Services · Myofunctional treatments
Myofunctional therapy (MFT)
A targeted exercise programme that aims to improve the interaction of tongue, lips, cheeks and jaw in the long term.
What it is about
Muscles that work together properly
Myofunctional therapy is a targeted exercise programme for treating muscular dysfunction in the mouth and face. The aim of this treatment is to improve the interaction of tongue, lips, cheeks and jaw in the long term. This promotes a healthy swallowing pattern, a correct resting position of the tongue and healthy nasal breathing.
Important for parents: Since muscular dysfunction significantly influences the growth of the jaw and can lead to misaligned teeth, this therapy is a particularly important building block in the healthy development of children.
How to recognise it
Common signs of a dysfunction
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Mouth breathing
An open mouth at rest or breathing habits mainly through the mouth.
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Orofacial dysfunction
When swallowing, the tongue wrongly rests against or between the teeth.
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Tooth marks
Visible indentations on the edges of the tongue.
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Speech disorders
Articulation disorders such as lisping.
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Early childhood habits
Long-term thumb sucking or intensive pacifier use.
What we want to achieve
The main goals of the therapy
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Correct resting position of the tongue
The tip of the tongue rests relaxed on the palate directly behind the incisors.
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Correct swallowing
The tongue no longer presses against or between the rows of teeth when swallowing.
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Healthy nasal breathing
Changing from constant mouth breathing to natural nasal breathing.
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Muscle balance
Targeted build-up of tension in slack muscle areas and reduction of excessive muscle tension.
Procedure and duration
How the therapy works
The treatment includes special, easy-to-learn perception and muscle exercises for everyday life. Since muscular dysfunction is often closely linked to jaw misalignments, myofunctional therapy in our practice is usually used in an interdisciplinary way in combination with orthodontic treatment or speech therapy.
The therapy usually extends over several months and is adapted individually to the patient's progress.
Briefly answered
Frequently asked questions
Above all for children in whom mouth breathing, an incorrect swallowing pattern or habits such as thumb sucking influence the development of jaw and teeth. Adults can benefit too, for example alongside orthodontic treatment.
As soon as your child can understand and join in with simple exercises, usually from preschool age. Whether and when a start makes sense is something we clarify during an examination in the practice.
Usually several months. The duration depends on the initial findings and on how regularly the exercises are done at home.
The exercises are easy to learn and take only a few minutes. Regularity is what counts, ideally every day. We agree the exact exercise plan individually.
Often, yes. Since muscular dysfunction is closely linked to jaw misalignments, we usually combine the therapy with orthodontic treatment, for example with the Balancer, or work together with speech therapy.
Typical signs are an open mouth at rest, snoring, lisping, visible tooth marks on the edge of the tongue or prolonged thumb sucking. Just ask us at the next check-up.