Correcting Oral Habits for Lifelong Health
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment that focuses on the proper function and coordination of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. At Maryland Holistic Dentistry, we use this therapy to address issues related to breathing, posture, bite alignment, and overall oral development — especially in children, but also adults experiencing chronic dysfunction.
Our therapy programs support natural growth, healthier sleep, and better long-term outcomes by addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. We offer myofunctional therapy at our Crownsville, Dunkirk, and Annapolis locations as part of our commitment to whole-body wellness through integrative dental care.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy uses targeted exercises to retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth. It’s particularly useful in correcting orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) — patterns of behavior that negatively affect oral and facial development. These may include:
- Tongue thrust
- Open-mouth posture
- Improper swallowing patterns
- Mouth breathing
- Low tongue resting position
Uncorrected, these dysfunctions can contribute to misaligned teeth, TMJ discomfort, speech problems, poor sleep, and even relapse after orthodontic treatment.
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive alternative or supplement to other dental services, including early orthodontics, tongue tie correction, and airway-focused treatments.
Conditions We Help Treat
This therapy can be transformative for children and adults with:
- Sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea
- Orthodontic relapse
- TMJ disorders
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Swallowing dysfunction
- Tongue-tie or lip-tie (pre- or post-release)
Patients preparing for or recovering from tongue tie release surgery benefit significantly from myofunctional therapy. It helps the tongue adapt to its new range of motion and prevents reattachment of tissue.
What to Expect During Treatment
A customized myofunctional therapy plan typically includes:
- An initial consultation and functional assessment
- A personalized exercise routine to build correct tongue posture, lip seal, and breathing habits
- Progress check-ins and adjustments
- Integration with other services such as airway dentistry, ClearCorrect aligners, or orthotropic appliances when needed
Therapy may last several weeks or months depending on age and the severity of dysfunction. Compliance and home practice are essential to success.
Why Choose Maryland Holistic Dentistry?
We view oral function as deeply connected to systemic health. Our providers are trained to recognize subtle signs of dysfunction and work collaboratively across specialties to support full-spectrum healing. Patients often discover the benefits of myofunctional therapy while pursuing related treatments like:
We also offer 3D Cone Beam Imaging at our Crownsville office for precise airway and structural evaluation — a critical part of our functional approach to dental care.
Myofunctional Therapy FAQs
Is this therapy only for children?
No. While early intervention can support healthy development, adults can also benefit from myofunctional therapy, especially for TMJ issues, orthodontic relapse, or sleep-disordered breathing.
Will I need other treatments along with therapy?
Possibly. Myofunctional therapy often works best when combined with other services, like orthodontics or airway treatment. We'll guide you toward the most effective, conservative approach.
How long does treatment take?
Programs typically range from 8 to 24 weeks, depending on your unique needs and how consistently exercises are practiced at home.
Is this covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Visit our payment options page or speak to our team about available financing plans.
Schedule Your Myofunctional Therapy Consultation
Help your smile, bite, and breathing work in harmony with myofunctional therapy at Maryland Holistic Dentistry. Whether you’re preparing for orthodontics or supporting your child’s growth, our team can guide you toward functional wellness from the inside out.
Contact your preferred location to get started:
- Dunkirk (Calvert Smiles): (410) 755-7004
- Annapolis (Annapolis Green Dental): (410) 453-8845
- Crownsville (Maryland Holistic Dentistry): (410) 339-8973
Or reach us through our online contact form to schedule your consultation.