Strengthen Oral Muscles, Improve Airway & Function
At Smile Wellness, we treat the root causes of oral and airway issues. Myofunctional therapy focuses on proper tongue, lip, and facial muscle function, supporting breathing, swallowing, speech, and jaw development. Every program is tailored to the patient — whether it’s integrated with early orthodontics, functional frenuloplasty, or holistic care for adults.
Myofunctional therapy is a structured program of exercises that improves the strength, coordination, and function of the oral and facial muscles. These muscles are essential for:
Nasal breathing and airway health
Chewing, swallowing, and proper tongue posture
Speech clarity
Facial and jaw development
Long-term oral health
Why It Matters:
Improper oral habits — like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or chronic congestion — can contribute to cavities, gum disease, sleep disruption, jaw tension, and relapse after orthodontic treatment. Myofunctional therapy addresses these habits proactively.
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
Integrative dentistry doesn’t mean alternative. It means thoughtful. It means asking:
Children: Supports jaw growth, airway development, and prevents long-term oral issues. Includes nasal hygiene education, because open-mouth breathing increases cavity risk.
Tongue Placement Training: Guides proper tongue posture to support jaw growth, airway, and alignment.
Swallowing Techniques: Corrects tongue thrusting and optimizes swallowing mechanics
Habit Elimination: Addresses thumb-sucking, nail-biting, and other behaviors that affect oral health.
Red Light Therapy: Optional support for TMJ tension, teeth grinding, and fascial relaxation.
Integrated Care: Every pediatric therapy visit is paired with a myofunctional hygienist to guide nasal and oral hygiene, ensuring prevention of cavities, gum issues, and airway compromise.
FUNCTIONAL FRENULOPLASTY & ORTHODONTICS SUPPORT
Jennifer Hotaling, our in-house myofunctional therapist, collaborates with Dr. Kapoor for functional frenuloplasty and early orthodontics.
Supports proper tongue, lip, and jaw function
Works with Haas tissue expanders, myofunctional appliances, and Invisalign
Prevents orthodontic relapse
Guides breathing and oral posture for long-term health
WHY CHOOSE SMILE WELLNESS FOR MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
Expertise in pediatric and adult airway, oral function, and orthodontic integration
Holistic, minimally invasive approach tailored to each patient
Team-based care — collaboration with SLPs, PTs, OTs, and ENT providers as needed
Focus on prevention, function, and long-term growth, not “quick fixes.”
MEET JENNIFER HOTALING.
Hygienist, Advanced Training in Myofunctional Therapy
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.
Optimize your child’s or your own oral function, breathing, and long-term health with personalized myofunctional therapy.
