At Restore Modern Dentistry, we believe a healthy smile is about so much more than straight teeth. How a child breathes, swallows, and develops facially can impact everything from sleep to school performance. That’s why we’re proud to offer myofunctional therapy in Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas, led by our dedicated myofunctional therapist, Lindsay Choate.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a science-based program designed to correct improper oral habits, support facial growth, and improve overall health. It focuses on the muscles of the face, mouth, and airway—addressing issues like:
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrusting
- Poor tongue posture
- Difficulty swallowing
- Jaw and facial development problems
When these habits go uncorrected, they can contribute to:
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Sleep disturbances, including snoring and restlessness
- TMJ pain and chronic headaches
- Behavioral or attention challenges in children
- Orthodontic relapse after braces
Our goal at Restore Modern Dentistry is to treat the cause, not just the symptoms—building a healthier foundation for lifelong oral and overall wellness.
Why Families in Northwest Arkansas Need This Approach
Here in Bentonville and throughout NWA, more children than ever are experiencing breathing-related dental and developmental issues. Many parents are surprised to learn that their child’s crowded teeth or frequent nighttime wakeups may actually be linked to airway and muscle function problems, not “just genetics.”
With myofunctional therapy, we can:
- Guide natural jaw and facial development
- Support better, deeper sleep
- Reduce the severity or even the need for braces later on
- Help children breathe through their nose instead of their mouth
- Improve focus, mood, and overall health
This isn’t just dentistry—it’s whole-child health care.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works at Restore Modern Dentistry
With Lindsay Choate leading our program, families can expect a supportive, personalized approach that makes therapy effective and engaging.
Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation
We start with a full assessment of breathing, tongue posture, swallowing, and facial growth patterns to create a customized plan.
Step 2: Therapy Sessions
Most sessions last about 30 minutes. For younger kids, these are primarily in-office. Older children may benefit from a mix of in-person and virtual support.
Step 3: Targeted Exercises
Lindsay works with your child on fun, age-appropriate exercises that strengthen oral and facial muscles, correct posture, and encourage healthy breathing.
Step 4: Ongoing Support & Family Education
We coach parents on what to look for at home—like signs of mouth breathing or poor sleep—and provide strategies to reinforce therapy between visits.
Step 5: Integrated Dental Care
Because we’re a whole-body wellness and cosmetic dental practice in Bentonville, our myofunctional therapy can seamlessly complement orthodontic, restorative, or preventive dental treatments.
Real-World Benefits Parents Notice
When kids complete myofunctional therapy, families often report improvements that go far beyond teeth alignment, including:
- Better, more restful sleep
- Clearer nasal breathing
- Improved speech and swallowing
- Fewer headaches and less jaw tension
- More focus and energy during the day
- Greater confidence in their smile
FAQs About Myofunctional Therapy in Bentonville
How long does therapy take?
Most children complete their program in 8–10 months, though more complex cases may take longer.
Is this a replacement for braces?
Not necessarily. Braces may still be recommended, but by correcting muscle and breathing function first, we reduce the risk of teeth shifting back after orthodontics.
Do parents need to help at home?
Yes—success depends on practicing exercises consistently. We’ll equip you with tools and guidance to make it simple and sustainable.
Is my child too young or too old?
Myofunctional therapy can benefit children as young as preschool age through adolescence. Adults can also see improvements, especially with TMJ issues, snoring, or orthodontic relapse.
Myofunctional Therapy in Northwest Arkansas: Your Next Step
At Restore Modern Dentistry, we’re passionate about giving Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas families a new path toward healthier smiles and healthier lives. With Lindsay Choate’s expertise in myofunctional therapy, your child can experience better breathing, better sleep, and more natural dental development.
👉 Ready to learn more? Schedule a consultation at Restore Modern Dentistry in Bentonville today. Together, we’ll build the foundation for your child’s healthiest smile.