Myofunctional Therapy for Children at Happy Kids Dental
At Happy Kids Dental, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to support your child’s oral health and overall well-being. One of the innovative services we offer is Myofunctional Therapy, a specialised program designed to improve oral and facial muscle function.
This therapy is particularly effective for children, addressing issues that can impact their dental health, speech, breathing, and overall development.
Our myofunctional therapy department is located at Happy Kids Dental Chelsea.
How much does Myofunctional therapy cost?
Initial consultation - £150
8 sessions - £1160
Additional sessions (if needed) - £145 per session
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional Therapy is a series of simple, personalised exercises that help strengthen and retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and face. The therapy aims to promote proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and an ideal resting position of the lips and teeth.
By addressing underlying habits like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing, Myofunctional Therapy helps create a strong foundation for healthy oral and facial development.
Why is Myofunctional Therapy Important for Children?
During childhood, the muscles of the face and mouth play a key role in guiding proper growth and alignment of the teeth, jaws, and airways. Improper muscle function can lead to:
- Dental Misalignment: Improper tongue or lip posture can push teeth out of alignment, leading to orthodontic issues.
- Mouth Breathing: A habit that can affect jaw development, sleep quality, and overall health.
- Speech Difficulties: Incorrect tongue placement may interfere with speech clarity.
- Sleep Disorders: Poor oral function can contribute to obstructed airways, leading to conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing or snoring.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
- Supports Proper Jaw Development: Helps create space for teeth to grow in the correct position, reducing the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later.
- Improves Breathing: Encourages nasal breathing, which is vital for oxygen flow and facial development.
- Enhances Speech: Strengthens and coordinates oral muscles for clearer articulation.
- Promotes Better Sleep: Opens airways to improve sleep quality and overall energy levels.
- Prevents Long-Term Health Issues: Addresses habits that can lead to dental or health complications in adulthood.
Is Myofunctional Therapy Right for Your Child?
Myofunctional Therapy is suitable for children of all ages, especially those who:
- Suck their thumbs or use pacifiers beyond infancy.
- Have difficulty breathing through their nose.
- Exhibit speech challenges.
- Show signs of poor sleep, such as snoring or fatigue.
- Are undergoing orthodontic treatment or have dental misalignment.
If you’re unsure, our experienced team is here to help. We’ll evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the best course of action.
Interested in Myofunctional Therapy for your kids? Contact us today to arrange a consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional Therapy is a series of personalised exercises designed to improve the function of the muscles in your child’s mouth, face, and throat. These exercises help correct oral habits, promote proper tongue posture, and encourage nasal breathing.
The therapy can address a variety of concerns, including mouth breathing, thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, speech difficulties, sleep-disordered breathing, and dental misalignment.
Children as young as 4 years old can benefit from Myofunctional Therapy, but it’s never too late to start. The earlier habits and muscle dysfunctions are addressed, the easier it is to correct them.
If your child exhibits mouth breathing, speech challenges, thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, snoring, or orthodontic concerns, they may benefit from Myofunctional Therapy. A consultation with our specialists Dr Maja and Dr Tatyana will help determine if therapy is the right fit.
The duration of therapy varies depending on the child’s individual needs and commitment to the exercises. Many parents notice improvements within a few months, but full therapy can take up to 6 months or longer.
No, the exercises are simple and tailored to each child’s abilities. They are designed to be engaging and fun, making it easier for children to stick to their therapy plan.
Yes, Myofunctional Therapy encourages nasal breathing by retraining the muscles and improving tongue posture. This can significantly reduce or eliminate mouth breathing.
Yes, the therapy strengthens and coordinates the muscles needed for clear speech. By improving tongue and oral posture, many children see a positive impact on their speech clarity.
Parents play a key role in supporting their child’s progress by ensuring that exercises are practiced regularly at home. Our team will provide clear guidance to make this process as smooth as possible.
Contact Happy Kids Dental to schedule a consultation. Our specialists will assess your child’s needs and create a customised therapy plan to help them achieve optimal oral health and function.
In some cases, we may collaborate with orthodontists, speech therapists, or ENT specialists to ensure your child receives comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.
Meet Our Myofunctional Therapists
