About MFT

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a gentle, exercise-based therapy that helps improve the way the muscles of the face, mouth and tongue work together. By encouraging healthy breathing, tongue posture and swallowing patterns, OMT supports better oral function and overall wellbeing.

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a programme of assessment, education and targeted exercises designed to improve the function and coordination of the muscles of the face, lips, tongue and jaw. It is used to support people with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), helping to improve breathing patterns, tongue posture, swallowing and oral muscle function.

Orofacial myofunctional disorders are changes in the way the muscles of the face and mouth work together. They may include mouth breathing, tongue thrust, altered swallowing patterns and other dysfunctional oral habits.

Treatment is tailored to each individual and may include exercises for the face, lips, tongue and jaw, breathing retraining, habit awareness and education to support healthy oral function and muscle coordination.

4 Goals of
Myofunctional Therapy

This therapy includes facial and tongue exercises and behavior modification techniques to promote

Nasel Breathing
Proper Tounge Rest Posture
(in light suction resting on the palate)
Lip Seal
Correct Swallowing Patterns

What are the aims of OMT?

The aims of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy aims to improve how the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue work together to support healthy oral function. Depending on your individual needs, therapy may help you to:
Develop comfortable nasal breathing
Achieve a relaxed lip seal at rest
Improve tongue posture
Establish an efficient swallowing pattern
Improve the coordination and function of the lips, tongue and facial muscles
Reduce unhelpful oral habits, where appropriate
Encourage balanced chewing on both sides of the mouth
Support healthy drinking patterns
Promote balanced muscle function and oral habits that can be maintained over time

How long does orofacial Myofunctional therapy take?

Treatment typically consists of a structured exercise programme over a period of 3–10 months, depending on the individual's age and clinical needs. The duration of treatment varies and is tailored to each patient following a comprehensive assessment.

Our adult Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) programme is delivered in three to four phases, with each phase typically lasting around three months.

The phases of therapy include:

Pre-therapy: Buteyko Breathing re-education (four weekly sessions)

Phase 1: Desensitisation and orofacial cranial nerve stimulation

Phase 2: Orofacial fascial release and muscle elongation

Phase 3: Orofacial neuromuscular re-education and muscle coordination

Phase 4 (where clinically indicated): An additional phase that may be incorporated into your treatment programme, where appropriate, to address specific needs such as TMJ dysfunction, lymphatic drainage, orofacial muscle tension or nervous system regulation.

Appointments are usually scheduled every other week and last 20–25 minutes. To achieve the best possible outcomes, patients are asked to complete a personalised home exercise programme for 5–7 minutes, three times a day.

Where clinically appropriate, your treatment programme may also incorporate complementary therapies, including:

Buteyko Breathing
Acupuncture
Sensory Integration
Craniosacral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy*
Trigger Point Therapy
TMJ Therapy

Treatment is tailored to the individual, and not every patient will require every phase or complementary therapy.

Recommendations are based on your clinical assessment, individual needs and treatment goals.

*Where provided by, or in collaboration with, an appropriately qualified practitioner.

What age is Myofunctional Therapy for?

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) can affect people of all ages, from infants and children to teenagers and adults. Treatment is always tailored to the individual's age, stage of development and specific needs.

Children often respond well to myofunctional therapy because their muscles, habits and facial structures are still developing. However, adults can also benefit by improving oral function, breathing patterns and muscle coordination.

Early assessment and intervention can help address functional concerns before they become more established, supporting healthy development and long-term oral function.