O U R   S E R V I C E S

Teamwork Leads to Success

Correct Tongue Posture

Just like standing tall with good body posture, our tongue needs the correct rest posture when its not eating, drinking or speaking.  Do you know where your tongue should live when its resting? Sometimes the tongue is tethered or tongue tied.  Tongue tie assessments including exercises, for pre and post releases are performed.​
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Correct Growth

Where should your lower jaw be positioned in relation to your upper jaw?  Can you see where this child started his lower jaw growth, recessed or set back?  With correct muscle function, tongue placement and orthodontic appliance treatment, the face, jaws and teeth will have full potential to grow correctly.  This is not only esthetically pleasing, it also helps grow the face bones to support a healthy airway, sinuses, ear canals and nasal passages. 

Form Follows Function

Why are the lower teeth crowded? Is it genetics, small jaws or just bad luck?  How  your, lip, jaw and cheek muscles work to chew, swallow or even rest, direct the teeth where to go.  Even breathing routinely through ones mouth can cause narrow arches.  This crowding is quite often preventable.

WHAT WE DO...

Myofunctional Therapy

...is designed to establish proper function and posture of muscles including the lips, cheeks, face and tongue.  These complex muscles, working together, create an effect on the growth and position for the jaws and teeth.  This further influences our facial growth, airway, function, chewing ability, jaw joints and overall posture. 
Humans often adapt in ways that are less than ideal.  The results of poor function can be problematic for individuals at any age.   From malocclusion (crooked teeth) to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems, to breathing (snoring and sleep apnea), speech and swallowing issues.  Myofunctional therapy addresses the root cause of the life-affecting conditions through individual evaluation, training and muscle toning. 

Explore

Who needs myofunctional therapy?

Clenching/ TMJ Muscle Imbalances

• Challenges and stresses in life can cause jaw muscles to become overworked.  Often clenching/ grinding of teeth can be relieved with myofunctional therapy.   An incorrect  swallow or airway concern can be an underlying cause.

Narrow Palate

The tongue helps guide the growth of the upper and lower jaws.  At any age there can be solutions to a narrow palate or arch to help achieve improved wellness.

Seniors 

From choking on saliva and food to accommodating to new dentures, myofunctional therapy can help train the tongue and orofacial muscles to improve in function and adapt to the new teeth.  

T E S T I M O N I A L S

Happy MYO People

Check out what parents and patients are saying about The Jaw Gym at Guardian Dental

From Kim M. (Herself and 2 children in myo treatment)
I really appreciate that Guardian Dental supports Myo Functional Therapy in their clinic. Using the Myo brace that Guardian Dental recommended to me has made significant improvements to my tooth spacing and jaw tension, all without needing extensive orthodontic intervention.  Participating in Myo Functional therapy with Leanna has been a very educational experience for both myself and my children. It makes total sense that our facial muscles need exercise just as much as the rest of our muscles but who ever thinks of that?!  Leanna did an excellent job of making her Myo sessions fun and creating programs that were easy for us to follow at home including how to strengthen our lips with exercises like "button pulls" & "scared grandma." She also taught us the proper position for our tongues to rest in by using chewing gum and flavoured Myo dots which improves swallow and promotes optimal pallet development.  Using Myo Functional Therapy, Leanna has encouraged us to become participants in the healthy function of our jaws/mouths and provided us with the skills to maintain this over time. I highly recommend taking part in the Myo Functional services offered by Leanna at Guardian Dental.

From: Matilda R. 
Matilda P.- Leanna spends with parents, helping them feel empowered to support their kids in their learning and the development of good habits. Myofunctional therapy has made big difference in our lives. I know my kids are healthier now and will be healthier all their lives because the time they spent learning with Leanna.

From George P.
It was really helpful and helped me understand how to make my posture better. I know that seems like it might be obvious, but actually it’s not. Therapy with Leanna is actually pleasant. She is supportive and patient.

The Jaw Gym at Guardian Dental