Every time you swallow, breathe, chew, or speak, a complex group of muscles in your lips, tongue, and jaw work together. When these muscles are not functioning correctly, it is called a myofunctional disorder.
How do these muscles affect your teeth?
The muscles of your oral cavity do more than you might think. When they are not working in harmony, the effects can show up as:
- Open bites: Tongue pressure pushing teeth apart over time
- Crowding: Insufficient jaw space from low tongue posture
- Relapse: Teeth shifting back after braces are removed
- Breathing issues: Mouth breathing that affects jaw development
What does myofunctional therapy involve?
Myofunctional therapy is a personalized exercise program, like physical therapy for your mouth. It is typically provided by a licensed myofunctional therapist, often someone with a background in dental hygiene or speech pathology, working in tandem with Dr. Wieland.
Through a series of guided exercises, therapy gradually retrains the muscles of the tongue, lips, and cheeks to rest and move in healthier patterns. The goals of treatment are to help you:
- Rest your tongue correctly: The tongue should rest gently on the roof of the mouth, not against the teeth or on the floor of the mouth. Proper tongue posture is one of the most important factors in long-term tooth alignment.
- Breathe through your nose: Nasal breathing supports healthy jaw and facial development. Mouth breathing, especially during sleep, can contribute to narrow arches and crowded teeth.
- Chew and speak more comfortably: Balanced muscle function supports clearer speech, more efficient chewing, and less strain on the jaw joints.
Myofunctional Therapy and Orthodontic Care
At Wieland Orthodontics, Dr. Wieland looks at the whole picture; not just the position of your teeth, but the muscle patterns and habits that influence where your teeth want to move. If we identify signs of a myofunctional disorder, we may recommend working with a myofunctional therapist alongside your orthodontic treatment.
When a patient has limited space for the tongue (a common finding in narrow arches), Dr. Wieland and the myofunctional therapist will often coordinate care to ensure that as space is created orthodontically, the tongue learns to use it properly. This teamwork leads to more stable, lasting results.
Have questions about myofunctional therapy? Dr. Wieland and our team in East Moline are here to help you understand your options and create a plan that sets you up for lasting results.
