Adult Myofunctional Therapy in Orange County

Specialized therapy for adults addressing tongue posture, oral function, swallowing patterns, speech, and orofacial movement.

Myofunctional therapy isn't just for children.

Adults may experience longstanding or newly recognized patterns involving tongue posture, tongue thrust, oral resting posture, swallowing, speech, tongue mobility, or other aspects of orofacial function.

At The Speech Dr., Dr. Bri Langlas, EdD, CCC-SLP, combines her expertise as a speech-language pathologist with specialized training in myofunctional therapy to evaluate how these systems work together and develop an individualized treatment plan.

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What Is Adult Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy focuses on the function and coordination of the tongue, lips, jaw, and other structures involved in oral and orofacial movement.

Rather than focusing on one isolated muscle or exercise, therapy considers how these structures function together during everyday activities such as speaking, swallowing, and maintaining appropriate oral resting posture.

Depending on the individual's needs, therapy may address:

Tongue resting posture
Tongue thrust
Lip closure and oral resting posture
Tongue mobility and coordination
Swallowing patterns
Speech production
Oral awareness and motor control
Tongue-tie or restricted tongue mobility
Pre- and post-frenectomy function
Oral habits
Orofacial patterns associated with orthodontic concerns

Treatment recommendations are based on each person's evaluation, functional needs, and goals.

Signs an Adult May Benefit From a Myofunctional Evaluation

Adults may seek an evaluation because they have noticed a concern themselves or because another healthcare professional has recommended myofunctional therapy.

Possible reasons for an evaluation include persistent tongue thrust, difficulty maintaining an appropriate tongue resting posture, open-mouth resting posture, speech concerns, atypical swallowing patterns, restricted tongue movement, or concerns related to a tongue-tie.

Some adults are first introduced to myofunctional therapy while undergoing orthodontic treatment or considering a frenectomy.

An evaluation helps determine whether an orofacial myofunctional pattern is actually present and whether therapy is appropriate.

Tongue Thrust in Adults

Tongue thrust can persist into adulthood.

An adult tongue thrust may involve the tongue moving forward or pressing against or between the teeth during swallowing, speech, or at rest.

Because tongue posture and movement patterns can interact with speech, swallowing, and the dental environment, identifying the underlying functional pattern is important.

When treatment is indicated, therapy focuses on developing improved awareness, coordination, and functional movement patterns rather than simply practicing isolated tongue exercises.

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Adult Tongue-Tie & Frenectomy Support

Some adults discover restricted tongue mobility later in life or are referred for evaluation before a possible tongue-tie release.

When clinically appropriate, therapy may be recommended before and/or after a frenectomy to address tongue awareness, mobility, coordination, and functional movement patterns.

The goal is not simply to increase how far the tongue can move, but to help the individual use available movement effectively during functional activities.

Dr. Bri can collaborate with dentists, oral surgeons, ENTs, orthodontists, and other providers involved in care.

Myofunctional Therapy & Orthodontics

Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment may also be referred for evaluation of tongue posture, tongue thrust, or other oral-function patterns.

Teeth and oral structures are influenced by many factors, and myofunctional therapy does not guarantee orthodontic outcomes.

However, when an orofacial myofunctional disorder is present, therapy may address functional patterns that coexist with orthodontic concerns.

Collaboration with the treating orthodontist or dentist may be recommended.

Speech & Oral Function

The tongue plays an important role in both speech and oral function.

When an adult presents with speech concerns alongside differences in tongue mobility, coordination, or oral posture, Dr. Bri's combined background in speech-language pathology and myofunctional therapy allows these areas to be considered together.

This is particularly valuable when determining whether a speech concern is primarily articulatory, related to an orofacial myofunctional pattern, or involves multiple contributing factors.

Swallowing Concerns

Myofunctional therapy frequently considers the oral movements and patterns involved in swallowing.

However, an atypical swallowing pattern is different from dysphagia, which is a swallowing disorder that may require a more comprehensive speech-language pathology evaluation and, in some cases, instrumental or medical assessment.

Adults experiencing coughing or choking during meals, difficulty swallowing, food sticking, significant changes in swallowing, or swallowing difficulties associated with a neurological or medical condition should receive appropriate dysphagia evaluation.

Learn More About Swallowing & Dysphagia Therapy →

Neurological Conditions

Adults with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or other neurological diagnoses may experience changes involving speech, oral-motor coordination, secretion management, or swallowing.

These concerns require a neurological speech-language pathology perspective rather than simply being categorized as a traditional myofunctional disorder.

Dr. Bri may incorporate principles of myofunctional therapy into treatment when clinically appropriate while addressing the individual's broader neurological communication or swallowing needs.

Learn More About Neurological Speech & Myofunctional Therapy →

Why Choose The Speech Dr.?

Dr. Bri's background as a speech-language pathologist and myofunctional therapist allows her to look beyond an isolated symptom.

Evaluation considers the relationship among speech, tongue movement, oral posture, swallowing, and overall orofacial function.

When another medical or dental professional should be involved, collaborative care or referral may be recommended.

Not Sure If Myofunctional Therapy Is Right for You?

You don't need to determine the diagnosis or type of therapy on your own.

If you are experiencing concerns involving tongue posture, tongue thrust, speech, swallowing patterns, tongue mobility, or other aspects of oral function, a consultation can help determine the appropriate next step.

Schedule an Adult Myofunctional Therapy Consultation

Start with a consultation with The Speech Dr. to discuss your concerns and determine whether a myofunctional evaluation, speech-language evaluation, swallowing evaluation, or referral to another provider is appropriate.