At Synergy Dental, we believe that healthy growth begins with proper function — the way we breathe, swallow, and use our oral muscles every day. Myofunctional therapy is a natural, exercise-based approach that retrains the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to work in harmony. By improving muscle function, it supports better breathing, airway health, and balanced facial growth for both children and adults.

Led by Dr. Porter and our skilled team in Sturgis, South Dakota, and Gillette, Wyoming, Synergy Dental proudly offers myofunctional therapy through two certified therapists — one in each office — to provide personalized care for every patient.

This therapy is simple in concept but powerful in results. It’s built on consistency, participation, and teamwork between the therapist, parent, and patient. With daily practice and the right guidance, patients can strengthen the foundations for lifelong oral and airway health.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to function correctly. These muscles play a crucial role in breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech. When they’re out of balance — due to habits like mouth breathing or improper tongue posture — it can lead to sleep issues, orthodontic problems, and even jaw discomfort.

This therapy uses gentle, targeted exercises to improve oral posture and coordination. Key goals include:

• Correct tongue positioning (resting on the roof of the mouth)
  
• Encouraging nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
  
• Promoting proper swallowing and lip seal
  

Myofunctional therapy is used by patients of all ages, but early intervention can prevent problems before they become more complex. It’s non-invasive, safe, and based on the principle that healthy habits create lifelong stability and wellness.

How Myofunctional Therapy Works

Each program begins with a personalized assessment. During this visit, our therapists evaluate how the tongue, lips, and jaw work together and how they affect breathing and posture.

A custom exercise plan is then designed to strengthen and retrain these muscles. Common practices may include:

• Tongue elevation drills to improve resting posture
  
• Lip seal exercises to strengthen closure and reduce mouth breathing
  
• Nasal breathing techniques to encourage proper airflow
  

Consistency is key. Much like physical therapy for the body, myofunctional therapy relies on daily repetition to achieve lasting change. Over time, patients develop healthier breathing and swallowing patterns that support better sleep, oral function, and facial development.

Myofunctional Therapy for Kids: Building Health from the Start

Children are the best candidates for early myofunctional therapy because their facial bones and muscles are still developing. When kids struggle with mouth breathing, tongue thrust, or speech concerns, therapy can help redirect those patterns early — before they influence jaw growth or dental alignment.

Our therapists focus on making each session engaging and easy to follow. Children learn fun, age-appropriate exercises that improve tongue strength, lip posture, and nasal breathing.

Benefits of early myofunctional therapy include:

• Better speech and articulation
  
• Improved breathing and sleep quality
  
• Balanced facial growth and jaw development
  
• Greater confidence and long-term oral health
  

Parents play a vital role in their child’s success. Myofunctional therapy works best when families support daily exercises at home. At Synergy Dental, we guide parents through each step, helping them build routines that make these new habits stick.

Myofunctional Therapy for Adults

Adults can benefit from myofunctional therapy, too — especially those dealing with chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or mild sleep apnea. Re-educating muscle function can improve airway tone, reduce fatigue, and enhance sleep quality.

For many adults, this therapy complements treatments like airway development, TMJ therapy, or sleep appliances. By restoring proper muscle coordination, patients often experience improved breathing, less tension in the jaw, and better long-term oral comfort.

Addressing Common Concerns

Myofunctional therapy can help with a wide range of functional issues, including:

• Mouth breathing and snoring
  
• Tongue thrust and open-mouth posture
  
• Swallowing or speech challenges
  
• TMJ discomfort
  
• Sleep-disordered breathing
  

These problems may seem small at first, but they often indicate muscle imbalance or airway restriction. Addressing them early can lead to lasting improvements in health, comfort, and quality of life.

Myofunctional Therapy and Orthotropics

At Synergy Dental, myofunctional therapy often goes hand in hand with orthotropics — our growth-guided approach to jaw development. While orthotropic appliances guide the bones, myofunctional therapy trains the muscles to support and stabilize that new growth.

Together, these treatments help children develop healthy oral posture, strong facial muscles, and stable long-term results. As Dr. Porter often explains, “Orthotropics moves growth in the right direction — myofunctional therapy helps keep it there.”

What to Expect During Therapy

Your journey begins with a one-on-one evaluation with one of our trained myofunctional therapists in either Sturgis or Gillette. After assessing posture, breathing, and muscle coordination, your therapist will design a plan tailored to your needs.

Therapy typically includes:

• A personalized home exercise plan
  
• Weekly or biweekly sessions for progress tracking
  
• Education on proper breathing, swallowing, and tongue position
  
• Support for parents to help children practice at home
  

Like any form of training, success depends on practice and consistency. When followed as directed, patients often see improvements within weeks and lasting changes in as little as a few months.

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy

Patients of all ages report a wide range of benefits, including:

• Improved breathing and airway function
  
• Healthier sleep patterns and energy levels
  
• Stronger tongue and lip tone
  
• Better swallowing and speech
  
• Balanced facial growth and alignment
  
• Enhanced confidence and well-being
  

Because it focuses on retraining the body to function naturally, myofunctional therapy offers a lifelong impact without the need for surgery or medication.

Our Myofunctional Therapy Team

Synergy Dental is proud to offer this service at both of our locations, with a dedicated myofunctional therapist in each office. This allows families in Sturgis, South Dakota, and Gillette, Wyoming, to receive consistent, specialized care close to home.

Under Dr. Porter’s leadership, our therapists are trained in the latest airway and muscle function techniques through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT). Together, they help patients achieve healthier function, improved breathing, and balanced growth.

Schedule a Myofunctional Therapy Consultation

Whether you’re exploring myofunctional therapy for your child or seeking better breathing and sleep yourself, Synergy Dental is here to help. Our team in Sturgis and Gillette will guide you through every step, from evaluation to daily practice, ensuring your journey toward healthier function is successful and supported.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Porter and our myofunctional therapy team today to discover how better habits can transform your health for life.