Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is a structured program that focuses on the function of the muscles of the face, mouth, tongue, and airway. It addresses breathing, oral resting posture, chewing, swallowing, and oral habits in order to improve coordination, strength, and functional patterns.

The goal is to support more efficient and balanced oral and airway function in daily life.

I do not treat the mouth in isolation. 

My approach considers the relationship between breathing patterns, jaw function, tongue posture, sleep quality, posture, sensory awareness, nervous system regulation, and whole-body function. 

Therapy goes beyond mechanical exercises and addresses the systems influencing oral function, airway and respiratory health.

Depending on individual needs, therapy may include breathing support strategies, oral resting posture training, tongue mobility and coordination work, chewing and swallowing function, habit elimination, posture and movement awareness, and nervous system regulation strategies to support functional carryover into daily life.

Sessions are individualized and may incorporate movement-based activities, floor work, sensory-motor integration, and interactive exercises to support awareness, regulation, and consistency outside of sessions.

The comprehensive evaluation is the first step and is described in detail on the Start Here page.

The mouth, airway, lungs, diaphragm, posture, and nervous system function as an interconnected system. Changes in oral function can influence breathing patterns, just as breathing patterns can influence oral posture, jaw development, swallowing, and airway function.

Because of this connection, breathing is considered an integral part of assessment and therapy rather than a separate component. 

My work is informed by additional training in breathing assessment and functional breathing patterns, allowing care to be individualized based on the needs of each person.

Breathe & Grow is our early intervention program for children ages 3–6 who show signs that they may benefit from support but are not yet developmentally ready for a full myofunctional therapy program.

This six-session program introduces foundational skills through playful, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. Children explore healthy breathing, oral habits, facial expressions, oral motor skills, and body awareness while building confidence, creativity, and social engagement.

The goal is to support healthy breathing, oral function, and orofacial development during a critical stage of growth while laying the foundation for future success.

No. Therapy is much broader than exercises and may include breathing retraining, oral resting posture, tongue function, chewing and swallowing coordination, habit change, posture and movement awareness, and nervous system regulation strategies depending on the individual’s needs.

Common concerns may include:

• Mouth breathing
• Open mouth posture day or night
• Snoring or restless sleep
• Tongue thrust
• Chewing or swallowing difficulties
• Jaw tension
• Forward head posture
• Chronic lip dryness
• Oral habits such as thumb sucking or nail biting
• Ear infections
• Difficulty maintaining nasal breathing
• Poor tongue resting posture
• Allergies or congestion
• Crowded teeth

Goals may include:

• Improved nasal breathing 
• Healthy oral resting posture
• Improved tongue function and mobility
• More functional chewing and swallowing patterns
• Better muscle balance and coordination
• Support for healthy airway function
• Improved body awareness and self-regulation
• Elimination of dysfunctional oral habits

I offer both an early intervention program for children ages 3–7 and a more comprehensive myofunctional therapy program for ages 7 and older, including adults. I have experience working with individuals from 3 to 93.

Early intervention is offered because the early years are an important window for supporting healthy development of breathing patterns, oral function, posture, and everyday habits. During this stage, these patterns are still forming, which means they are often more responsive to gentle guidance and support.

At this age, therapy is highly play-based and developmentally appropriate. Practice time and activities are adjusted for age, attention span, and readiness, focusing on short, simple, and consistent daily support rather than structured exercise routines.

The goal is to gently support functional patterns early, so they can develop in a more balanced and sustainable way over time. You’re in a good place if you’re noticing these concerns early. The goal is to meet you there, provide clear understanding, and support your child’s development in a steady, manageable way that fits into real life.

Consistency is key. Lasting change happens through consistent practice. Generally you should expect short daily practice of about 10 minutes, twice daily, 6 days per week. Small, consistent effort over time supports the most last change. For children, parents should plan to be a practice partner.

Therapy is individualized based on age, symptoms, goals, consistency with home practice, and overall needs.

In general:

• Sessions are approximately 30–40 minutes
• Appointments are typically scheduled every 1–3 weeks
• Many full programs average around 14 sessions and early intervention is 6 sessions

Some individuals may need shorter or longer programs depending on needs.

Services may be provided in person, virtually, or through a combination of both, depending on what best supports your needs and location.

Yes. I regularly collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, physicians, chiropractors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals when appropriate to support comprehensive and coordinated care.

No, Myofunctional therapy is often not covered by insurance and is typically considered an out-of-network service.

Payment is due at the time of service. Many people use HSA or FSA funds for therapy. A detailed receipt (superbill) can be provided for possible reimbursement. 

Clients are responsible for verifying coverage and submitting reimbursement requests directly to their insurance providers.