Learn from trusted,

science-backed sources.

Below you’ll find peer-reviewed journals, clinical articles, and reputable medical and dental references to help you make informed decisions about orofacial myofunctional therapy and its proven benefits.

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Orofacial Myofuntional Therapy

Orofacial Myofuntional Therapy

from NIH: National Library of Medicine

“Anatomical Relationships of the Tongue with the body System”

from American Thoracic Society Journals

“Effects of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Patients with Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome”

from US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

“The effect of orofacial myofunctional treatment in children with anterior open bite and tongue dysfunction: a pilot study”

from the Journal of the American Orthodontic Society

“Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders: Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment”

Tongue Ties & Frenectomies

Tongue Ties & Frenectomies

from RDH Magazine

“Ankyloglossia: Are You Paying Attention?”

by James M. Bronson, DDS

“Tongue Tie and Beyond”

from REVISTA CEFAC

“Posterior lingual frenulum in infants: occurrence and maneuver for visual inspection”

from the Journal of Pediatric and Neonatal Individualized Medicine

“Tongue-tie, from embryology to treatment: a literature review”

Functional Dentistry

Functional Dentistry

from NIH: National Library of Medicine

“Impact of rapid palatal expansion on the size of adenoids and tonsils in children”

from General Dentistry

“Introducing the Advanced Light Force (ALF) Appliance”

from The European Journal of Orthodontics

Influence of Pre-Orthodontic Trainer treatment on the perioral and masticatory muscles in patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion

Breathing

Trial shows benefits of Buteyko breathing techniques

from US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

“Trial shows benefits of Buteyko breathing techniques”

from Enliven Archive

“Continuous Nasal Breathing as the Ultimate Treatment Goal in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea”

from Heidi Dickerson, DDS, LVIM, FIAPA

“Nitric Oxide & Mouth Breathing: physiology you want to understand”

from Frontiers in Neurology

“Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and the critical role of oral-facial growth: evidences”

Nonnutritive Sucking Habits

Trial shows benefits of Buteyko breathing techniques

Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences

“Influence of the respiratory mode and nonnutritive sucking habits in the palate dimensions”

from Dentistry

“Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits – Effect on the Developing Oro-Facial Complex; A Review”

from Interventions in Pediatric Dentistry: Open Access Journal

“Dental Complications of Sucking Thumbs”

Bruxism And Sleep

Trial shows benefits of Buteyko breathing techniques

from NIH: National Library of Medicine

“Determinants of probable sleep bruxism in a pediatric mixed dentition”

from Mayo Clinic

“Bruxism & Sleep Apnea”

from the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

“Myofunctional Therapy And Sleep Disorders”

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Trial shows benefits of Buteyko breathing techniques

from Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics

“It Is Just Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder…or Is It?”

by Crystal Phend, Senior Staff Writer, MedPage Today

“Snoring Tots More Likely to Turn into Troubled Kids”

from the American Academy of Physiological Medicine & Dentistry

“Facial Growth and Child Sleep Disorders”

What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD)?

An orofacial myofunctional disorder occurs when an abnormal lip, jaw, or tongue position is present during rest, swallowing, or speech. Problems that result from OMDs may include pain in the face and neck, poor sleep due to breathing difficulties, and/or ongoing issues after orthodontic work.

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The Causes

Signs & Symptoms

Explain Therapy

The Benefits

Who Can Benefit?

At OMT Charlottesville, we’re basically the personal trainers for your mouth and face. Our job is to help everything in there — your tongue, jaw, breathing, and even how you swallow — work together like a well-rehearsed band instead of a bunch of instruments playing out of tune.

We focus on fixing unhelpful habits (like mouth breathing or weird tongue positions) and teaching your muscles to do their jobs the right way. This can make a big difference in how you breathe, sleep, chew, talk, and even how your face develops over time — plus, it can make you feel and look better, too.

Think of it as a full-body workout, but just for the muscles in your mouth and face. By retraining how those muscles move when you chew, breathe, swallow, and speak, we help your teeth, jaws, and airway develop the way they’re supposed to. And we don’t do it alone — it’s a team effort with you and your care team every step of the way.

In short: we help your mouth and face get their act together so you can breathe easier, feel healthier, and smile brighter.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Charlottesville, VA

Breathe better. Swallow easier. Smile more. At OMT Charlottesville, we retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and jaw to restore healthy function and long-term facial balance—backed by interdisciplinary, evidence-informed care.

