At Growing Faces, we know that treating a tongue tie is about more than just the release itself—it’s about ensuring the entire oral system works harmoniously. That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in. This specialized approach involves exercises and techniques designed to strengthen the muscles of the tongue, lips, and cheeks, supporting better function and long-term success after a tongue tie release. In this blog, we’ll explain what myofunctional therapy is, how it works, and why it’s a vital part of the treatment process.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy for the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face. It focuses on training these muscles to work together properly, which is essential for functions like breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Through guided exercises, myofunctional therapy helps achieve balanced muscle tone and coordination in the oral region.
Why is Myofunctional Therapy Important for Tongue Tie Treatment?
A tongue tie release is only one part of the solution. Without addressing the surrounding muscles and functional patterns, the benefits of the release might not be fully realized. Here’s how myofunctional therapy supports the treatment process:
- Prepares the Tongue and Muscles Before the Release
For some patients, especially older children, myofunctional therapy is recommended before the release procedure. By strengthening the tongue and improving muscle function, therapy prepares the tissues for a more effective and precise release. This ensures that the tongue can move properly once the restrictive tissue is released. - Promotes Healing After the Release
After the tongue tie release, myofunctional therapy helps prevent reattachment of the frenulum by encouraging proper movement and mobility. These exercises also train the tongue to achieve a natural resting position and improve oral functions, such as swallowing and speech. - Supports Long-Term Success
Myofunctional therapy addresses the root causes of poor tongue posture and oral habits, ensuring lasting improvements in function and development.
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
Myofunctional therapy involves a series of exercises tailored to each child’s unique needs. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Initial Evaluation
At Growing Faces, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation to assess your child’s oral function, tongue posture, and muscle strength. This helps us determine whether pre-release therapy is necessary and allows us to create a personalized treatment plan. - Pre-Release Therapy (If Needed)
If we recommend myofunctional therapy before the tongue tie release, the focus will be on strengthening the tongue and improving its range of motion. This ensures the tissues are prepared for the procedure and increases the chances of a successful release. - Post-Release Exercises
After the tongue tie release, therapy continues with exercises designed to promote healing and prevent reattachment. These exercises help the tongue achieve its full range of motion and establish proper oral habits, such as nasal breathing and correct swallowing patterns. - Ongoing Support and Monitoring
Regular follow-ups ensure your child is progressing well and allows us to adjust the exercises as needed. Our goal is to support your child every step of the way.
What Are the Benefits of Combining Myofunctional Therapy with a Tongue Tie Release?
When combined with myofunctional therapy, a tongue tie release can have far-reaching benefits for your child’s health and development, including:
- Improved breastfeeding or bottle-feeding for infants
- Enhanced speech clarity and articulation
- Better tongue mobility for eating and swallowing
- Prevention of oral health issues, such as improper jaw growth
- Long-term improvements in oral posture and airway health
Why Choose Growing Faces for Tongue Tie Treatment?
At Growing Faces, we believe in a comprehensive approach to tongue tie treatment. Dr. Naomi Hillel and our team are experienced in both tongue tie releases and myofunctional therapy, ensuring your child receives expert care tailored to their needs. We work closely with families to provide the education, support, and tools needed to help children thrive.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Function and Health
If you think your child may have a tongue tie or you’re exploring treatment options, we’re here to help. Contact Growing Faces to schedule a consultation with Dr. Naomi Hillel and learn more about how myofunctional therapy and tongue tie release work together to improve your child’s health and quality of life.
