Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs & Resources
What the Research Says About Breathing, Sleep & Oral Function
Whether you're just beginning to explore myofunctional therapy or you've been referred by a healthcare provider, this guide is designed to empower you with knowledge, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your next steps.
We believe that informed patients make empowered decisions — and we’re honored to support you on your journey to healthier function and lasting wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What the
Research Says
Myofunctional therapy is supported by peer-reviewed research published in leading medical and dental journals. Below is a curated selection of studies organized by topic. All links open in PubMed or the original journal.
Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Camacho et al. (2015) — Sleep Journal The landmark meta-analysis on OMT and sleep apnea. Analyzed 9 adult studies and found myofunctional therapy reduced the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by approximately 50% in adults and 62% in children. Lowest oxygen saturation, snoring, and daytime sleepiness all improved significantly. View on PubMed →
Saba et al. (2024) — The Laryngoscope The most recent large systematic review and meta-analysis on OMT for OSA. Reviewed 7 randomized controlled trials involving 310 patients. Found statistically significant improvements in AHI, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and oxygen saturation compared to no therapy or sham treatment. View on PubMed →
Meghpara et al. (2022) — Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine Meta-analysis of 15 studies with 237 patients. Mean AHI scores dropped from 28.0 to 18.6 events per hour — a large effect size. Oxygen saturation and daytime sleepiness also improved significantly. View on PubMed →
Diaferia et al. (2017) — Sleep and Breathing Finds that myofunctional therapy significantly improves patient adherence to CPAP treatment in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Important for patients who struggle with CPAP compliance — OMT addresses the underlying muscle dysfunction that makes CPAP uncomfortable or ineffective. View on PubMed →
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
Baxter et al. (2020) — Clinical Pediatrics Prospective cohort study of 37 children (average age 4.2 years) who underwent frenectomy paired with myofunctional exercises. Speech improved in 89%, feeding improved in 83%, and sleep improved in 83% of patients. Half of speech-delayed children said new words after treatment. View on PubMed →
González Garrido et al. (2022) — International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Systematic review of 11 studies on OMT for ankyloglossia. Found that combining frenectomy with myofunctional therapy consistently produces better outcomes than surgery alone — including improvements in tongue mobility, strength, sleep apnea, and oral function. View on PubMed →
Zaghi et al. (2025) — Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Prospective cohort of 445 patients treated with lingual frenuloplasty combined with structured myofunctional therapy. The integrated protocol achieved an 86% patient satisfaction rate with significantly fewer complications compared to surgery without OMT. View Study →
Mouth Breathing & Children
Lee, Guilleminault et al. (2015) — Sleep and Breathing Examines the relationship between mouth breathing, nasal disuse, and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Finds that habitual mouth breathing in children is directly associated with altered airway development and sleep disruption — and that nasal breathing retraining is a critical intervention. View on PubMed →
Martins et al. (2014) — Literature Review Comprehensive review of the mouth breathing syndrome covering prevalence, causes, consequences, and treatment options. Documents the wide-ranging effects of chronic mouth breathing on facial development, dental health, sleep quality, and overall wellness. View Study →
Children (MDPI) — Systematic Review (2023) Systematic review examining OMT's effects on craniomaxillofacial development in children with obstructive sleep apnea. Eight of nine studies reported measurable improvements in facial morphology, muscle function, and breathing after OMT. Short-term therapy improved muscle strength; longer-term therapy produced structural changes. View Study →
Habumugisha et al. (2022) — BMC Pediatrics Controlled trial of 224 children ages 6–10 with functional mouth breathing. Children who received myofunctional treatment showed significant improvements in tongue posture, lip seal, arch development, and breathing patterns compared to untreated controls. View on PubMed →
Tongue Thrust
Van Dyck et al. (2016) — European Journal of Orthodontics Pilot study examining the effect of orofacial myofunctional treatment in children with anterior open bite and tongue dysfunction. Found meaningful improvement in both bite correction and tongue function following OMT, supporting its role alongside orthodontic treatment. View on PubMed →
Justus & Justus (2012) — PMC / National Library of Medicine Examines the effect of tongue thrust swallowing on the position of anterior teeth. Demonstrates the direct mechanical relationship between atypical swallowing patterns and tooth positioning — and why addressing tongue thrust is essential for lasting orthodontic results. View on PubMed →
ADHD & Sleep
Um, Hong & Jeong (2017) — Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience Examines sleep problems as predictors in ADHD — finding that the characteristics associated with ADHD and other attention or behavioral disorders directly overlap with those of poor sleep quality. Supports the case for myofunctional and airway evaluation in children presenting with attention, behavioral, or hyperactivity concerns. View on PubMed →
Orthodontics & Dental Stability
Scoping Review — PMC (2025) Comprehensive scoping review on the effectiveness of OMT for orofacial myofunctional disorders including tongue thrust, lip incompetence, mouth breathing, and atypical swallowing. Found consistent evidence supporting OMT's role in improving nasal breathing, lip seal, and swallowing patterns — all key factors in long-term orthodontic stability. View on PMC →
General OMT Effectiveness
AOMT Research Library The Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy maintains a curated library of research supporting OMT across sleep medicine, dentistry, and whole-body wellness. Visit the AOMT Research Library →
Have questions about how this research applies to your specific situation? We're happy to walk you through what the evidence means for you during your free evaluation.