Myofunctional Therapy in Newtown, PA

Retraining the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face to work the way they're designed to.

Why Mouth Breathing Matters

Many children and adults suffer with issues like ear infections, swollen glands, speech difficulties, digestive problems, and seasonal allergies which can make them feel miserable. The nose filters our air, but without the ability to seal the lips and nasally breathe, air does not filter. Instead, a mouth breather shows a greater degree of oral dryness and irritation. This aids in creating plaque buildup, decay, enlarged tonsils, and even periodontal disease. This may be a missing link when your home care is not making a difference with your bleeding gums.


Nitric Oxide and Why Nasal Breathing Wins

There's a real reason nasal breathing matters. Nitric oxide is produced when you breathe through your nose. It's a vasodilator — it helps your lungs expand and your body absorb oxygen better. People underestimate how much breathing through your nose actually changes how your body functions. Better oxygen, better focus, better sleep, less inflammation.


The Four Goals of Myofunctional Therapy

Therapy targets four essential functions, all day and all night:

  • Nasal breathing — all day and all night
  • Lip seal — all day and all night
  • Correct tongue posture — all day and all night
  • Correct swallowing pattern — all day and all night

What Else It Helps

Myofunctional Therapy can also address Sleep Apnea and snoring, because when mouth and throat muscles are strengthened, snoring and apnea events can be reduced. It also helps with swallowing coordination, open bites caused by tongue thrust, and TMJ symptoms by promoting proper jaw alignment. When these goals are accomplished in a child, proper dental and craniofacial development can follow — promoting greater health overall.


What It Looks Like in Real Life

The best stories come from kids. They come in for their first Myofunctional appointment and the room is loud — fidgeting, restless, lots of noise. As the appointments go on, the room gets quieter. You can almost hear the change happening. Their breathing settles. Their focus settles. Sometimes parents notice the change at home before we even point it out.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional Therapy — also known as Orofacial Myology — is a series of exercises that retrain the muscles of the mouth, tongue, lips, and face to function the way they're designed to. It treats issues like tongue thrust correction, mouth breathing, low tongue posture, and incorrect swallowing patterns. It's similar to physical therapy, but for the orofacial system. Marcie Leuz Lear, BA, BS, RDH, OMT, our Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, leads the program at our practice.


How much does Myofunctional Therapy cost in Newtown, PA?

Cost relates to the number of sessions you need, which varies by patient. At your initial assessment, Marcie will work with you to identify your personal goals and estimate what needs to be developed based on your current function. Your level of practice between sessions also directly impacts both your progress and the total number of sessions needed. We discuss the full plan and pricing after your initial evaluation, before therapy begins. Alphaeon and CareCredit financing are available if needed.


Does Myofunctional Therapy hurt?

Not at all. The exercises are gentle and progressive. Patients work with Marcie in-office and complete short daily exercises at home. Some patients describe muscle fatigue early on (the way you'd feel after starting a new workout), but there is no pain involved.


How long does therapy take?

Programs typically run 6-12 months, with sessions every 2-4 weeks. The exact length depends on the goals and the patient's age and consistency. Children often progress faster than adults. Marcie sets clear milestones along the way so you can see progress as you go.



Meet Marcie, Your Myofunctional Therapist


Marcie is a Registered Dental Hygienist who went a step further, training in orofacial myofunctional therapy to treat the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face. If you or your child are dealing with breathing, sleep, speech, or posture issues, Marcie is often the one who catches it first — and she has a gift for putting even the most restless young patients at ease.


GET IN TOUCH

Myofunctional Therapy in Newtown, PA

➔  Marcie is a certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist

➔  Helps with snoring, swallowing, tongue posture, breathing

➔  For both children and adults

➔  Often a missing piece in airway and bite stability

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is my child a candidate for Myofunctional Therapy?

    Possibly. Common signs in children include mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, behavioral or focus issues that look like ADHD, speech delays, or open bite. If any of these sound familiar, schedule a Myofunctional Assessment with Marcie.

  • Can adults benefit too?

    Absolutely. Adults often come to therapy for snoring, sleep apnea, TMJ, post-orthodontic relapse, or chronic mouth breathing. The exercises work the same way at any age.

  • Will insurance cover Myofunctional Therapy?

    Myofunctional Therapy is not typically covered as a dental benefit. We're upfront about this from the start — you'll know the full cost of your program before committing to anything. Alphaeon and CareCredit financing are available to help spread payments over time.

  • Who provides the therapy?

    Marcie Leuz Lear, BA, BS, RDH, OMT, leads the Myofunctional Therapy program. She has been in dentistry for over 30 years and earned her certification through her ongoing focus on airway health. She also runs her own practice, Myofunctional Makeover.

The Mouth-Body Connection —

Lantzy DMD Blog

Dementia prevention. Sleep apnea. Why your child's behavior might be a breathing problem. Dr. Bob writes about the things most dentists don't, because he believes patients deserve to understand what's really going on.

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Explore the Link Between Your Oral Health and Overall Vitality

Discover the five surprising ways your dental health affects your overall health with our free resource, The Mouth-Body Connection: Why Your Oral Health Shapes Your Whole Health.