SUPPORT BETTER BREATHING, DAY AND NIGHT, WITH MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
At South Wales Dental Sleep, our myofunctional therapy service follows a clear, structured, and highly personalised pathway.
Every programme is designed around the individual patient, with a strong focus on breathing, airway function, and long-term stability.
What is
Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive, exercise-based treatment that retrains the muscles of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, and oropharynx. It is often described as “physical therapy for your mouth”, focusing on correcting dysfunctional muscle patterns to improve function and overall health.
Core Goals of Therapy
At its core, the therapy aims to establish four key foundations for optimal oral function:
- Nasal Breathing: Training the body to breathe through the nose rather than the mouth, both day and night.
- Proper Tongue Posture: Teaching the tongue to rest gently against the roof of the mouth (palate).
- Lip Seal: Ensuring the lips remain comfortably closed at rest without strain.
- Correct Swallowing: Developing efficient patterns where the tongue moves up and back, rather than pushing forward against the teeth.
What It Can Help With
By working alongside other healthcare professionals and addressing the root cause of muscle dysfunction, myofunctional therapy can support a wide range of conditions in both children and adults:
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing (e.g. snoring)
- Jaw & Facial Pain: Including TMJ discomfort and chronic headaches
- Orthodontic Stability: Helping prevent relapse after braces
- Mouth Breathing Habits: Reducing open-mouth posture and its effects on airway and dental development
- Tongue-Ties: Supporting preparation and recovery around tongue-tie release procedures
What the Process Involves
A typical programme is highly personalised and usually lasts between 3 to 12 months, depending on individual needs. It typically includes:
- Comprehensive Assessment: A detailed evaluation of your oral habits, muscle function, and clinical history
- Customised Exercise Plan: Targeted exercises (typically 5–15 minutes, twice daily) to strengthen key muscle groups
- Regular Sessions: Ongoing guidance and progression through in-person or online appointments
- Habit Integration: Embedding new patterns so correct oral posture becomes automatic and sustainable
Signs You May Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy
You may benefit from an assessment if you notice any of the following:
- Resting Posture: Mouth often open or difficulty keeping lips sealed
- Tongue Position: Tongue resting against teeth or low in the mouth
- Breathing Habits: Regular mouth breathing or waking with a dry mouth
- Sleep Quality: Snoring, restless sleep, or waking unrefreshed
- Speech & Swallowing: Lisping or forward tongue movement when swallowing
- Physical Discomfort: Frequent headaches, jaw (TMJ) pain, or neck tension
- Dental Changes: Teeth shifting after orthodontic treatment
MEET YOUR
MYOFUNCTIONAL
THERAPIST
Charlotte graduated from Cardiff University in 2012 as a dually qualified Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist. With over 13 years of clinical experience across Wales, she is passionate about patient care and supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining their oral health.
Having worked alongside Dr Aston Parmar for many years, Charlotte developed a strong interest in airway health, which led to her progression into myofunctional therapy. Inspired by the outcomes seen at South Wales Dental Sleep, she undertook postgraduate training with the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) and is a member of the British Society of Myofunctional Therapy (BSMFT).
Charlotte went on to qualify as Wales’ first Myofunctional Therapist, bringing a thoughtful and patient-centred approach to care. She is committed to ongoing learning and supports patients of all ages in achieving healthier breathing, improved sleep quality, and optimal oral function.
OUR TREATMENT
JOURNEY
Initial Myofunctional Therapy Assessment
Duration: 60 minutes
Fee: £200
Your journey begins with a comprehensive myofunctional therapy assessment carried out by our therapy team. This one-hour consultation allows us to fully understand your muscle function, breathing patterns, and any airway-related concerns.
During this appointment, we will:
- Record baseline clinical findings
- Complete a detailed assessment of tongue posture, lip seal, swallowing pattern, and breathing function
- Review your dental, airway, and sleep history
- Discuss whether myofunctional therapy is appropriate for your individual needs
Following your assessment, you will receive a written summary letter outlining our findings and personalised recommendations.
Myofunctional Therapy Programme
Six online sessions
Fee: £450
Following your assessment, most patients progress into a structured course of myofunctional therapy, delivered through six guided online sessions.
This programme includes:
- A fully customised therapy plan tailored to your individual needs and goals
- Six online training sessions with ongoing guidance and progression
- A myofunctional exercise starter pack delivered directly to your home
As therapy progresses, some patients may benefit from additional or more advanced equipment. Where appropriate, this will be discussed and recommended on an individual basis.
Adhoc & Additional Myofunctional Therapy Sessions
Because myofunctional therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, some patients may require further sessions to achieve optimal results.
- Additional online myofunctional therapy sessions: £79 per session
- The need for supplementary sessions will be discussed towards the end of your initial programme, based on progress and treatment goals
Book or continue your myofunctional therapy journey
Our myofunctional therapy service in Wales is quality-led, evidence-based, and fully integrated into a dental sleep medicine pathway. Every patient receives a structured assessment, clear guidance, and a personalised plan designed to support better breathing, improved sleep, and long-term oral health stability.