Patient-Centered

Airway-Focused

Tongue-Release

Frequently Asked Questions 

Lingual Frenulum

What is tongue-tie?
Tongue-tie is a popular term used to characterize a common condition that often goes undetected. It occurs during pregnancy when a small portion of tissue that should disappear during the infant’s development remains at the bottom of the tongue, restricting its movement. When an infant is born with tongue-tie, it is important to research other family members, since this change has a genetic influence.
Who can detect the presence of tongue-tie?
A specialist in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy should be well suited to detect a tongue-tie since they should know about the lingual frenulum and also the normal way the newborn sucks. In the case of infants, a pediatrician and a lactation consultant may also be involved.
What can happen with an infant if not treated?
Many people with tongue-tie suffer the consequences without knowing the cause. There are infants who have changes in the feeding cycle, causing stress for the infant and for the mother; there are also children with difficulties in chewing, children and adults with speech problems affecting communication, social relationships and professional development. With the chronic oral rest posture of the tongue in the floor of the mouth, many of the Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) enumerated above may result.
How could OMT be related to cases of snoring?
Whoever snores and presents Obstructive Sleep Apnea should be treated by a multidisciplinary team including a sleep specialist. In this team, the Orofacial Myofunctional Specialist may help by directing and performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat and exercises that may help, if indicated, in improving oral rest posture.

Mouth Breathing

What is mouth breathing?
Mouth breathing refers to breathing performed predominantly by the mouth. In this way of breathing, the individual does not use, or uses very little, the nose to inhale and exhale the air.
How can one identify a person who breathes through the mouth?
The person may have one or more of the following characteristics: nasal congestion, open mouth at rest; parched lips, lip color change, appearance of a large tongue that may be recessed and projected forward; long face syndrome; forward head posture; dark circles under the eyes, sagging cheeks, wheezing, and snoring. In such cases it is recommended that an otolaryngologist (ENT) and/or allergist be consulted.
Which kind of specialist in OMT should a mouth breather seek?
An individual who breathes through the mouth can seek an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Specialist to assist in the treatment of mouth breathing, as any general Myofunctional Therapist is trained to deal with these cases, but some seek additional training in respiratory education techniques that may be helpful in treatment. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is commenced only after evaluation of the cause. It is advisable to also work within an allied team, with an otholaryngologyst/ENT, a breathing specialist and /or an allergist as well.
How can mouth breathing cause changes to the structure of the mouth & face?
Keeping an open mouth posture can cause: dry and chapped lips, short and fast breathing; diminished strength of the muscles of the lips, cheeks, jaw and tongue; a lowered and more anterior oral rest posture of the tongue, leading to changes in aesthetics and position of teeth/occlusion (improper fit of the teeth); elongated face, retruded mandible, and palate (“roof of the mouth”) becoming more narrow and /or deep.

🗣️ How Myofunctional Therapy Improves Speech and Articulation

The way we speak depends on more than just our vocal cords — it’s a finely tuned performance involving the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw all working together in perfect coordination. When those muscles are out of balance or not functioning properly, speech can become unclear, imprecise, or effortful. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) helps retrain those muscles to move, rest, and work the way they’re meant to, which can dramatically improve speech clarity and articulation.

👅 Builds Stronger, Smarter Muscles

If the tongue or lips are too weak, too tense, or don’t know where to go during speech, certain sounds — like “s,” “sh,” “ch,” “t,” “d,” or “l” — can be tricky to pronounce. OMT uses targeted exercises to build strength, coordination, and control in these muscles, making it easier to produce clear, crisp sounds.

🧠 Corrects Oral Posture and Tongue Placement

Speech starts with proper oral posture. If the tongue rests too far forward, low, or against the teeth (a common issue with orofacial myofunctional disorders), it can distort sound production or cause a “lisp.” Myofunctional therapy trains the tongue to rest on the palate where it belongs and move in precise ways during speech, setting the stage for better articulation.

🗣️ Improves Coordination for Fluid Speech

Speaking clearly isn’t just about strength — it’s about timing. OMT improves the muscle memory and coordination needed for smooth transitions between sounds and syllables. This can help speech feel more natural and reduce effort, especially for children developing language or adults working on lingering articulation issues.

💨 Supports Better Breathing for Better Speaking

Clear speech also depends on breath control. Because OMT encourages nasal breathing and proper oral posture, it can improve breath support — helping you speak with more power, consistency, and confidence.

✅ The Result: With stronger, better-coordinated oral muscles and improved tongue placement, speech becomes clearer, more accurate, and easier to produce. Whether it’s helping a child overcome articulation delays or giving an adult more confidence in communication, myofunctional therapy addresses the root causes of speech difficulties — not just the symptoms.

🌟 How Myofunctional Therapy Enhances Oral Health and Breathing

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) focuses on retraining the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face so they work in harmony. These small changes can make a big difference — not only for oral health, but also for the way you breathe every day.

🦷 Enhancing Oral Health

  • Prevents orthodontic relapse: By teaching the tongue, lips, and jaw to rest in their proper positions, OMT helps keep teeth aligned after braces or orthodontic work.

