Myofunctional Therapy for Crowded Teeth

At Urbana Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that behind every crowded smile is a story. As a parent, it can be overwhelming to notice your child's teeth coming in without enough space or to worry about what that means long-term.

That's why we offer more than just treatment—we offer understanding, early guidance, and solutions rooted in prevention.

One of the tools we use to support healthy growth is myofunctional therapy for crowded teeth.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a gentle, non-invasive approach that helps retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth. These muscles play a key role in your child's ability to breathe, swallow, and develop a healthy jaw.

When those muscles aren't working in harmony—due to things like mouth breathing, low tongue posture, or thumb-sucking—your child's facial development can be impacted. This often leads to crowding of permanent teeth.

Instead of waiting until braces are needed, we aim to intervene early—helping prevent or minimize the need for future orthodontics. For some children with restricted oral tissues, a pediatric frenectomy may be recommended as part of comprehensive treatment.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy

Parents often ask how to recognize when myofunctional therapy might help their child. Here are key signs to watch for:

• Mouth breathing – Consistently breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, especially during sleep

• Tongue thrust – Pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing

• Tongue tie – Restricted tongue movement that can affect speech and swallowing

• Persistent thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age 4

• Speech difficulties – Especially with sounds like "s," "z," "t," "d," "l," and "n"

• Forward head posture – Head consistently positioned forward of the shoulders

• Crowded or crooked teeth developing as permanent teeth erupt

• Frequent allergies, congestion, or snoring – Which may contribute to mouth breathing

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing – Including messy eating or food aversions

Recognizing these signs early allows us to address underlying muscle patterns before they significantly impact your child's development. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends early intervention for oral development concerns.

A Local Story: Emma's Journey Myofunctional Therapy for Crowded Teeth

Emma, a 6-year-old from Ijamsville, came to us with several of these warning signs. Her parents first noticed her frequent mouth breathing, especially at night, and were concerned when they saw crowding developing in her lower teeth. They also mentioned she seemed tired during the day and sometimes struggled to focus in kindergarten.

Upon examination, we observed that Emma's tongue rested in a low position in her mouth rather than up against the roof where it ideally belongs. This low tongue posture, combined with her habitual mouth breathing, was affecting her jaw development and contributing to her dental crowding.

After a full evaluation, we recommended myofunctional therapy for crowded teeth to strengthen her oral muscles and encourage nasal breathing. With fun, at-home exercises and support from our team, Emma learned to keep her lips together, breathe through her nose, and position her tongue properly at rest and while swallowing.

Within months, her breathing improved, her jaw developed more naturally, and her teeth began aligning—with less intervention than expected. Her parents also reported she was sleeping soundly through the night and had more energy during the day.

Now? She's sleeping better, breathing easier, eating more comfortably, and smiling brighter—all thanks to early intervention.

What Parents Are Saying

We're so grateful to the families who've shared their experiences. Here's what a few local parents have said:

"After a month our baby is doing amazing and we have seen huge benefits from the procedure… Truly cannot recommend this practice enough." – Jennifer F., Urbana mom of a 3-month-old

"Everyone here is kind, patient and wonderful with kids… Dr. Dina is a great dentist. They answer any questions you have and you will never feel judged." – Krysten, mom of a toddler from Monrovia

"We had our happy baby back who was eating better, sleeping better, and no longer crying constantly from his gas and reflux pain. Truly life changing!" – Nester C., new parent in Frederick

FAQ: Myofunctional Therapy & Crowded Teeth

Does myofunctional therapy really help with crowding? Yes, especially when started early. It supports better jaw development, airway health, and oral habits—creating more space for permanent teeth. According to the American Association of Orofacial Myology (AAOM), proper oral function is essential for facial growth and development.

What age can my child start? Most kids can begin evaluation around age 4 to 6. But signs like mouth breathing, speech delay, or sleep issues can show up earlier—and we're happy to take a look. For infants, issues like lip ties affecting breastfeeding may indicate the need for earlier intervention.

Will insurance cover it? Some plans may offer coverage, especially if therapy is linked to speech or airway concerns. We'll help you navigate those questions and connect you with trusted local providers. The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) provides resources for understanding treatment options and insurance considerations.

Our Gentle Philosophy

As a pediatric dental specialist and mom, I believe in helping children thrive—not just treating teeth. Every child's journey is unique, and so is their care.

We don't rush. We don't pressure. We listen, evaluate, and partner with you to make sure your child receives the care they deserve. For parents considering procedures like a frenectomy, we've created a comprehensive parent's guide to pediatric frenectomy to help you understand the process.

Let's Talk

Whether you're in Ijamsville, Monrovia, Frederick, or anywhere nearby—we're here when you're ready.📞 Call us today or book a gentle consultation to talk about your child's growth, smile, and breathing. Let's work together to build a strong foundation for your child's lifelong health and confidence.

Dr. Dina Chehab is a board-certified pediatric dentist with advanced training in airway-focused care. She leads Urbana Pediatric Dentistry with a heart for early intervention, special needs care, and empowering families through education. Learn more about our specialized services and patient success stories.