Orofacial Myology / Myofunctional Therapy is defined as treatment of the orofacial musculature to improve muscle tonicity. It is the establishment of correct functional activities of the tongue, lips and jaw, so that normal growth and development may take place or progress in a stable, homeostatic environment. It may include the treatment of parafunctional habits (thumb and finger sucking, lip licking, nail bitting, etc.); or temporomandibular muscle dysfunction as it relates to bruxism / clenching, range of motion activities, or postural habits of the tongue, lips and /or jaw.

The practice of orofacial myology includes the evaluation and treatment of:

• Detrimental oral / facial habits.
• Posturing problems related to the lips, tongue, jaw and respiratory system.
  
• Abnormal neuromuscular responses associated with inappropriate chewing.
  
• Detrimental breathing patterns.
  
• Hyper and hypo sensitivity of the orofacial muscles.
  
• Swallowing patterns which may be associated with malocclusions.
  
• Facial and postural esthetics.

The overall goals of orofacial myology therapy are to assist in the creation, re-establishment or stabilization of a normal oral environment with regard to tongue and lip posturing and function, or to permit normal processes of growth and development to occur. In most cases, treatment goals, strategies, and objectives are determined in conjunction with primary care providers in dentistry or medicine in a team approach.