When people think about orthodontics, they usually picture braces, aligners, or retainers moving teeth into a beautiful new smile. But what many don’t realize is that the muscles of the mouth — especially the tongue, lips, and cheeks — play a major role in long-term orthodontic success. These muscles exert gentle, constant forces on the teeth, and if they are not functioning properly, they can contribute to orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting back after treatment).
A recent review article, “Understanding Orthodontic Relapse — The Impact of Oral Musculature on Treatment Outcomes: A Literature Review” (Genesis Publications, 2025), underscores just how significant these muscular forces are in determining treatment stability.
Key Insights from the Literature
-
Relapse is Multifactorial
Orthodontic relapse is influenced by many factors — growth, genetics, retention methods, and especially oral musculature. -
The Tongue’s Role
Abnormal tongue posture, tongue thrusting, or a low resting tongue position can create pressure against the teeth, increasing the risk of relapse — particularly in cases like anterior open bite. -
Habits That Interfere
Thumb sucking, nail biting, and mouth breathing can reinforce dysfunctional muscular forces, undermining orthodontic corrections. -
Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters
The review highlights the importance of addressing the cause of these imbalances. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) works to retrain tongue posture, normalize swallowing, and establish nasal breathing patterns. This creates harmony between teeth and muscles, reducing the risk of relapse.
What This Means for Patients
At MyoAir, we integrate this evidence into our daily practice. Orthodontics can align the teeth, but lasting results depend on balanced muscle function. Myofunctional therapy helps patients:
-
Maintain orthodontic corrections more effectively
-
Improve breathing and swallowing function
-
Eliminate habits that interfere with stability
-
Support a healthier airway and long-term oral wellness
Whether you’re in Florida (Vero Beach, Melbourne) or Long Island, New York, our team of highly trained myofunctional therapists is here to help patients achieve both a beautiful smile and the functional stability needed to keep it for life.
Our Commitment at MyoAir
We work hand-in-hand with orthodontists, dentists, and medical professionals across Florida and Long Island to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care — combining orthodontic treatment with functional training for the best possible long-term outcomes.
When people think about orthodontics, they usually picture braces, aligners, or retainers moving teeth into a beautiful new smile. But what many don’t realize is that the muscles of the mouth — especially the tongue, lips, and cheeks — play a major role in long-term orthodontic success. These muscles exert gentle, constant forces on the teeth, and if they are not functioning properly, they can contribute to orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting back after treatment).
A recent review article, “Understanding Orthodontic Relapse — The Impact of Oral Musculature on Treatment Outcomes: A Literature Review” (Genesis Publications, 2025), underscores just how significant these muscular forces are in determining treatment stability.
Key Insights from the Literature
-
Relapse is Multifactorial
Orthodontic relapse is influenced by many factors — growth, genetics, retention methods, and especially oral musculature. -
The Tongue’s Role
Abnormal tongue posture, tongue thrusting, or a low resting tongue position can create pressure against the teeth, increasing the risk of relapse — particularly in cases like anterior open bite. -
Habits That Interfere
Thumb sucking, nail biting, and mouth breathing can reinforce dysfunctional muscular forces, undermining orthodontic corrections. -
Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters
The review highlights the importance of addressing the cause of these imbalances. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) works to retrain tongue posture, normalize swallowing, and establish nasal breathing patterns. This creates harmony between teeth and muscles, reducing the risk of relapse.
What This Means for Patients
At MyoAir, we integrate this evidence into our daily practice. Orthodontics can align the teeth, but lasting results depend on balanced muscle function. Myofunctional therapy helps patients:
-
Maintain orthodontic corrections more effectively
-
Improve breathing and swallowing function
-
Eliminate habits that interfere with stability
-
Support a healthier airway and long-term oral wellness
Whether you’re in Florida (Vero Beach, Melbourne) or Long Island, New York, our team of highly trained myofunctional therapists is here to help patients achieve both a beautiful smile and the functional stability needed to keep it for life.
Our Commitment at MyoAir
We work hand-in-hand with orthodontists, dentists, and medical professionals across Florida and Long Island to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care — combining orthodontic treatment with functional training for the best possible long-term outcomes.
✨ Takeaway: Orthodontic treatment isn’t complete when the braces come off. Muscles matter — and by addressing them with Myofunctional Therapy, we can help protect your smile for life.
📚 Recommended Reading
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Genesis Publications (2025). Understanding Orthodontic Relapse — The Impact of Oral Musculature on Treatment Outcomes: A Literature Review.
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Alheija et al. (2025). Effects of orolingual myofunctional therapy on snoring – a randomized controlled trial. Acta Oto-Laryngologica.
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[Springer Clinical Oral Investigations] (2025). Brief orofacial myofunctional therapy and tongue pressure as prediction factors for open bite correction: a randomized clinical trial.
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Peter J. (2025). Clear Tongue Crib and Clear Tongue Cage Appliance. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry.
