Call Now
Have you ever wondered why some kids develop crowded teeth, frequent mouth breathing, or even sleep struggles at night? The answer often goes deeper than just “needing braces.” Many of these issues trace back to how the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face are working together or not. That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in, especially when paired with airway orthodontics. Together, they create a powerful approach to supporting both a healthy smile and a healthier airway.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is kind of like physical therapy for the mouth and face. It uses specific exercises to retrain the muscles that control breathing, chewing, swallowing, and even speaking. These small adjustments, like learning proper tongue posture or breaking a thumb-sucking habit, may seem simple, but they can have lifelong benefits.
Without this type of therapy, unhealthy patterns can lead to narrow dental arches, crowded teeth, or restricted airways. By correcting muscle habits early, kids can grow and develop in a way that supports better oral and overall health.
How It Supports Airway Orthodontics
Airway orthodontics focuses on guiding jaw growth and improving the airway to make breathing easier. While expanders or braces can create space, they work best when the muscles surrounding the teeth and jaws are also balanced. That’s where myofunctional therapy adds another layer of support.
Here’s how the two work hand-in-hand:
- Stability for orthodontic results. Muscle training helps prevent teeth from shifting back after braces or aligners.
- Encourages nasal breathing. Correct tongue posture supports the airway, reducing the risks of chronic mouth breathing.
- Promotes long-term success. Healthy oral habits help orthodontic improvements last for years to come.
Think of it this way. Orthodontics can adjust the structure, while myofunctional therapy retrains the function.
Who Benefits Most?
Children benefit greatly from this combination because early intervention can guide proper growth and prevent more complex problems later. Adults dealing with sleep apnea, TMJ discomfort, or orthodontic relapse may also see improvements with therapy.
What to Expect from Treatment
Myofunctional therapy is simple, noninvasive, and designed for daily life. A provider will guide you or your child through personalized exercises that build new habits and strengthen oral muscles. Over time, these changes help airway orthodontics do its job more effectively and create lasting results.
At Crosspointe Dental and Orthodontics, our goal is to give patients in Mansfield, TX, more than straight teeth. By combining myofunctional therapy with airway orthodontics, we’re helping families achieve healthier breathing, better sleep, and stronger smiles that last a lifetime.
Ready to learn more? Contact our office today and find out how this powerful combination could benefit your family.
