When a child struggles to breathe properly at night, parents often assume surgery is the only solution. But there’s a gentler path. Myofunctional therapy uses simple, guided exercises to strengthen the oral and facial muscles that support healthy breathing. This natural approach helps restore restful sleep and growing confidence without invasive procedures.
Understanding Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy works like physical therapy for the mouth, tongue, and face. Through easy, age-appropriate exercises, children learn to position their tongue correctly, close their lips gently, and breathe through their nose instead of the mouth. Over time, these small adjustments train muscles to maintain open airways naturally during sleep.
Dr. Bethaney Brenner has cared for Burlington families since 1980, helping children overcome breathing and sleep challenges through personalized, non-surgical care. Her gentle approach emphasizes the body’s natural ability to heal and grow stronger with the right support. For many families, myofunctional therapy offers real hope when surgery feels like the only option.
In simple terms:
- Children practice daily exercises to strengthen airway muscles
- The therapy improves tongue and lip control for easier nasal breathing
- Consistent practice retrains natural breathing habits for life
Why Early Treatment Matters
Pediatric sleep apnea affects 1–4% of children nationwide, millions of kids struggling for oxygen every night. Yet many cases go unnoticed because parents think snoring or restless sleep are harmless. The truth is, disrupted breathing can affect brain growth, behavior, and heart health.
Every time breathing pauses, oxygen drops and the body releases stress hormones. Over months and years, this constant strain can lead to attention problems, hyperactivity, and poor school performance. Left untreated, sleep apnea can even affect how a child’s face and jaws develop.
The earlier the condition is identified, the easier it is to treat. Myofunctional therapy can often resolve symptoms before they become severe enough to require surgery. Early screening helps protect your child’s development and restores peaceful nights for the whole family.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
Myofunctional therapy follows the same principles as muscle rehabilitation elsewhere in the body. By strengthening weak muscles around the airway, it prevents collapse during sleep and supports better breathing 24/7. The exercises are fun, interactive, and adapted to each child’s age and abilities.
Table: Key Components of Myofunctional Therapy
| Therapy Focus | What It Does | How It Helps Sleep Apnea |
| Tongue exercises | Build tongue strength and correct position | Keeps airway open by preventing tongue collapse |
| Lip training | Improves lip seal and oral posture | Encourages nose breathing instead of mouth breathing |
| Breathing practice | Teaches calm, nasal breathing patterns | Reduces airway strain and oxygen dips |
| Swallowing correction | Coordinates muscles during eating | Prevents airway obstruction and promotes balance |
| Posture alignment | Encourages proper head and neck position | Maintains open airway during rest |
Most children start noticing improvements within a few weeks; less snoring, fewer nighttime awakenings, and better mood during the day. Over time, these new habits become automatic.
Breaking Common Myths
Many families hesitate to try myofunctional therapy because of misinformation. Here are the most common myths and the facts:
Myth 1: “Only surgery fixes sleep apnea.”
Fact: Surgery helps in some cases, but myofunctional therapy can improve or resolve symptoms without surgical risks.
Myth 2: “It’s not real medical treatment.”
Fact: Research consistently shows that strengthening oral muscles improves airway function and sleep quality.
Myth 3: “The exercises are too hard for young kids.”
Fact: Exercises are simple, fun, and tailored to each child’s developmental level.
Myth 4: “It takes too long to see results.”
Fact: Many children show noticeable progress in just a few weeks of consistent practice.
Myth 5: “Insurance won’t cover it.”
Fact: Coverage varies, but many plans include myofunctional therapy as part of airway or orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Brenner helps families navigate these questions with clarity and compassion. Her decades of experience mean parents can trust her guidance and focus on their child’s wellbeing, not confusing medical jargon.
What to Expect During Treatment
The first visit includes a full evaluation of how your child breathes, swallows, and holds their tongue and lips at rest. Dr. Brenner and her team demonstrate simple exercises and show parents how to practice them at home. Consistency matters most and daily repetition builds strength and forms lasting habits.
Each session builds on the last, introducing new movements as your child’s coordination improves. The process becomes a game rather than a chore, keeping children motivated and engaged. Parents play a vital role by encouraging practice and celebrating small victories along the way.
Parents often notice:
- Softer, quieter breathing at night
- Less tossing and turning
- Improved mood and focus at school
- More energy and better morning wake-ups
These small changes add up to a big difference in your child’s health and happiness.
