Many people are surprised to learn that the way we breathe, chew, swallow, and rest our tongue plays a major role in speech, dental development, sleep, and overall health.

Myofunctional therapy focuses on improving the strength and coordination of the muscles of the mouth and face so that everyday functions, like breathing and swallowing, happen correctly and comfortably.

At iRehab Services, we provide myofunctional therapy evaluations and treatment virtually, making it easy for both children and adults to receive specialized care from home.

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What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a specialized form of therapy that targets the muscles used for:

• Breathing
• Swallowing
• Chewing
• Speaking
• Resting tongue posture
• Lip closure
• Jaw stability

When these muscle patterns develop incorrectly, they can impact dental alignment, sleep quality, and facial development.

Myofunctional therapy uses structured exercises and functional training to build proper muscle habits and improve long-term outcomes.

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Signs Someone May Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy

For Children

Children may benefit from myofunctional therapy if they:

• Breathe primarily through their mouth
• Snore or have restless sleep
• Have difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Stick their tongue out when swallowing
• Have a tongue thrust pattern
• Have an open-mouth posture at rest
• Drool beyond early childhood
• Have unclear speech sounds
• Have orthodontic concerns such as open bite or crowding
• Have prolonged thumb or pacifier habits

Early treatment can support healthy facial growth and improved breathing habits.

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For Adults

Adults often seek myofunctional therapy for:

• Mouth breathing
• Jaw tension or clenching
• Poor sleep or snoring
• Tongue thrust or swallowing difficulties
• Orthodontic relapse after braces or aligners
• Speech clarity concerns
• Chronic dry mouth
• Tension in the face or neck
• Difficulty maintaining proper tongue posture

Improving oral muscle patterns can support better sleep, improved comfort, and long-term dental stability.

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How Virtual Myofunctional Therapy Works

Many people are surprised to learn that myofunctional therapy works extremely well through telehealth. In fact, virtual sessions allow therapists to coach patients in their home environment, which helps build consistent habits.

Virtual sessions allow us to:

• Observe breathing patterns in real-life settings
• Evaluate tongue and lip posture
• Assess swallowing patterns
• Review oral habits
• Provide guided exercises
• Teach correct positioning and movement
• Coach parents or caregivers when needed

Sessions are interactive and structured, and patients receive clear instructions and home practice activities between visits.

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What to Expect During a Virtual Evaluation

A virtual myofunctional evaluation typically includes:

Health and History Review

• Breathing patterns
• Sleep habits
• Dental or orthodontic history
• Speech concerns
• Oral habits

Functional Assessment

• Tongue range of motion
• Lip strength and closure
• Jaw stability
• Swallowing patterns
• Resting posture
• Breathing patterns

Individualized Recommendations

After the evaluation, we provide:

• A personalized therapy plan
• Specific exercise recommendations
• Frequency suggestions
• Home practice guidance

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Treatment for Kids and Adults

Myofunctional therapy programs are individualized based on age and goals.

Children’s Therapy May Focus On

• Nasal breathing
• Lip closure
• Tongue posture
• Proper swallowing
• Habit elimination
• Muscle strength and coordination

Parents are involved in sessions to help support daily practice and carryover.

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Adult Therapy May Focus On

• Nasal breathing patterns
• Resting tongue posture
• Jaw stability
• Swallowing efficiency
• Muscle tension reduction
• Sleep-supportive habits

Adults often appreciate that therapy focuses on practical changes that improve everyday comfort and function.

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Why Telehealth Works So Well

Virtual myofunctional therapy offers:

Convenience

• No travel time
• Flexible scheduling
• Easy attendance

Better Carryover

• Practice in real-life settings
• Immediate coaching at home

Accessibility

• Access to specialized therapy regardless of location

Telehealth makes it possible to receive high-quality myofunctional therapy without disrupting daily routines.

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A Collaborative Approach

Myofunctional therapy often works best alongside other professionals, including:

• Dentists and orthodontists
• Physicians
• Sleep specialists
• Speech-language pathologists

Our team collaborates with other providers to support long-term success and functional outcomes.

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Get Started with a Myofunctional Evaluation

If you or your child show signs of mouth breathing, tongue thrust, or oral muscle imbalance, a myofunctional evaluation can help determine whether therapy is appropriate.

Virtual evaluations and treatment are available for both children and adults.

📞 Call 248.252.6064
📧 Email marcia@irehabservices.com

Strong muscle habits support lifelong health, and therapy can begin right from home.