FAQs – Myofunctional Therapy of Austin

Frequently Asked Questions

At Myofunctional Therapy of Austin, we help patients ages 6 and up improve breathing, oral function, and overall health through targeted exercises. Below are answers to the most common questions about Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is an exercise-based program designed to retrain the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat for proper function, posture, and breathing. It focuses on:

Nasal breathing
Correct tongue posture
Proper swallowing patterns
Oral habits that affect speech, sleep, and overall health

Who can benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?

OMT is beneficial for children, teens, and adults experiencing:

Mouth breathing
Snoring or sleep apnea
Tongue thrust
TMJ pain or jaw tension
Orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting after braces)

If you have any of these issues, a consultation can help determine if therapy is right for you.

How does Myofunctional Therapy work?

OMT consists of customized exercises designed to:

Strengthen and coordinate oral and facial muscles
Improve nasal breathing and eliminate mouth breathing
Train the tongue to rest in the correct position
Enhance swallowing patterns to prevent tongue thrust

These exercises are done daily and guided through in-person or virtual therapy sessions.

How long does Myofunctional Therapy take?

Most programs last 4–12 months, depending on:

The individual’s needs
Consistency with exercises
Additional treatments needed (e.g., orthodontics, tongue-tie release, ENT care, etc.)

Is Myofunctional Therapy just for children?

No! Adults can also benefit from Myofunctional Therapy. Many adults seek treatment for:

TMJ pain
Snoring or sleep apnea
Speech issues
Orthodontic relapse

OMT can even be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for sleep apnea patients, recommended by sleep physicians. It’s never too late to improve oral function!

Can Myofunctional Therapy change facial structure?

Yes, in some cases. Proper tongue posture and muscle balance can lead to:

Subtle improvements in facial symmetry
Better jaw alignment
A more defined jawline

Early intervention in children can have even more noticeable effects on facial growth.

What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)?

OMDs are muscle dysfunctions in the mouth, face, and throat that affect breathing, swallowing, and oral posture.

Common signs of OMDs include:

Chronic mouth breathing
Tongue thrust (pushing the tongue forward onto the teeth when swallowing)
Snoring or sleep apnea
Frequent headaches, TMJ pain, or jaw tension
Thumb or finger sucking
Poor dental alignment
Drooling
Narrow palate

Can Myofunctional Therapy help with TMJ pain?

Yes! Jaw tension and TMJ pain often stem from poor oral posture, clenching, or grinding. OMT helps improve muscle function and relieve tension in the jaw joint.

Do I Need Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) While in Palatal Expansion?

Yes! Myofunctional Therapy is highly beneficial during palatal expansion.

OMT:
Supports proper tongue posture
Encourages nasal breathing
Prevents relapse
Improves swallowing patterns

Can Myofunctional Therapy fix tongue thrust?

Yes! OMT helps retrain the tongue to rest properly on the roof of the mouth, preventing:

Orthodontic relapse
Speech issues
Breathing problems

How does Myofunctional Therapy help with breathing issues?

OMT focuses on nasal breathing by retraining the muscles to:

Keep the lips sealed
Position the tongue correctly
Reduce mouth breathing and improve oxygen intake

Is Myofunctional Therapy effective for sleep-disordered breathing?

Yes! Studies show that Myofunctional Therapy strengthens airway muscles and can be a great addition to a comprehensive team approach for poor sleep and sleep apnea.

What is tongue-tie, and does it require surgery?

A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when a tight band of tissue (fascia) under the tongue restricts movement.

If it affects speech, swallowing, or oral function, a frenectomy (tongue-tie release) may be recommended by a qualified release provider.

How does Myofunctional Therapy help after a tongue-tie release?

Before a frenectomy – Toning the tongue and improving nasal breathing makes the procedure and healing process smoother and more predictable.
After a frenectomy – OMT is crucial for retraining the tongue to move properly and preventing tissue reattachment.

What is mouth breathing, and why is it harmful?

Mouth breathing can cause:

Sleep-disordered breathing (snoring, sleep apnea)
Facial growth changes (longer face, recessed chin)
Increased risk of gum disease and cavities

Nasal breathing is ideal for oxygen intake, sleep quality, and overall health.

Can I do Myofunctional Therapy at home?

Yes! Daily exercises are essential for success. Your therapist will provide a customized plan to follow between sessions.

Do I need a referral for Myofunctional Therapy?

No, you can schedule directly with us! However, many patients are referred by:

Dentists
Orthodontists
Sleep specialists
Speech therapists

What is the difference between Myofunctional Therapy and speech therapy?

Speech therapy focuses on speech production and language skills
Myofunctional Therapy focuses on oral function, breathing, and muscle coordination

Do you offer online Myofunctional Therapy sessions?

Yes! We provide both virtual and in-person therapy to accommodate all patients.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Click here to book a discovery call or your assessment.

Ready to Improve Your Health?

Take the first step toward better breathing, sleep, and oral function today!