Myofunctional Therapy is defined as a treatment of the orofacial musculature to improve muscle tonicity. It is the establishment of correct functional activities of the tongue, lips and jaw so that normal growth and development may take place of the developing occlusion, speech production and swallowing pattern. Myofunctional therapy is initially recognized and most commonly suggested for "Tongue Thrusting Disorder" which is characterized by improper placement and function of the tongue during swallowing between or against the teeth followed by open lip posturing and possible facial muscle tension around the cheeks, lips and chin area.

Orofacial Myologists are specifically trained and qualified to identify and correct muscular patterns and behaviors through Orofacial Therapy also known as "Tongue Thrusting Therapy" or "Rest Posture Therapy."

The goal of Myofunctional Therapy is to establish the appropriate function and rest posture of the facial muscles and the tongue as it facilitates tooth eruption, speech production and articulation. In addition, as a result of behavior modification of oral habits, Orofacial Therapy facilitates and establishes correct breathing patterns necessary for a healthy life.

Myofunctional therapy may include the treatment of parafunctional habits such as:

• Temporomandibular muscle dysfunction as it relates to bruxism/muscle bracing/clenching/grinding
• Oral habits
• Thumb or finger sucking (digit habit)
• Lip licking/Lip Sucking
• Nail biting
• Open mouth breathing
• Open lip posturing (short upper lip)
• Speech difficulties when forming /t/, /d/, /n/, /l/, /s/, /z/, /sh/
• Range of motion
• Tongue thrusting - tongue protruding between or against the upper and/or lower front or back teeth