Myofunctional Therapy (MFT) is a specialized program that uses exercises to retrain the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. This therapeutic approach focuses on correcting adaptive muscle patterns, which are often subconscious habits developed over time. The goal is to establish proper function of these orofacial muscles for essential activities such as breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing.
Core Principles of Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is built upon the understanding that habitual, incorrect positioning and movement of the orofacial muscles contribute to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). These disorders involve an imbalance or dysfunction in the musculature surrounding the oral cavity. MFT targets the root cause of these issues through neuromuscular re-education, aiming to establish a balanced system.
The program centers on four primary areas of functional correction. The first is achieving proper resting tongue posture, which involves the entire tongue resting lightly against the roof of the mouth (the palate). The second is correct swallowing (a mature swallow), ensuring the tongue does not push forward against the teeth, a pattern known as a tongue thrust.
MFT also emphasizes establishing a complete and consistent lip seal, where the lips are gently closed at rest without strain. The fourth principle is promoting exclusive nasal breathing during both the day and night. These exercises are practiced regularly to create new muscle memory, ultimately influencing skeletal growth and maintaining long-term functional stability.
Conditions Targeted by Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy addresses a variety of OMDs that affect oral and facial function. A common target is the correction of a tongue thrust, which can contribute to malocclusion (a poor bite). MFT also seeks to remedy poor resting tongue posture, where the tongue habitually sits low and forward in the mouth.
Chronic mouth breathing is a significant focus, as it can signal an orofacial muscle imbalance or an underlying airway issue. The therapy aims to strengthen muscles to facilitate nasal breathing, the preferred respiratory route. MFT is also frequently used to support orthodontic treatment by addressing muscle forces that can destabilize tooth alignment, helping to prevent orthodontic relapse after braces are removed.
MFT is utilized as an adjunct treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, helping to relieve tension and coordinate jaw movements. It also plays a role in treating mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) by strengthening upper airway muscles. Furthermore, it is often recommended before and after frenectomy procedures to improve the functional use of a released tongue-tie.
Scientific Basis and Evidence
The question of MFT’s legitimacy is increasingly addressed by robust scientific research, particularly in sleep medicine and orthodontics. Multiple meta-analyses support MFT’s role as an effective adjunctive treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. One review found that MFT can decrease the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), a measure of sleep apnea severity, by approximately 50% in adults and 62% in children with OSA.
This muscle-based approach works by improving the tone and strength of the upper airway muscles, which helps keep the airway open during sleep. Subjective measures of sleep quality also show improvement, with studies reporting reductions in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores for adults. Achieving these results requires high patient compliance, with some research suggesting daily training exceeding 30 minutes may be necessary.
In orthodontics, the evidence supports MFT’s capacity to stabilize treatment results. By correcting abnormal resting tongue posture and swallowing patterns, the therapy eliminates the muscular forces that can cause teeth to shift out of alignment following correction. While the evidence base is growing, some professional organizations still recommend MFT primarily as a complementary treatment rather than a standalone cure. Researchers continue to call for more large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials to standardize treatment protocols and fully establish MFT’s place within conventional medicine.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner
The field of myofunctional therapy is currently not regulated by a single governing board or license. The therapy is typically provided by licensed allied health professionals who have pursued specialized training, such as Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) or Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs). Dentists and orthodontists may also incorporate MFT principles into their practice.
Look for practitioners who have completed structured training programs or hold certification from established organizations. The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) offers the Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM) credential, which requires rigorous training and examination. The Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) is another organization that provides structured credentialing options.
A collaborative approach is the most effective way to address orofacial myofunctional disorders. A skilled therapist will often work closely with other specialists, including Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians, orthodontists, and sleep physicians. This interdisciplinary team ensures that all potential contributing factors, such as nasal obstructions or skeletal issues, are addressed alongside the muscle retraining program.