303.989.3192 |7373 W. JEFFERSON AVE, UNIT 104, LAKEWOOD, CO |BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

303.989.3192

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Myofunctional Therapy in Lakewood, Colorado

Myofunctional Therapy

Your tongue, lips, and facial muscles do more than help you eat and speak – they shape your breathing, influence your sleep quality, and impact your overall health in ways you might never expect. At our Lakewood dental clinic, we offer myofunctional therapy to retrain these muscles and correct dysfunctional patterns that contribute to sleep apnea, TMJ pain, speech issues, and orthodontic problems. This specialized therapy addresses the root causes of many oral health concerns by teaching proper tongue posture, breathing techniques, and swallowing patterns. Whether you're dealing with chronic mouth breathing, tongue thrust, or sleep-disordered breathing, myofunctional therapy provides a natural, non-invasive solution that can transform your health from the inside out.

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Retraining Muscles for Better Health

Myofunctional therapy works like physical therapy for your mouth and facial muscles. Through targeted exercises and techniques, we help you develop proper muscle patterns that support healthy breathing, swallowing, and oral posture. Many people don't realize they've been using their oral muscles incorrectly their entire lives – breathing through their mouth instead of their nose, resting their tongue in the wrong position, or swallowing with improper muscle engagement. These seemingly small habits can lead to significant health issues over time, including sleep apnea, facial development problems, and chronic pain. Our therapy program includes personalized exercises designed to strengthen weak muscles, relax overactive ones, and establish new, healthier patterns that become second nature.

A Whole-Body Approach to Oral Function

What makes myofunctional therapy particularly powerful is its ability to address multiple health concerns simultaneously. Patients often come to us for one issue – perhaps snoring or TMJ pain – and discover that correcting their oral muscle function improves numerous aspects of their health. Proper tongue posture can open airways and improve breathing, while correct swallowing patterns can reduce neck tension and headaches. Children benefit from improved facial development and straighter teeth, while adults experience better sleep, reduced pain, and even improved posture. We work closely with other healthcare providers, including sleep specialists, orthodontists, and speech therapists, to create comprehensive treatment plans that address all aspects of your oral and overall health.

Research published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology demonstrates that myofunctional therapy can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea in both children and adults by strengthening the muscles of the upper airway.

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to discover how proper oral muscle function can improve your health? Our myofunctional therapy program in Lakewood offers personalized treatment plans designed to address your specific needs and goals. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward better breathing, sleeping, and living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can myofunctional therapy help treat?

Myofunctional therapy effectively treats tongue thrust, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, snoring, TMJ disorders, speech problems, and orthodontic relapse. It also helps with chronic headaches, neck pain, and digestive issues related to improper swallowing. Children with thumb-sucking habits or facial development concerns particularly benefit from early intervention.

How long does myofunctional therapy take to show results?

Most patients begin noticing improvements within 2-4 weeks of consistent practice. However, establishing permanent muscle patterns typically takes 6-12 months of therapy. The timeline varies based on the severity of dysfunction, patient compliance with exercises, and specific treatment goals. Children often progress faster than adults.

What does a typical myofunctional therapy session involve?

Sessions include assessment of oral function, instruction in specific exercises, and practice with proper techniques. We teach exercises for tongue strengthening, lip seal, proper swallowing, and nasal breathing. Sessions may also involve behavior modification strategies and coordination with other treatments like orthodontics or sleep therapy.

Is myofunctional therapy suitable for children?

Yes, myofunctional therapy is highly beneficial for children, often preventing more serious issues later in life. We typically begin therapy around age 4, though we can adapt exercises for younger children when needed. Early intervention can guide proper facial development, prevent orthodontic problems, and establish healthy breathing patterns.

Do I need to continue exercises after therapy ends?

While intensive therapy eventually ends, maintaining good oral posture and function becomes a natural habit. We teach maintenance exercises to prevent relapse, similar to how people maintain fitness after physical therapy. Most patients find that proper patterns become automatic, requiring minimal conscious effort to maintain.

Can myofunctional therapy replace other treatments like CPAP or braces?

Myofunctional therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. While it may reduce or eliminate the need for some interventions, it often complements other treatments. For example, it can improve CPAP compliance, enhance orthodontic results, and prevent relapse after treatment.

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Are you ready to smile more, breathe freely, and live better?

We are, too! Give us a call or complete the form to schedule an appointment! We'd love to sit down and discuss how you can achieve better oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile!

Please call 303.989.3192 or use the form to request to schedule an appointment. The Balanced Dental Studio Team will then call you to confirm a date and time.