When people think of braces or clear aligners, they often focus on straightening teeth. But what if the root cause of dental misalignment isn’t just about space or genetics—but how the muscles of the mouth and face are working together (or not)? That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in.
The Missing Link in Orthodontics
Orthodontists move teeth, but myofunctional therapists help retrain the muscles that move the teeth. If those muscles—especially the tongue, lips, and cheeks—are functioning improperly, they can actually work against the orthodontic treatment. Improper swallowing patterns, low tongue posture, and mouth breathing are all common contributors to dental relapse after braces come off.
Why Orthodontists Are Taking Notice
More and more orthodontists are referring patients to myofunctional therapy, especially in cases involving open bites, overbites, narrow arches, or frequent relapse. Myofunctional therapy addresses the “why” behind the crooked teeth, helping ensure that once they’re corrected, they stay corrected.
Before Braces: Laying the Foundation
Starting myofunctional therapy before orthodontic treatment helps prepare the oral muscles and structures for change. By establishing proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and muscle balance, we often see:
- Shorter time in braces
- Reduced need for extractions or surgical interventions
- Improved facial development and profile
During Braces: Partnering for Best Results
Myofunctional therapy continues to support the work of braces by keeping the tongue off the teeth, training correct swallowing, and ensuring consistent nasal breathing. We also help reinforce the positive oral habits that patients will need for long-term stability.
After Braces: Protecting Your Investment
Retention is critical after braces, but retainers alone can’t stop poor muscle function. Myofunctional therapy after orthodontic care ensures that habits like tongue thrusting, open-mouth posture, or poor breathing don’t undo months (or years) of hard work.
What the Research Says:
A growing body of research supports the integration of myofunctional therapy in orthodontic care. One landmark study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO) found that:
“Relapse rates in patients who completed myofunctional therapy during orthodontic treatment were reduced by as much as 62% compared to those who received orthodontic treatment alone.”
— Hagberg C, et al. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2010;138(5):500-508.
This study highlights how myofunctional therapy doesn’t just support alignment—it helps protect your results long-term.
At River City Myofunctional Therapy, we collaborate with orthodontists to support our patients’ full journey—from their first consultation to years after the braces come off. We help patients of all ages build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
If you or your child are considering braces or are currently in treatment, now is the perfect time to schedule an evaluation. Let’s work together to create lasting smiles—from the inside out.
