Myofunctional Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA

At Shore Smiles, we now proudly offer myofunctional therapy in Virginia Beach—a modern approach to long-term oral and airway health. Led by our certified myofunctional therapist and hygienist, Melani Mize, this new service helps patients improve breathing, resolve TMJ issues, and support lasting orthodontic results.

Schedule Your Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the muscles of your mouth, face, and jaw. Through a series of targeted exercises, we retrain oral muscles to function in harmony, correcting poor breathing patterns, tongue posture, and swallowing mechanics.

At Shore Smiles, this therapy bridges dental care with whole-body health. By addressing the root cause of issues like mouth breathing or jaw pain, we help patients see improvements that go beyond the smile.

Many patients struggle with chronic symptoms that never seem to go away. Often, the underlying cause is poor oral muscle function. Myofunctional therapy helps treat:

Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, poor sleep, and even facial development issues in children. We help patients transition to nasal breathing for better oxygen intake.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Myofunctional therapy supports treatment for sleep apnea or snoring by improving tongue and jaw positioning. Learn more about our sleep apnea treatment.

TMJ and Jaw Pain

Improper oral muscle function often contributes to tension and TMJ discomfort. Learn how therapy complements our TMJ treatment.

Orthodontic Relapse

Without correcting tongue posture and habits, teeth can shift after orthodontics. Myofunctional therapy helps maintain results from treatments like Invisalign.

Meet Melani Mize: Certified Myofunctional Therapist

Melani Mize, Shore Smiles' lead hygienist, is certified in orofacial myofunctional therapy. With advanced training and years of clinical experience, Melani brings a unique skill set to Virginia Beach.

Her approach combines evidence-based care with personalized attention, helping patients across Newtown, Lake Lawson, Aragona Village, and the greater Virginia Beach area breathe, sleep, and feel better.

Melani collaborates directly with our team of dentists to ensure therapy aligns with your dental treatment plan.

We follow a proven, results-based method designed to improve oral function and overall wellness. This three-step approach ensures customized care every step of the way.

Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis

Your journey begins with a detailed assessment of:

• Breathing patterns and nasal airway
• Tongue posture and oral rest position
• Swallowing mechanics
• Jaw function and facial muscle balance

Personalized Treatment Plan

After evaluation, Melani creates a customized program that may include:

• Tongue and jaw exercises
• Neuromuscular retraining
• Habit correction (e.g., thumb sucking, nail-biting)

Each plan is tailored to your needs, whether you’re managing TMJ pain or supporting your child’s development.

Ongoing Support and Progress

Consistency is key to long-term results. Most patients attend 10 to 12 biweekly sessions. We monitor progress closely and adjust exercises as needed to support your goals. All therapy is individualized, and we ensure that care integrates with any dental, orthodontic, or sleep-related treatment.

Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?

We work with children, teens, and adults. You may be a good candidate for therapy if you experience:

• Chronic nasal congestion or snoring
• Tongue thrust or open bite
• Difficulty with speech sounds or articulation
• TMJ pain or jaw clicking
• Orthodontic relapse
• A low or improper tongue resting posture
• Mouth breathing

This therapy is especially beneficial for young patients in children’s dentistry and adults exploring full smile makeovers or airway-focused dentistry.

Ready to Improve Your Breathing, Sleep, and Smile?

Whether you're looking to reduce TMJ pain, improve your child’s sleep, or support your Invisalign results, myofunctional therapy may be the key. Melani Mize and the Shore Smiles team are here to help.

Schedule Your Evaluation with Melani Mize

What does myofunctional therapy treat?

Myofunctional therapy addresses improper function of the tongue, jaw, and facial muscles, which can contribute to mouth breathing, TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, and orthodontic instability.

Is myofunctional therapy only for kids?

No. We treat patients of all ages, from children with speech or breathing issues to adults with TMJ pain or orthodontic concerns.

How long does treatment take?

Most programs include 10 to 12 sessions spaced biweekly, but treatment length varies depending on the patient's needs and goals.

Can it help with sleep apnea?

Yes. Myofunctional therapy can support treatment of obstructive sleep apnea by improving airway tone and promoting nasal breathing.

Is myofunctional therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. We can help you verify your benefits and explore flexible payment options during your consultation.

Looking for a Dentist in Virginia Beach Who Treats the Root Cause?

Shore Smiles is your local home for comprehensive, patient-first dental care in Virginia Beach. We don’t just treat symptoms; we address what’s causing them. From routine dental cleanings to TMJ therapy, we’re here to help you and your family thrive.

Schedule an Appointment Today