  • Reduces harmful habits: Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or chronic mouth breathing can strain teeth and jaws. Therapy helps eliminate these patterns before they cause long-term damage.

  • Improves chewing and swallowing: Retraining muscles creates a more efficient bite, reduces strain, and helps protect teeth from uneven wear.

  • Supports gum and dental health: Closed-lip posture encourages nasal breathing, which keeps the mouth from drying out and lowers the risk of cavities, gum irritation, and bad breath.

💨 Improving Breathing

  • Promotes nasal breathing: OMT helps retrain the body to breathe primarily through the nose, which filters, warms, and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs.

  • Reduces airway obstruction: Proper tongue posture keeps the tongue from collapsing backward, helping keep the airway open — especially important during sleep.

  • Supports better oxygen flow: Efficient nasal breathing improves oxygen delivery, which boosts energy, focus, and overall wellness.

  • Helps with restful sleep: Stronger oral and facial muscles reduce snoring and sleep-disordered breathing, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.

✅ The Big Picture: Myofunctional therapy isn’t just about fixing oral habits — it’s about creating healthy patterns that support lifelong oral wellness and optimal breathing. From protecting your smile to improving the way you sleep and breathe, OMT lays the foundation for better health, one small muscle movement at a time.

🌙 How Myofunctional Therapy Can Improve Restful Sleep

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) isn’t just about helping your tongue and facial muscles “behave” — it can actually play a major role in improving how well you sleep. That’s because the way you breathe, swallow, and rest your tongue and lips is closely tied to how efficiently your airway functions while you sleep. When those muscles aren’t working in harmony, it can lead to problems like mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, or even sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Here’s how OMT helps you sleep more soundly:

🫁 Encourages Nasal Breathing:
Myofunctional therapy retrains your muscles and breathing patterns to promote nasal breathing — the body’s natural and healthiest way to take in air. Breathing through the nose filters, warms, and humidifies air, reduces airway resistance, and supports deeper, more efficient sleep.

😴 Improves Airway Stability:
Strengthening and properly positioning the tongue, lips, and throat muscles helps keep the airway open and stable during sleep. This can significantly reduce snoring and lower the risk of airway collapse that contributes to sleep apnea.

🧠 Enhances Oxygen Flow and Sleep Quality:
Better breathing means more consistent oxygen flow to the brain and body throughout the night. This leads to deeper, more restorative sleep cycles — the kind that improves memory, mood, focus, and overall health.

🪶 Reduces Sleep Disruptions:
Many people with orofacial myofunctional disorders wake up frequently without realizing it, often due to breathing issues. By addressing the root cause, OMT can help you stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed.

🪥 Supports Healthy Growth in Children:
For kids, correcting oral posture and breathing early can support proper facial and airway development, helping prevent future sleep-related issues altogether.

✅ The Bottom Line: Myofunctional therapy works on the foundation of restful sleep — the muscles and habits that shape how you breathe and how your airway functions. Whether you’re struggling with snoring, frequent awakenings, or daytime fatigue, improving muscle tone and function in the mouth and face can be a powerful, natural solution to help you finally enjoy deep, restorative sleep.

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Who Can Benefit?

Individuals of all ages may benefit from OMT, especially those who have orofacial myofunctional disorders or experience symptoms such as: Mouth breathing, Tongue thrusting, Lip incompetence, Speech difficulties, and TMJ pain

What Are the Benefits of Orofacial Myology?

People of all ages enjoy multiple benefits from seeing an orofacial myologist. Patients report an improved quality of life after treatment without having to resort to surgery. The non-invasive and painless therapy addresses the root cause of the problem, which helps alleviate the OMD symptoms, and also contributes to successful orthodontic intervention. When it comes to children, addressing orofacial muscle problems early on prevents the condition from progressing and allows them to experience normal growth and development.

What Does Myofunctional Therapy Involve?

Treatment by your orofacial myologist involves short exercises, a form of physical therapy that trains your oral and facial muscles to function properly, similar to going to the gym to build up other muscles in your body.

Signs and Symptoms of OMDs

Symptoms of OMDs include pain or discomfort around the face, jaw, or mouth, pain or impairment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), mouth breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, and poor posture. Signs you need to see an orofacial myologist also include crooked teeth, a crowded mouth, an asymmetrical appearance of the lips or face, tongue thrust, incorrect chewing function, speech sound errors or distortion, and dental abnormalities such as an overjet and open bite. Some patients seeking treatment may not have OMDs, but want to improve an aging facial appearance, without the need for cosmetic surgery.

What Are the Causes of OMDs?

OMDs often result from extended pacifier use, chronic thumb sucking, prolonged bottle use, lip licking, nail-biting, upper airway obstruction due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids or allergies, or a restricted lingual frenulum. They can also result from muscular and structural differences or genetics.