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General & preventive

Myofunctional therapy

Gentle exercises that retrain the muscles of the mouth and face, to improve breathing, tongue position and jaw development.

Gentle, no-judgement care  ·  40+ years local

Service image: Myofunctional therapy
In plain language

What myofunctional therapy is

Myofunctional therapy uses simple, guided exercises to correct habits like mouth breathing and low tongue posture.

These habits can affect breathing, sleep and how teeth and jaws develop, especially in children, and gentle retraining can help.

Why these habits matter

How we breathe and rest the tongue shapes jaw growth and tooth position over time. Left unaddressed, mouth breathing and poor tongue posture can affect development, sleep and orthodontic results.

Encourages nasal breathing

Supports healthier breathing patterns.

Supports development

Especially valuable while children are growing.

Complements orthodontics

Can improve and help hold results.

Is this right for you?

It may help if…

  • You or your child breathe through the mouth, day or night
  • There's snoring or restless sleep
  • The tongue rests low or pushes against the teeth
  • You're starting or finishing orthodontic treatment
  • A dentist has flagged oral-habit concerns
A calm, step-by-step process

How the programme works

1

Assessment

We look at breathing, tongue posture and oral habits.

2

Set goals

We explain what we're aiming to change and why.

3

Learn the exercises

Simple daily exercises we coach you through.

4

Practise at home

Short, regular sessions build the new pattern.

5

Review progress

We track improvement and adjust over time.

Honest about what to expect

What to expect

There's nothing to recover from, but results come from consistency over weeks and months, not overnight. We'll set realistic expectations and support you through the programme.

Thinking about myofunctional therapy?

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“I haven’t been to the dentist in years. I was embarrassed and anxious. The team here made me feel completely at ease — no judgement, just kindness.”

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No surprises

Clear on cost, before anything begins

You'll get a clear written estimate before anything goes ahead, with time to think it over. We claim through HICAPS, and payment plans are available.

See our fees & health fund information →

Common questions

Questions about myofunctional therapy

Who is it for?

Both children and adults with breathing or oral-habit concerns.

Does it replace braces?

No, but it can support and help maintain orthodontic results.

How long does it take?

It varies; consistency matters more than speed.

Is it suitable for young children?

Often yes, we'll assess what's appropriate for their age.

Explore more

Related care

KidsInvisalignFees & funds
Get in touch

We're here whenever you're ready

Book a consultation and we'll be in touch within one business day.

East St Kilda Dental
364 Dandenong Rd, East St Kilda VIC 3183

Opening hours

  • Mon – Thu8.30am – 4.00pm
  • Friday8.30am – 4.30pm
  • Saturday (monthly)8.00am – 4.00pm
  • SundayClosed

Caring for families on the corner of Dandenong Road since 1980, across Melbourne's inner south-east.

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We respond to all enquiries within one business day. Prefer to call? (03) 9527 3678