At Smile Horizons Dentistry in Henderson, NV, myofunctional therapy helps retrain the muscles of your face, tongue, and jaw to work together naturally. This therapy focuses on improving how you breathe, chew, swallow, and speak to create better comfort and long-term balance. It’s a gentle, exercise-based approach that helps both children and adults break unhealthy habits and support overall wellness. Schedule your visit today to learn how personalized therapy can make a lasting difference in your oral health and daily life.
What Myofunctional Therapy Treats
When your facial and tongue muscles don’t function correctly, it can lead to challenges like mouth breathing, swallowing issues, or sleep disturbances. Myofunctional therapy restores healthy muscle coordination, helping your body return to natural patterns that feel effortless. Over time, these changes can improve comfort, focus, and overall well-being.
- Open-mouth breathing: Retrains your body to use nasal breathing for improved airflow and moisture control
- Tongue thrust: Repositions the tongue to rest naturally against the palate instead of pushing on teeth during swallowing
- Speech difficulties: Builds strength and control in the oral muscles to support clearer pronunciation
- Sleep-related concerns: Promotes nasal breathing and better airway balance to reduce snoring and restlessness
Benefits For Children & Adults
Myofunctional therapy provides age-specific benefits that go beyond oral health. Children often experience better facial growth, alignment, and breathing habits, while adults can find relief from tension, poor sleep, and fatigue. Even small daily improvements can have lasting effects on how you look, feel, and function.
- Encourages proper growth: Guides facial and jaw development to prevent crowding and promote balance
- Supports orthodontic results: Reinforces healthy muscle habits to maintain straight teeth after treatment
- Improves nighttime breathing: Helps adults and teens experience more restful, uninterrupted sleep
- Boosts confidence: Improves posture, speech, and appearance for a healthier self-image
Exercises To Improve Tongue & Jaw Function
Each therapy plan includes simple, guided exercises designed to strengthen the tongue, lips, and jaw. These movements target the muscles that control swallowing, chewing, and breathing while improving comfort during everyday activities. Practicing regularly helps retrain muscle memory for better long-term results.
- Tongue placement training: Teaches correct resting posture of the tongue to support nasal breathing and swallowing
- Jaw coordination exercises: Improves movement control to reduce tension or uneven chewing patterns
- Lip seal practice: Encourages lips to stay gently closed, promoting nasal airflow and stability
- Breathing exercises: Reinforces calm, steady breathing habits that improve focus and oxygen efficiency
How Therapy Supports Airway Health
The strength and position of your tongue and jaw can directly affect your ability to breathe comfortably. Myofunctional therapy helps train these muscles to support an open, stable airway throughout the day and during sleep. Many patients report feeling more energized and focused once breathing patterns improve.
- Promotes nasal breathing: Keeps airways clear and supports natural airflow during rest
- Improves muscle tone: Strengthens the tongue and throat to help maintain open airways
- Enhances oxygen intake: Encourages better circulation and daily alertness
- Reduces snoring: Promotes quieter, more restorative sleep for patients and their partners
Combining Myofunctional Therapy With Orthodontics
Myofunctional therapy works seamlessly alongside orthodontic treatment to create stable, lasting results. By improving the way muscles function, it helps keep teeth in alignment and supports a balanced bite. This combination builds a foundation for a beautiful, healthy smile that stays strong for years.
- Prepares the mouth for braces: Strengthens oral muscles before treatment for easier adjustments
- Improves orthodontic results: Encourages natural alignment by balancing tongue and jaw movement
- Prevents relapse: Maintains post-treatment results by reducing unwanted muscle pressure
- Promotes long-term harmony: Helps your teeth, muscles, and joints stay in sync after orthodontic care
Strengthen Your Smile
From The Inside Out
Myofunctional therapy is a simple, non-invasive way to improve breathing, posture, and long-term oral stability. With care from the trusted team at Smile Horizons Dentistry in Henderson, NV, patients can experience better balance, energy, and comfort in their everyday lives. This therapy focuses on empowering you to make small changes that bring lasting results. Schedule your appointment today and start building a stronger, healthier foundation for your smile.