Introduction
After months — or even years — of orthodontic treatment, seeing your child’s straight smile is incredibly rewarding. Naturally, parents want those results to last. What many don’t realize is that teeth are influenced every day by muscle habits, even after braces come off.
At Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry, we help families in Richland, WA and the Tri-Cities, WA protect orthodontic results through myofunctional therapy — addressing the muscle patterns that can cause teeth to shift again.
Why Teeth Can Shift After Braces
Orthodontic appliances move teeth into alignment, but they don’t retrain the muscles that surround them. If those muscles continue old habits, they can slowly push teeth out of place again.
Common contributors include:
- Tongue thrusting during swallowing
- Open-mouth posture at rest
- Mouth breathing
- Excess pressure from lips or cheeks
Even with diligent retainer use, these forces can increase the risk of orthodontic relapse.
How Myofunctional Therapy Supports Stability
Myofunctional therapy retrains the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to work in balance. When muscles rest and move properly, they help hold teeth in their corrected positions.
At Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry in Richland, WA, therapy focuses on:
- Proper tongue resting posture on the palate
- Balanced swallowing patterns
- Lip strength and closure
- Consistent nasal breathing
This creates a stable oral environment that supports long-term orthodontic success.
A Collaborative, Team-Based Approach
We frequently collaborate with orthodontists throughout the Tri-Cities, WA to ensure muscle function and tooth alignment develop together. This coordinated approach helps:
- Protect orthodontic investments
- Reduce the likelihood of future treatment
- Support healthy jaw growth and airway development
Keeping Smiles Straight for Life
Straight teeth are easier to maintain when the muscles around them are working correctly. By addressing oral habits early, myofunctional therapy helps children enjoy stable, healthy smiles well into adulthood.
