowing patterns place pressure on teeth, leading to relapse even after braces or aligners have done their job. Additionally, imbalanced muscle function and improper tongue posture can contribute to strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), potentially leading to pain, restricted movement, or tension in the jaw.

Myofunctional therapy helps prevent this by ensuring:

  • The tongue maintains proper posture, reducing pressure on the teeth.
  • Correct swallowing techniques minimize unintended forces on dental alignment.
  • Facial muscles work in harmony to support long-term stability.

Simple Myofunctional Therapy Exercises to Support Airway and Jaw Health

Myofunctional therapy consists of targeted exercises designed to improve tongue posture, swallowing function, and breathing efficiency. Incorporating these exercises into daily routines can help reinforce proper muscle function and enhance orthodontic results.

Tongue Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening the tongue helps ensure it stays in the correct position and functions properly for optimal airway and jaw support.

Exercises include:

  • Tongue suction hold: Press the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth and hold for several seconds.
  • Tip-to-spot exercise: Place the tongue tip on the spot behind the upper front teeth and hold it there while breathing through the nose.
  • Tongue presses: Push the tongue against the roof of the mouth while swallowing to strengthen coordination.

Nasal Breathing and Lip Seal Techniques

Training the body to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth is crucial for airway health.

Techniques include:

  • Nasal breathing drills: Close the mouth and take slow, deep breaths through the nose to reinforce proper airflow.
  • Lip seal training: Hold a piece of paper between the lips to strengthen muscles that keep the mouth closed.
  • Diaphragmatic breathing: Breathe deeply through the nose, engaging the diaphragm for improved oxygen intake.

Jaw and Facial Muscle Coordination

Myofunctional therapy also focuses on strengthening the muscles that support jaw alignment and airway function.

Exercises include:

  • Cheek resistance exercises: Press the tongue against the inside of the cheek to improve muscle strength.
  • Controlled chewing drills: Chew food evenly on both sides of the mouth to promote balanced jaw function.
  • Swallowing correction: Practice proper swallowing by keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth during the motion.

These exercises also help relieve tension that can build up around the TMJ, improving comfort and function in patients who experience jaw discomfort or clenching.

Incorporating Myofunctional Therapy Into Your Orthodontic Plan

Combining myofunctional therapy with orthodontic treatment ensures long-term success by addressing the functional causes of misalignment. An orthodontist may recommend this therapy to:

  • Support jaw expansion and airway development in children.
  • Improve muscle coordination before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.
  • Reduce the risk of post-orthodontic relapse by reinforcing proper oral posture.

Working with a trained myofunctional therapist alongside orthodontic care can enhance treatment outcomes and promote long-term stability.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Oral, Airway, and TMJ Health

Myofunctional therapy is a powerful tool for achieving lasting orthodontic results, improved airway function, and relief from TMJ discomfort. By addressing tongue posture, breathing habits, and muscle coordination, this therapy supports long-term oral health and jaw stability. Many patients with TMJ symptoms—such as jaw tension, headaches, or difficulty chewing—find that improving tongue and facial muscle function can reduce strain on the joints and improve overall comfort.

If you’re interested in learning how myofunctional therapy can benefit you or your child, contact Airway Orthodontics in Sacramento today at (916) 435-9575 to schedule a consultation. Take the next step toward better breathing, stronger jaw development, and lasting relief.