Myofunctional therapy consists of targeted exercises that support healthy oral function, breathing, and smile development.

Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program of targeted exercises that focuses on correcting improper function of the tongue, jaw, cheeks, and lips. These muscles play a critical role in breathing, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and overall oral development.

At Bedford Family Dentistry, myofunctional therapy is offered as a supportive service to help patients of all ages achieve better oral health, improved function, and long-term stability of dental and orthodontic results.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy addresses orofacial muscle dysfunction, which occurs when the muscles of the face and mouth do not work together properly.

Common issues include:

Tongue resting too low or pushing against the teeth
Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
Improper swallowing patterns (tongue thrust)
Lip incompetence (lips not resting together)

Through guided exercises and habit correction, myofunctional therapy retrains these muscles to function in a healthier, more balanced way.

Why Is Myofunctional Therapy Important?

Improper oral muscle function can contribute to a variety of dental and health concerns, including:

Crowded or misaligned teeth
Relapse after orthodontic treatment
Jaw discomfort or tension
Speech difficulties
Mouth breathing and poor sleep quality
Abnormal facial growth and development in children

By addressing the root cause—muscle function—myofunctional therapy supports long-term oral health and overall wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program designed to correct improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. This therapeutic approach focuses on retraining the muscles of the mouth, face, and throat to function properly during rest, swallowing, chewing, and speaking.

Many people develop habits such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or incorrect swallowing patterns that can lead to various dental and health issues. Myofunctional therapy addresses these concerns through a series of exercises and techniques that help establish proper oral posture and function.

Who Can Myofunctional Therapy Benefit?

The therapy can benefit both children and adults, potentially improving issues such as sleep-disordered breathing, TMJ dysfunction, orthodontic relapse, speech difficulties, and facial development problems. A typical myofunctional therapy program involves guided exercises performed daily over several months, with regular check-ins to monitor progress.

Treatment is typically conducted by a trained myofunctional therapist who creates a customized program based on individual needs. The exercises are simple and can be performed at home, though consistency is key to achieving lasting results.

By establishing proper muscle function and oral habits, myofunctional therapy can contribute to better overall health, improved sleep quality, and enhanced dental stability. If you're experiencing any oral functional concerns, ask your dental professional whether myofunctional therapy might be right for you.

Who Can Benefit?

Myofunctional therapy can be beneficial for:

Children

Mouth breathing
Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
Speech concerns
Narrow arches or crowding
Early orthodontic issues

Teens & Adults

Orthodontic relapse
Clenching or grinding
Jaw or facial muscle tension
Sleep-related breathing issues
Difficulty maintaining nasal breathing

What Does Therapy Involve?

Myofunctional therapy is non-invasive and exercise-based.

Treatment typically includes:

A comprehensive oral and functional evaluation
Customized exercises for the tongue, lips, and facial muscles
Breathing and posture guidance
Regular follow-up visits to monitor progress

Exercises are simple and performed daily at home, with periodic in-office or virtual check-ins for support and adjustments.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Jessica Bingman

Jessica has been an integral part of Bedford Family Dentistry since 2005, bringing expertise, compassion, and a holistic approach to patient care. As a registered dental hygienist and myofunctional therapist, Jessica provides comprehensive oral health services including oral cancer screenings, periodontal evaluations, non-surgical periodontal therapy, routine cleanings, and diagnostic radiographs.

What sets Jessica apart is her specialization in myofunctional therapy—a therapeutic approach that corrects oral dysfunctions through targeted exercises. She helps patients address a wide range of health issues, including sleep-disordered breathing, mouth breathing, allergies, orthodontic relapse, TMJ disorders, and swallowing ...

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How Myofunctional Therapy Works with Dental Care

Myofunctional therapy often complements other dental treatments such as:

Orthodontics (braces or clear aligners)
Pediatric dental care
Sleep-focused dental treatments
TMJ and bite therapy

By improving muscle function, therapy helps create a stable foundation for dental treatments and may improve long-term outcomes.

Our Approach

We take a collaborative, patient-centered approach to myofunctional therapy. Each program is tailored to the individual’s needs, age, and dental goals, ensuring realistic progress and sustainable results.

Schedule a Consultation

Please contact us at (814) 623-7015 to schedule a consultation with our myofunctional therapist, Jessica Bingman, RDH. At this appointment she will assess your oral function and discuss whether this therapy is right for you.

Healthy muscle function supports a healthy smile—now and for the future.