Orofacial Myofunctional Assessment & Treatment
Helping you achieve proper tongue posture, lip seal, and healthy nasal breathing for whole-body wellness
At Mouth Matters Therapy, we specialize in orofacial myofunctional assessment and treatment (OMT) to help patients restore natural oral and facial function. While this therapy focuses on the mouth, tongue, and airway, its benefits reach far beyond. Proper tongue posture, adequate lip seal, consistent nasal breathing, and an efficient oropharyngeal phase of swallow all play key roles in how we breathe, sleep, speak, and feel each day.
Whether you are a parent seeking help for your child, an adult dealing with symptoms of your own, or just someone exploring the connection between the mouth, airway, and general health, our goal is to provide education, guidance, and effective, evidence-based care.
Understanding Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) occur when the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue do not work together as they should. These imbalances may develop due to structural factors such as tongue or lip-ties, nasal inflammation, enlarged tonsils, or due to habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and chronic mouth breathing. Over time, they can affect not only oral health but also posture, airway function, digestion, and even sleep quality.
Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture
- Tongue resting low or forward in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or noisy chewing
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Orthodontic relapse or dental crowding
- Jaw tension, headaches, or facial pain
- Fatigue, poor concentration, or daytime sleepiness
Recognizing these signs early and addressing their root causes can prevent more serious issues later in life.
What Happens During an Orofacial Myofunctional Assessment
Our assessment process is thorough and individualized. We begin by taking time to understand your concerns, medical and dental history, and daily habits that may influence oral and facial function. Our in-person assessment process focuses on several key areas:
- Tongue posture and mobility – assessing how the tongue rests, moves, and participates in swallowing and speech.
- Lip seal and breathing patterns – evaluating whether lips can comfortably close and whether breathing occurs primarily through the nose.
- Oral rest posture – observing how the tongue, lips, and jaw rest when the body is relaxed.
- Swallowing mechanics – examining the oropharyngeal phase of swallow to ensure efficient movement and coordination.
- Facial and neck muscle patterns – identifying compensations or imbalances in muscle tone.
- Airway considerations – noting any signs of restricted airflow, congestion, or habitual mouth breathing.
The assessment may also include collaboration with your dentist, orthodontist, ENT, or other healthcare professionals to ensure that care is coordinated and comprehensive.
The Goals of Orofacial Myofunctional Treatment
Treatment is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. At its core, orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining muscle patterns for optimal oral rest posture and function. Our general goals include:
Establishing proper tongue posture
The tongue resting gently against the palate, supporting healthy oral development and airway space.
Achieving adequate lip seal
Lips resting comfortably closed without strain, promoting nasal breathing and facial balance.
Encouraging consistent nasal breathing
Supporting healthy oxygen exchange, improved sleep and focus, and optimal oral health.
Developing an efficient oropharyngeal swallow
Coordinating tongue, soft palate, and orofacial muscles for safe, efficient swallow initiation.
Therapy sessions are customized and progressive. Patients learn specific exercises to strengthen and coordinate oral and facial muscles. Over time, these new patterns become automatic, improving not only oral function but also posture, breathing, and overall wellness.
Whole-Body Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Because the mouth and airway are deeply interconnected with the rest of the body, OMT offers wide-ranging benefits that go beyond oral health alone. Patients often report improvements such as:
- Better quality of sleep and reduced snoring
- Enhanced focus, energy, and mood
- Fewer headaches or jaw discomfort
- Improved posture and muscle balance
- Greater comfort during eating and speaking
- More stable orthodontic results
- Aesthetic changes such as improved facial tone and definition
For children, early intervention can guide proper craniofacial growth, support speech development, and reduce the need for future orthodontic or airway interventions. For adults, OMT can help restore healthy patterns and relieve years of compensations that have contributed to pain or fatigue.
Our Approach: Education, Empathy, and Evidence-Based Care
At Mouth Matters Therapy, we understand that seeking help for breathing, sleep, or oral function concerns can be overwhelming. Many patients arrive after years of searching for answers. Our mission is to be a trusted partner on that journey, offering both clinical expertise and genuine compassion.
We combine up-to-date research in orofacial myology, airway science, and physical therapy principles with a whole-body perspective. Every treatment plan is individualized, addressing not just symptoms but their underlying causes. Our goal is long-term improvement, not temporary relief.
We also collaborate closely with other professionals—dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, speech-language pathologists, and other therapists—to ensure coordinated care. This integrated approach helps our patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Who Can Benefit from OMT
Orofacial myofunctional therapy may benefit:
- Children with tongue or lip ties, open-mouth posture, or sleep-disordered breathing
- Teens undergoing orthodontic treatment or experiencing relapse
- Adults with chronic mouth breathing, jaw tension, or fatigue
- Individuals preparing for or recovering from tongue-tie release or airway surgery
- Anyone seeking better breathing, posture, or sleep through functional muscle training
If you’re uncertain whether OMT is right for you, our assessment can help identify whether oral and facial muscle dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms.
Begin Your Path to Better Function and Health
Healthy breathing and proper oral rest posture are foundational to overall wellness. When the tongue, lips, and airway work in harmony, every system of the body benefits—from sleep and digestion to focus and energy.
At Mouth Matters Therapy, we’re committed to helping you uncover the “why” behind your symptoms and guide you toward lasting, functional improvement.
To schedule your orofacial myofunctional assessment or learn more about treatment options, please contact our office in Westlake, Ohio.
Because your mouth truly matters— and when you can breathe, sleep, and move well, everything else follows.