Before You Get Braces, Call Us.
Are your teeth sticking out slightly? Before you call the orthodontist, you should have an orofacial myologist look at your tongue posture and how you swallow. Tongue thrust or reverse swallowing can cause your teeth to be out of alignment. Braces are not a permanent solution to this problem. Over time, as your tongue pushes against your teeth, your teeth will move forward. Braces will put your teeth back into alignment, but it won't solve the problem of your tongue pushing your teeth forward. Let us help. Our decades of experience can help you or your loved one save THOUSANDS of dollars on costly orthodontal procedures that won't solve the core problem. Call us today and set up an appointment.
What Does an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist Do for Tongue Thrust?
A Tongue Thrust, also known as a Reverse Swallow, occurs when the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth during swallowing, speech, or at rest. This pattern can affect dental alignment, breathing, speech clarity, and overall oral function. An Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist (OMT) specializes in evaluating and treating the muscle patterns of the mouth, face, and tongue to promote healthy oral habits and coordinated movement. Therapy focuses on retraining the tongue to rest in the correct position, establishing nasal breathing, improving swallowing patterns, and strengthening the muscles of the orofacial system. OMTs work with children, teens, and adults and often collaborate with orthodontists, dentists, ENTs, and speech-language pathologists to support long-term structural and functional outcomes.
Responsibilities of an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist Supporting Tongue Thrust:
-
Assess tongue posture, breathing patterns, swallowing function, and oral muscle coordination
-
Teach correct tongue resting posture (tongue up, lips closed, teeth apart)
-
Retrain the swallowing pattern to prevent forward tongue pressure
-
Strengthen the muscles of the tongue, jaw, and face through individualized myofunctional exercises
-
Support nasal breathing and lip seal to stabilize healthy resting patterns
-
Address habits that contribute to tongue thrust, such as mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or prolonged bottle/pacifier use
-
Collaborate with orthodontists and dental professionals to support alignment and prevent orthodontic relapse
-
Develop personalized treatment plans that promote long-lasting oral function and improved communication and comfort
