What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is an exercise-based program that retrains the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks and face. Think of it as physical therapy for the mouth. The goal is to restore healthy patterns for breathing, resting, chewing and swallowing, patterns that affect far more than the mouth alone.
Why Oral Function Matters
The way the tongue rests, the lips close and air moves through the nose shapes how well the body breathes, both day and night. When these patterns are off, the effects can show up in unexpected places:
Waking up tired after a full night's sleep
Snoring or restless, fragmented sleep
Tension headaches and neck strain
Mouth breathing and dry mouth
Myofunctional therapy addresses the muscle patterns behind these concerns instead of only managing the symptoms.
What Therapy Works On
Every program is personalized, and most focus on four core goals:
Nasal breathing: breathing comfortably through the nose, day and night
Lips closed at rest: a relaxed, effortless lip seal
Proper tongue posture: the tongue resting gently against the roof of the mouth
Healthy swallowing: a swallow that doesn't push against the teeth or strain the face
Who Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
Myofunctional therapy is appropriate for children ages 4 and up, teens and adults. Many adult clients come to therapy after years of exhaustion, poor sleep or jaw tension without clear answers. Therapy also supports patients before and after tongue-tie release, during or after orthodontic treatment, and alongside care from dentists, ENTs and sleep physicians.
Myofunctional therapy is a complementary approach. It works alongside medical and dental care and does not replace a diagnosis or treatment for conditions such as sleep apnea.
What to Expect
1. Free Assessment. A 30-minute virtual conversation to review symptoms, answer questions and decide whether therapy is a good fit.
2. Comprehensive Exam. A 60-minute evaluation of breathing, oral posture, tongue mobility and swallowing patterns, followed by a personalized therapy plan.
3. Guided Therapy Sessions. Short virtual sessions of 20–30 minutes, along with simple daily exercises that take just a few minutes at home. A personalized therapy kit is included.
4. Lasting Habits. As new patterns become automatic, the focus shifts to maintaining progress for the long term.
Online Therapy, Wherever You Are
All sessions take place virtually, so clients can work with Chelsea from home, anywhere in the world. Chelsea is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 10 years of clinical experience and a focus on how breathing, oral posture and sleep affect the whole body.
Ready to Find Out If Therapy Is Right for You?
A Free Assessment is a simple, no-pressure first step.