Myofunctional Therapy at Jeneary & Erdmann Integrative Dentistry

At Jeneary & Erdmann, we know that a healthy body starts with healthy breathing. More than just clean teeth and straight smiles, our approach is all about supporting the fundamentals—beginning with one of the simplest, yet most powerful acts we do every day: breathe.

That’s why we’re thrilled to offer myofunctional therapy, a unique, hands-on approach that helps retrain the muscles responsible for breathing, swallowing, and jaw alignment.

And when it comes to expertise, you’re in the best hands. Our in-house myofunctional therapist, Larissa Kommes, is the only Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®️) in Iowa and certified Buteyko breathing instructor. While certification isn’t required to practice myofunctional therapy, Larissa went the extra mile, earning this advanced credential from the International Association of Orofacial Myology to bring the highest standard of care to our patients.

This commitment means that with Larissa, you’re in the hands of someone who’s achieved one of the highest levels of expertise in her field—right here at Jeneary & Erdmann.

This therapy is designed to help you or your child experience easier breathing, more restful sleep, and greater comfort in daily life.

So, What Exactly is Myofunctional Therapy?

If myofunctional therapy sounds complicated, don’t worry—it’s actually pretty straightforward! It involves simple, targeted exercises—think of it as “personal training” for the muscles in your mouth, face, and throat. The goals of therapy are nasal breathing, keeping your lips together, keeping your tongue in the roof of your mouth and swallowing properly. These 4 goals will support healthier breathing, better posture, and deeper sleep.

Myobrace, combined with myofunctional therapy, supports airway development and overall health by improving breathing, posture, and sleep. It works by redirecting your breathing and musculature. The tongue is our body’s natural expander, when working properly you will get your best jaw growth and development.  A child would naturally get jaw growth and development through proper tongue resting posture and function. The most natural way to influence growth and development is to restore proper nasal breathing and have proper tongue function.  

The Myobrace is a functional appliance that is a growth guidance appliance. 

Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters — For All Ages

This isn’t just a therapy technique for kids, nor is it something you need only if you’re considering braces. If sleep struggles, snoring, jaw tension, or even trouble breathing through your nose are bothering you, myofunctional therapy might be the solution you didn’t know you needed. Here’s how it works across ages:

For Kids:

Early habits shape lifelong health. By teaching children to breathe through their nose, swallow properly, and support natural jaw development, we’re setting them up for a future of better health—and we often see this approach prevent the need for braces later on.

For Adults:

Struggling with jaw pain? Waking up groggy? Myofunctional therapy targets these issues by addressing the root causes that affect sleep, comfort, and breathing. You may be amazed by how this therapy can improve your daily energy, focus, and overall well-being.

Myofunctional therapy is for anyone looking to experience better nasal breathing, natural alignment, and everyday comfort.

How Will You Know It’s Working?

We keep things clear and straightforward. Through regular check-ins, we’ll track meaningful changes in your sleep, breathing, and day-to-day comfort. You might feel the effects early on—like waking up refreshed, breathing more easily, and noticing reduced jaw tension. We use advanced imaging, personalized assessments, and your feedback to ensure you’re seeing real progress.

Ready to Start Feeling Better?

Wake up refreshed, breathe deeply, and feel more at ease in your own body—all through the benefits of myofunctional therapy. Schedule a visit with us, and let’s talk about how this innovative therapy can make a difference for you or your child, one breath at a time.