Can Myofunctional Therapy Help Adults?

Myofunctional therapy for adults can significantly improve issues related to breathing, swallowing, posture, and sleep. Consider connecting with a local myofunctional therapist or orofacial myologist for adults.

A woman sitting indoors performs a facial exercise

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy (also called orofacial myology) is a specialized form of treatment that uses targeted exercises to retrain the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. Its focus is to:

  • Restore correct tongue posture
  • Stop tongue thrusting
  • Encourage nasal breathing
  • Improve swallowing, chewing, speech clarity, and jaw function
  • Help address issues like jaw pain, orthodontic relapse, and sleep-disordered breathing   

While often associated with children, there can significant benefits for adults too!

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Adults

  • Better breathing & sleep
    Training muscles to promote nasal breathing may significantly help reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea.
  • Jaw comfort (TMJ relief)
    Strengthening and relaxing the orofacial muscles can help alleviate jaw tension and headaches.
  • Speech clarity & function
    Proper tongue and lip mechanics can help improve articulation of sounds like “s,” “th,” and help with swallowing issues.
  • Orthodontic stability
    Posture-targeted therapy can help prevent relapse after braces or aligner treatments.

Success depends on consistent practice and professional guidance—but when adults commit, outcomes often include lasting relief, improved posture, and boosts in confidence.

📍 Local Orofacial Myology Providers for Adults

1. Carmel Speech & Myo (Carmel)

  • Led by Andrea Vogt, a dual-certified Speech‑Language Pathologist & Certified Orofacial Myologist
  • In‑person therapy

2. Indy Myo (Indianapolis)

  • Founded by Hali Householder, Registered Dental Hygienist & Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist
  • Offers both in‑person & virtual sessions   

3. Pure Modern Wellness (Indianapolis)

  • Led by Dana Crook, an Orofacial Myologist and Dental Hygienist
  • Offers virtual therapy 

4. Redwood Therapies (Indianaplis)

  • Led by Samantha MInich, Speech Pathologist (CCC-SLP), Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) 
  • Offers both in-person & virtual sessions

How to Choose the Right Provider

  • Credentials & expertise: Look for certified specialists (e.g. COM®, AOMT) with experience treating adults
  • Treatment focus: Ensure the provider’s services align with your goals—e.g. sleep, TMJ, speech, orthodontic relapse
  • Delivery method: Decide between in‑person care (great for hands‑on guidance) vs. convenient virtual therapy
  • Personal rapport: Comfort and communication style matter—choose someone whose approach fits your preferences

Next Steps

         1.      Schedule a consultation or evaluation.

         2.      Clarify your goals—whether it’s reducing snoring, easing TMJ pain, or improving speech.

         3.      Start a personalized therapy plan, involving regular sessions and daily exercises.

         4.      Track your progress—most adults see improvements in breathing, posture, pain relief, or clarity within weeks to months.

Summary

Myofunctional therapy can absolutely help adults, especially with breathing, jaw comfort, speech, sleep quality, and maintaining dental results. Key to success is working with a certified therapist who understands adult-specific concerns and following through with consistent practice. Orofacial myology often ties into dental and orthodontic health. To have a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, contact our team at Godley Family Orthodontics.

📍 Recommended local options for adult myofunctional therapy:

  • Carmel Speech & Myo (Carmel)
  • Indy Myo (Indianapolis)
  • Pure Modern Wellness (Indianapolis)
  • Redwood Therapies (Indianapolis)

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