Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Supporting breathing, oral function, speech, feeding, and healthy oral patterns.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on how the lips, tongue, jaw, and facial muscles work together during rest, breathing, swallowing, eating, and speaking.
At Brainstorm, we look at the whole child—not just a tongue position or a single oral habit.
You may be noticing…
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Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture
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Tongue resting forward or between the teeth
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Tongue thrust during swallowing
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Difficulty keeping lips closed at rest
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Speech sounds that remain distorted despite practice
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Messy chewing or swallowing patterns
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Thumb/finger sucking or other oral habits
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Concerns raised by an orthodontist, dentist, ENT, or other provider
These signs do not automatically mean a child needs myofunctional therapy.
An evaluation helps determine whether oral function is actually affecting speech, feeding, breathing, or other daily activities.
How we can help
Therapy is individualized based on your child’s functional needs. Depending on the evaluation, treatment may support areas such as oral rest posture, breathing, tongue and lip function, chewing and swallowing, and speech.
Breathing &
Rest Posture
Support functional oral rest posture and nasal breathing habits when medically appropriate.
Tongue & Lip Function
Build awareness, coordination, and functional movement.
Chewing & Swallowing
Support functional chewing and swallowing patterns during eating and drinking.
Speech
Address speech sounds when oral posture or movement patterns contribute to distortion.
What therapy looks like at Brainstorm
Myofunctional therapy at Brainstorm is active, playful, and individualized. We do not expect children to sit through repetitive oral exercises without purpose. Activities are connected to real functions such as breathing, eating, drinking, and talking.
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Warm-up: Body and oral awareness.
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Breathing time: Nasal hygiene, breathing awareness, and functional rest posture.
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Mouth time: Tongue, lip, and jaw coordination.
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Talking time: Speech sounds when relevant.
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Snack & sip time: Chewing, swallowing, and drinking when feeding goals are part of the plan.
A note from a Brainstorm Myofunctional therapy client
“Sessions were extremely customized, and it was obvious that a lot of thought went into personalizing the treatment plan.”
Collaboration matters
Myofunctional concerns rarely exist in isolation. When appropriate and with caregiver permission, we may collaborate with your child’s dentist, orthodontist, ENT, pediatrician, occupational therapist, school SLP, or other providers.
Myofunctional therapy does not replace medical, dental, orthodontic, or surgical care. We work within the SLP scope of practice and coordinate with other professionals when additional evaluation is indicated.
Is myofunctional therapy covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage depends on medical necessity and the functional impact of the concern. When speech, feeding, swallowing, or another covered function is affected, we can review whether insurance may apply. Concerns related only to orthodontic goals or oral habits (e.g., thumb sucking) may require private-pay services.
Not sure whether your child needs myofunctional therapy?
¿No sabes si tu hijo necesita terapia miofuncional?
Start with a Virtual Cafecito — a free 15-minute conversation to learn about your child, answer questions, and help you decide the next step.
Comienza con un Cafecito Virtual — una conversación gratuita de 15 minutos para conocer a tu hijo, responder tus preguntas y ayudarte a decidir el próximo paso.