Combining Therapies for Best Results
Myofunctional therapy can be even more effective when combined with other gentle treatments. Orthodontic interventions, such as palate expanders, help widen narrow arches to create more space for airflow. Myofunctional exercises then teach the muscles to maintain that open space naturally.
Lifestyle and environment matter too. Healthy routines and small home changes support better breathing and restful sleep.
Simple home steps that help:
- Keep bedrooms cool (68–72°F) for easier breathing
- Use air purifiers or HEPA filters to reduce allergens
- Elevate the head of the bed slightly to promote airflow
- Maintain consistent bedtimes and sleep routines
- Encourage nose breathing during daytime activities
Weight management also plays a role when excess weight contributes to airway narrowing. Balanced nutrition and daily movement complement therapy for the best long-term results.
Tracking Progress and Results
Dr. Brenner’s team tracks progress carefully. Parents receive clear benchmarks for improvement and guidance at every stage. Many families choose to document changes in snoring, sleep behavior, and daytime alertness. These real-world observations pair with follow-up evaluations to confirm success.
Better sleep quality remains the primary goal. Over time, parents report less snoring, more restful nights, and children who wake feeling refreshed. Follow-up sleep studies can confirm reduced apnea events and improved oxygen levels.
Success looks different for each child, but the outcome is the same. Better breathing, better sleep, and healthier growth.
Building a Collaborative Care Team
Effective myofunctional therapy often includes collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Each specialist contributes a piece of the puzzle.
- Myofunctional therapist: Leads exercise training and progress tracking.
- Dentist or orthodontist: Evaluates oral structures and coordinates supportive treatments.
- Sleep specialist: Provides diagnostic sleep testing and follow-up assessments.
- Pediatrician: Monitors growth, development, and behavioral improvements.
Dr. Brenner’s advanced orthodontic training and experience with multidisciplinary care ensure each child’s treatment plan fits their unique needs. Her long-standing involvement in Connecticut’s dental community, through the Connecticut State Dental Association Board of Governors, reflects her dedication to collaborative, patient-centered care.
Preventing Sleep Apnea Before It Starts
Early awareness and intervention can prevent sleep-disordered breathing from becoming serious. Teaching children proper oral posture and breathing habits during growth helps avoid future airway problems.
Parents can help by:
- Encouraging nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing
- Reducing pacifier or thumb-sucking habits early
- Promoting good posture and healthy nutrition
- Maintaining allergy control to prevent congestion
- Watching for early signs of restless sleep or loud snoring
Prevention is always easier than correction. Starting healthy breathing habits early helps children grow into healthier, more energetic adults.
Taking the Next Step
If your child snores, breathes through their mouth at night, or seems constantly tired despite sleeping enough, gentle solutions are available. Myofunctional therapy offers a natural path to better breathing and sleep without the stress of surgery.
Dr. Bethaney Brenner welcomes Burlington and Central Connecticut families to explore this holistic approach. Her 40 years of experience, advanced training, and caring team make her practice a trusted destination for airway and sleep health.
Call (860) 673-7155 or visit 276 Spielman Highway, Burlington, CT to schedule an airway and myofunctional evaluation. You can also learn more at drbethaneybrenner.com. A few simple exercises could change how your child breathes, sleeps, and grows—for life.
Book Your Consultation Today!
Dr. Bethaney B. Brenner DMD
8 Milford St, Burlington, CT 06013
Frequently Asked Questions
What is myofunctional therapy for children?
Myofunctional therapy uses fun, guided exercises that strengthen oral and facial muscles. Children learn proper tongue placement, lip closure, and nasal breathing to keep airways open naturally. It’s safe, simple, and tailored to each child’s needs.
How long does it take to see results?
Most families notice improvement within 3–6 weeks of consistent practice. Snoring softens, sleep quality improves, and children wake more refreshed. Long-term benefits build over several months as new habits become automatic.
Can myofunctional therapy replace surgery?
In many cases, yes. For children with mild to moderate sleep apnea, therapy can resolve symptoms without surgery. For more complex cases, it often complements other treatments to achieve lasting results.
The information on this page is provided to help you understand general dental care and the preventive services we offer. It’s not a substitute for professional diagnosis or individualized treatment. Every patient’s needs are different, and your dentist will evaluate your oral health before recommending any specific care or procedure. (For personalized guidance, please schedule an appointment with a licensed dental professional.)
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