Myofunctional Therapy at Smile Wellness in Hoboken, NJ
At Smile Wellness, we believe in treating the root causes of oral health issues to promote long-term wellness. That’s why we’re proud to offer myofunctional therapy — a specialized treatment that focuses on the function and coordination of the muscles in the mouth and face.
Whether you’re dealing with sleep-disordered breathing, jaw discomfort, or orthodontic concerns, myofunctional therapy can play a vital role in improving your overall oral and physical health.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a structured program of exercises designed to improve the strength, function, and coordination of the oral and facial muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in:
Breathing
Chewing and swallowing
Speaking
Facial and jaw development
By addressing improper oral habits, such as mouth breathing or tongue thrusting, myofunctional therapy helps optimize these functions, leading to improved health and comfort.
Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is beneficial for patients of all ages, including:
Children: Promotes proper jaw and airway development and prevents long-term oral health issues.
Orthodontic Patients: Supports teeth alignment and prevents relapse after braces or aligners.
Sleep Apnea Sufferers: Encourages nasal breathing and optimizes airway function.
Signs You May Need Myofunctional Therapy
Consider myofunctional therapy if you or your child experience:
Chronic mouth breathing
Difficulty chewing or swallowing properly
Speech challenges like lisping or mispronunciation
Jaw pain or tension
Sleep issues, such as snoring or restless sleep
Orthodontic concerns, including misaligned teeth or narrow palates
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
At Smile Wellness, we create personalized myofunctional therapy plans tailored to your needs. Your therapy program may include:
Breathing Exercises: To promote nasal breathing and reduce mouth breathing habits.
Tongue Placement Training: Ensures the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth to support proper jaw development and airway health.
Swallowing Techniques: Corrects tongue thrusting and improves swallowing patterns.
Habit Elimination: Guides patients in stopping thumb sucking, nail biting, or other habits affecting oral health.
Why Choose Smile Wellness for Myofunctional Therapy?
At Smile Wellness, we combine expertise in holistic dentistry with a patient-centered approach to care. When you choose us for myofunctional therapy, you can expect:
A comfortable, welcoming environment in the heart of Hoboken, NJ
A team of professionals dedicated to your oral and overall health
Customized treatment plans designed to address your unique needs
A holistic approach that considers the connection between oral health and overall wellness
Jennifer Hotaling, Registered Dental Hygienist & Myofunctional Therapist
Jennifer Hotaling is a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist and Myofunctional Therapist at Smile Wellness, where she combines her expertise in dental care with a passion for improving patients' overall health through myofunctional therapy. Jennifer specializes in the connection between oral health, improved breathing patterns, muscle function, and enhanced overall wellness. She works closely with the top professionals in the field (SLPs, PTs, OTs,etc) to provide a well-rounded treatment plan that supports both dental and overall health, ensuring lasting results.
Prior to her work at Smile Wellness, Jennifer began her career as a Veterinary Technician, working closely with a veterinary dentist in North Carolina. Jennier graduated from her Dental Hygiene program in 2018 and is a graduate of the MyoMasterminds program from the Breathe Institute and has further advanced her skills through continuing education courses by TalkTools and Robyn Merkel-Walsh. Her commitment to staying current with the latest advancements in both dental hygiene and myofunctional therapy allows her to provide the highest standard of care to her patients.
Jennifer thoroughly enjoys working with both children and adults, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual and fostering a comfortable, welcoming environment for all her patients.
Ready to get started?
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced smile.
