Orthodontic Relapse Therapy

Orthodontic relapse, the tendency for teeth to shift back to their original position after braces or aligners have been removed, is a common and frustrating problem. While wearing a retainer is a crucial part of preventing this, it only addresses the symptom, not the underlying cause. Myofunctional therapy provides a powerful solution by addressing the muscular habits that can undo years of orthodontic work.

​Here’s how Myofunctional Therapy helps with orthodontic relapse and retention:

• It Addresses the Root Cause of Misalignment: The position of your teeth is not just determined by genetics or space; it's also shaped by the constant forces from the muscles of the tongue, lips, and cheeks. Improper habits, such as a low-resting tongue or a tongue thrust swallow, can exert consistent pressure on the teeth, pushing them out of alignment.
• Proper Tongue Posture: The most critical element is the tongue's resting position. A healthy tongue should rest entirely on the roof of the mouth, acting as a natural palate expander and an internal retainer for the upper jaw and teeth. When the tongue rests low on the floor of the mouth, it doesn't provide this support, and the cheeks can exert inward pressure on the teeth, leading to a narrow arch and crowded teeth. Myofunctional therapy retrains the tongue to rest in its proper position, creating a stable foundation for the teeth.
• Correcting Swallowing Patterns: A tongue thrust is a dysfunctional swallow pattern where the tongue pushes forward against the front teeth instead of against the roof of the mouth. The average person swallows hundreds of times a day, so this constant force can be powerful enough to push teeth out of alignment. Myofunctional therapy teaches the correct swallowing pattern, which helps stabilize the teeth and bite. 
• It Reinforces the Work of Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatment mechanically moves teeth into a new, straighter position. Myofunctional therapy complements this by creating a balanced muscular environment that supports the new alignment.
• ​Preparation for Orthodontics: When a patient undergoes myofunctional therapy before or during orthodontic treatment, it can make the process more efficient. By establishing proper muscle function and a stable tongue position, the teeth can move more predictably, sometimes leading to a shorter time in braces and a reduced need for extractions.
• ​Support During Orthodontics: The exercises can help the tongue stay off the teeth, preventing it from working against the forces of braces or aligners.
• ​Post-Treatment Retention: Once the braces are off, retainers are essential, but they cannot stop the force of a tongue thrust or an improper resting posture. By correcting these habits, myofunctional therapy becomes the biological retainer, ensuring that the muscular forces around the teeth are balanced and supportive, rather than disruptive. This greatly reduces the risk of relapse.
• It Promotes Overall Orofacial Health: Beyond just retention, Myofunctional therapy improves a variety of related issues that contribute to a healthy, stable mouth.
• Nasal Breathing: Many people who have crooked teeth and improper swallowing habits are also mouth breathers. Chronic mouth breathing can negatively affect facial development and create a cascade of other health issues. Myofunctional therapy promotes nasal breathing, which is essential for proper tongue posture and long-term stability.
• ​Improved Muscle Tone: The exercises strengthen weak muscles and relax overactive ones, leading to a more harmonious muscular system in the face and jaw. This can also help alleviate issues like TMJ pain and headaches.

​By addressing the "why" behind crooked teeth—the improper muscle function—myofunctional therapy provides a powerful, long-term solution to the problem of orthodontic relapse. It treats the cause, not just the symptom, leading to more stable and lasting results.