Myofunctional Therapy UK
Advocating for Airway-Centred Dentistry
Advocating for Orofacial Myology in the prevention and treatment of
Oral, Dental, and Airway Disease.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT): Restoring Function, Enhancing Health
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT), also known as orofacial myology, is a specialized therapy focused on neuromuscular re-education of the orofacial muscles. It helps retrain the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw to function optimally and addresses orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) that can impact breathing, speech, chewing, swallowing, and even facial development.
Why Does Orofacial Function Matter?
OMDs often originate from habitual mouth breathing or insufficient nasal breathing, which can disrupt normal orofacial development. Left untreated, these disorders may contribute to:
✅ Orthodontic Relapse – Affecting the stability of orthodontic work
✅ Breathing & Sleep Issues – Including snoring and sleep-disordered breathing
✅ Speech Difficulties – Impaired articulation and tongue posture affecting clarity
✅ Chewing & Swallowing Problems – Dysfunctional swallowing patterns
✅ Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders – Jaw pain and dysfunction
A Century of Research: The History of OMT
OMT has its roots in dentistry and orthodontics, dating back to the early 1900s. Pioneering orthodontists discovered that orofacial muscle dysfunction including improper tongue posture, lip habits, and muscle imbalances can directly influence facial growth, dental alignment, and treatment stability. Today, OMT is an evidence-based therapy backed by orthodontics, speech pathology, sleep medicine, and airway health research.
1906 - Dr. Edward Angle: "We are beginning to realise how common and varied are habits of the lips and tongue, how powerful and persistent they are in causing and maintaining malocclusion, how difficult they are to overcome and how hopeless is success in treatment unless they are overcome"
1918 - Dr. Alfred Rogers: "Father of Myofunctional Therapy" published in the Dental Cosmos referring to orofacial muscles as "living orthodontic appliances". Dr Rogers proposed in his article the use oral and facial exercises to improve function, therefore improving jaw development and dental alignment.
The Four Core Goals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
OMT is designed to restore optimal function by achieving these key objectives:
1️⃣ Nasal Breathing (Day & Night) – Encouraging proper oxygenation and airway health
2️⃣ Lips Together at Rest – Preventing mouth breathing and supporting facial balance
3️⃣ Correct Tongue Posture – Keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth for proper development
4️⃣ Correct Swallowing Patterns – Eliminating improper swallowing habits (e.g., tongue thrust)
How Does Therapy Work?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy involves a structured program of facial and tongue exercises, combined with behavior modification techniques. These exercises strengthen and coordinate the orofacial muscles to improve breathing, swallowing, speech, and overall health.
💡 Did you know? Research shows that OMT can reduce airway obstruction in sleep-disordered breathing and improve orthodontic outcomes!
Unlock the Benefits of OMT Today
Whether you or your child experience mouth breathing, speech difficulties, orthodontic relapse, or sleep concerns, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy could be the missing link in your treatment plan.
📞 Book a Consultation to learn how OMT can support your health and well-being.
Collaborative Care at Myofunctional Therapy UK At Myofunctional Therapy UK, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to achieving optimal health and well-being. Since orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) often impact and overlap with various medical and dental conditions, we work closely with a network of trusted healthcare professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Our Collaborative Network Includes: 🔹 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialists – Assessing airway health, nasal obstructions, and tonsil/adenoid concerns 🔹 Dentists & Orthodontists – Supporting dental and jaw development, preventing orthodontic relapse 🔹 Oral Surgeons – Evaluating tongue ties, jaw structure, and surgical interventions 🔹 Chiropractors & Osteopaths – Addressing posture, jaw alignment, and cranial-sacral imbalances 🔹 Allergy & Immunology Specialists – Managing allergies that contribute to chronic mouth breathing 🔹 General Practitioners (GPs) – Providing holistic medical oversight and referrals 🔹 Sleep Physicians & Respiratory Consultants – Treating sleep apnea, snoring, and breathing-related issues 🔹 Midwives & Lactation Consultants – Supporting infant feeding, tongue-tie assessments, and early oral development 🔹 Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists – Enhancing functional movement and neuromuscular control 🔹 Speech & Language Therapists – Improving articulation, oral-motor function, and swallowing patterns 🔹 Breathing Practitioners – Guiding breathwork techniques to optimize nasal breathing 🔹 Nutritionists – Addressing dietary factors that influence oral health, inflammation, and airway function ✨ And more… because every patient deserves a tailored, holistic approach to care! Why Multidisciplinary Collaboration Matters OMDs can impact everything from breathing and posture to sleep, digestion, and speech. By working alongside specialists in various fields, we ensure that every aspect of your health is considered, leading to more effective, long-term results. 💡 Need a referral or specialist support? We are happy to connect you with the right professionals to complement your myofunctional therapy journey. 📞 Contact Us Today to learn more about our collaborative approach to treatment!
