General & preventive
Myofunctional therapy
Gentle exercises that retrain the muscles of the mouth and face, to improve breathing, tongue position and jaw development.
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.
Worth the visit
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?
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.How we look after nervous patients →
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.
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Related care
Caring for St Kilda East and the surrounding suburbs. See the areas we serve →
We’re here whenever you’re ready
Book a consultation and we'll be in touch within one business day.
364 Dandenong Rd, St Kilda East VIC 3183
Opening hours
- Monday8.30am – 5.00pm
- Tue – Wed8.30am – 6.00pm
- Thu – Fri8.30am – 5.00pm
- Saturday9.00am – 4.00pm
- SundayClosed
Caring for families on the corner of Dandenong Road since 1980, across Melbourne's inner south-east.
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