What Is Myofunctional Health — And Why Early Intervention Matters
Myofunctional health refers to the proper function of the muscles of the face, mouth, tongue and airway - how a child breathes, where their tongue rests, how they swallow and how their jaws grow. When these functions are off (mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, poor swallowing patterns, narrow jaws), it can lead to misaligned teeth, crowded arches, bite issues, airway problems, even sleep or speech issues as kids grow.
That’s why many parents are turning to early‑intervention myofunctional orthodontics — interventions done when children are still young and growing, aiming to support natural jaw and airway development and reduce the need for major braces or extractions down the line.
Before starting myofunctional or early orthodontic treatment, it’s important to understand that consistency is key—children typically need to wear appliances daily, sometimes overnight, and practice exercises like proper tongue posture, breathing, swallowing and maintaining a lip seal for the best results. Starting early, while the jaws are still developing during the baby or mixed dentition stage, generally leads to more natural outcomes. Ultimately, combining the appliance with guided myofunctional therapy and healthy oral habits tends to produce the most effective long-term results.
Early Intervention Myofunctional Appliances for Kids
Early intervention can help guide jaw growth, improve tongue posture and support healthy breathing in children. Here’s a comparison of five popular myofunctional systems:
| System / Brand | Age Suitability | Approximate Price | Key Features / Pros | Considerations / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myobrace | Children 3–15 yrs (ideal 5–10) | US$2,500–5,000 (full course including devices, therapy, follow-ups) | Removable trainers addressing tongue posture, breathing, swallowing; guides jaw growth; may reduce need for braces. | Requires daily wear and exercises; success depends on consistency; may still need braces. |
| Myo Munchee | From 6 months (size depends on jaw width) | US$93–100 per device | Soft, non-toxic silicone chewable trainer encouraging proper tongue posture, swallowing, and oral rest position. | Effectiveness depends on regular use; ideally paired with guidance/therapy. |
| Toothpillow | Children - plan adapts based on age/needs | Basic plan:US$299; Full Therapy: US$1,250 | Appliance + structured myofunctional therapy with follow-ups; comprehensive care package. | More expensive than standalone device; success requires therapy compliance. |
| HealthyStart | Mixed-dentition / early orthodontic phase | Varies by practitioner/location | Removable appliance correcting habits, guiding jaw growth, creating room for adult teeth. | Protocols vary; results depend on compliance; may still require traditional orthodontics. |
| Kidlet | Early childhood / mixed dentition (2–7 yrs & 8–12 yrs) | Starter kit US$69.95; Full custom plan varies | Night-time appliance aligning teeth + airway/breathing guidance; integrates myofunctional therapy. | Requires consistent night-time use; follow-up checks recommended. |
What about Adults?
For adults interested in improving oral posture, jaw alignment, and overall health, the Reviv R2 Mouthgaurd offers a unique option. Designed to gently guide the tongue, improve breathing patterns and support proper jaw positioning, it can help alleviate tension, reduce snoring and even improve posture over time. While much of myofunctional therapy focuses on children, adults can also benefit from retraining their oral muscles, enhancing airway function and supporting overall wellness with consistent use of a carefully designed appliance like Reviv.
Another great option to consider
The REMplenish Water Bottle for Kids and Adults with a Myo-Nozzle is a simple daily tool that helps strengthen the tongue and airway while staying hydrated. The patented nozzle is designed to guide the tongue upward and encourage proper lip seal with every sip, turning normal drinking into a gentle myofunctional exercise. Over time, this can support better nasal breathing, improved oral posture, reduced snoring and healthier airway function. Because we all drink water throughout the day, using a bottle that naturally trains these muscles makes it an easy way to complement myofunctional or early orthodontic treatment - for children building habits and adults working on sleep, breathing or posture.