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Is Myofunctional therapy supported by research?

Author

Matthew Martinez

Updated on February 17, 2026

Is Myofunctional therapy supported by research?

There probably is some value in oral myofunctional therapy, but right now as practiced in the United States it is too haphazard as to what exercises are selected for different patients. For frenuloplasty, there really is no evidence to support it as part of treatment for adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

Simply so, how effective is myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy may be an attractive alternative treatment for sleep apnea. There is some evidence that it can decrease sleep apnea severity. Research demonstrated a decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 24.5 to 12.3, dropping severity from a moderate to mild level.

Similarly, is orofacial myology real? Orofacial myology is a profession on the rise with the identity of malocclusion, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and speech swallow disorders. Interdisciplinary professions are banding together to help bridge the gaps in orofacial dysfunctions.

Accordingly, who can perform myofunctional therapy?

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders may impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area. “Correct swallowing depends on a proper relationship between muscles of the face, mouth and throat.â€

How much does orofacial Myofunctional therapy cost?

-Sessions are generally charged per visit or as a full myofunctional therapy program consisting of a number of prescribed sessions. Individual sessions can range from $100-$250/session. -Myofunctional Therapy Programs can range from $1400-$3000.

Can you do myofunctional therapy at home?

Exercise 1: Push Up the Tongue - Place the tip of the tongue against the hard palate on the roof of the mouth, just behind the top teeth, and push upwards and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Exercise 2: Touch Nose - Stick out your tongue and try to touch the tip of your nose and hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

Can myofunctional therapy change your face?

Yes, myofunctional therapy actually can change your looks. If you breathe through your mouth all of the time, this can alter your appearance: narrowing dental arches and lengthening the facial structure.

How long is Myofunctional therapy?

Therapy generally lasts between 4 and 12 months. The program can be modified to fit your schedule. Appointments range from weekly to monthly.

How do you know if you need Myofunctional therapy?

If you position your tongue on the bottom portion of your mouth, you might need myofunctional therapy. You might think that your tongue is resting right now, but what's probably actually happening is the tip is resting behind your teeth. The rest of your tongue might curve down, creating a U-shape.

Is myofunctional therapy real?

There is no proven benefit to oral myofunctional therapy or frenuloplasty for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults as it is commonly practiced in the United States.

Is tongue thrust a disorder?

What is tongue thrust? Tongue thrust is a forward position of the tongue during rest, and a thrust against or between the teeth during swallowing and speech. A tongue thrust condition is sometimes called an orofacial (mouth and face) myofunctional (muscle function) disorder (OMD).

Who invented Myofunctional therapy?

The history of myofunctional therapy/ orthodontics to date is perhaps best sum- marised by a metaphor put forward by internationally renowned orthodontic researcher Thomas Graber. “In our search we are not unlike the man who starts a trip from one city to another.

Who treats tongue thrust?

As a rule, orthodontists, general dentists, pedodontists, some pediatricians, and speech therapists detect the problem. In many cases, tongue thrust may not be detected until the child is under orthodontic care. However, diagnosis usually is made when the child displays a dental or speech problem that needs correction.

What is Myofunctional disorder?

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are patterns involving oral and orofacial musculature that interfere with normal growth, development, or function of orofacial structures, or call attention to themselves (Mason, n.d.A). OMDs can be found in children, adolescents, and adults.

Does Myofunctional therapy help TMJ?

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a profoundly useful treatment that may help treat the symptoms of a a wide variety of health issues, from opening airways to headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), to poor digestion, just to name a few.

How do you become an orofacial myofunctional therapist?

To qualify as an orofacial myologist, you must already have an undergraduate qualification in a dental, medical profession or speech pathology. Then you can go on to postgraduate study in the field.

What causes orofacial Myofunctional disorder?

OMDs may be caused by several factors: Blocked nasal passages because of tonsil size or allergies. When the nasal passages are blocked, people may need to breathe through their mouth instead. Anything that causes the tongue to be misplaced at rest or makes it difficult to keep the lips together at rest.

What is tongue thrust?

Tongue thrust is a forward position of the tongue during rest, and a thrust against or between the teeth during swallowing and speech. A tongue thrust condition is sometimes called an orofacial (mouth and face) myofunctional (muscle function) disorder (OMD).

What is an orofacial myofunctional therapist?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy involves an individualized program to help the patient retrain these adaptive patterns of muscle function, and to create and maintain a healthy orofacial environment. Treatment goals may include the following: Normalize tongue and lip resting postures. Establish nasal breathing patterns.

What does an orofacial Myologist do?

Orofacial myology is a specialized professional discipline that evaluates and treats a variety of oral and facial (orofacial) muscles, (myo-) postural and functional disorders and oral habits that may disrupt normal dental development and also create cosmetic problems.

What age can you start Myofunctional therapy?

While early signs of OMD can be recognized in infants and toddlers, the initiation of OMT varies in the literature from as early as 4 years to as old as 8 years of age (Holtzman, 2018). Other treatment modalities are available for younger populations.

Can tongue thrust cause drooling?

Tongue thrust, which is an oral reflex associated with sucking behaviour, may cause problems in swallowing, speech, oro-facial development and also drooling.

What is an oral motor disorder?

An oral motor disorders is the inability to use the mouth effectively for speaking eating, chewing, blowing, or making specific sounds. What causes an oral motor disorder? One cause is the brain sending a message to the muscles of the mouth that the muscles don't receive or misinterpret.

What is a tongue crib?

A tongue crib is an orthodontic tool with wiring that's placed inside your mouth and hangs on two rings. These rings are attached to the back of your mouth to prevent the crib from moving. The crib prevents your tongue from pushing towards your front teeth and corrects a condition called tongue thrusting.

What do Myologists do?

Orofacial myology is defined as “the study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing, and overall mental and physical health.â€2 We treat orofacial myofunctional disorders, or OMDs.

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Is Myofunctional therapy supported by research?