Pre- and Post-Orthodontic Support.

Common questions about pre- and post-orthodontic support

Do I need to coordinate with my orthodontist?

We strongly recommend it — and we will reach out to your orthodontist to coordinate the plan if you give us permission. The best outcomes come from a team approach.

Can myofunctional therapy replace orthodontic treatment?

No. Myofunctional therapy does not move teeth — it works with the muscles around the teeth. For patients who need tooth movement, orthodontic treatment is still required. Therapy improves the conditions that support the orthodontic result.

My teeth shifted after my braces came off. Can therapy help?

Yes. Post-treatment relapse is one of the most common reasons we see patients. Therapy can stabilize the new position by retraining the resting muscle forces.

How long is the post-treatment phase?

Typically 6–12 months of active work, with periodic check-ins during the retention period.

How does myofunctional therapy work with braces or aligners?

Myofunctional therapy and orthodontics (braces, Invisalign, or other aligners) are complementary. The orthodontist moves the teeth; we retrain the muscles around the teeth. The best outcomes happen when both are coordinated. Many orthodontists in Louisville, Bardstown, Elizabethtown, and the surrounding area refer patients to us for the pre- and post-orthodontic phase. If you are about to start or are currently in orthodontic treatment, ask your orthodontist whether myofunctional therapy would support your plan.

What is the connection between orthodontics and myofunctional therapy?

Teeth are in a constant tug-of-war between the forces on the inside (the tongue) and the forces on the outside (lips, cheeks). When the inside force is strong — tongue resting on the roof of the mouth, swallowing correctly — and the outside force is balanced — lips gently closed, breathing through the nose — the teeth tend to stay where they are. When that balance is off, teeth crowd, gap, or shift. Orthodontics moves the teeth; myofunctional therapy addresses the muscle side so the result lasts. The two together give the best long-term outcome.

My orthodontist mentioned "myo" — what is that?

"Myo" is shorthand for myofunctional therapy. When orthodontists mention "myo," they are typically referring to coordinated muscle work to support the orthodontic outcome. This includes tongue posture retraining, lip seal, nasal breathing, and proper swallow pattern. Some orthodontists offer this in-house; many refer to a dedicated myofunctional therapist like 502 MYO for the muscle work while they focus on tooth movement.

Should I do therapy before or after braces?

Both, ideally. Pre-orthodontic therapy (typically 8–12 weeks before braces or aligners are placed) prepares the resting posture of the tongue and lips for the new tooth positions. Post-orthodontic therapy (4–12 months concurrent with retention) locks in the new pattern so the result holds. The retention phase is where relapse most commonly happens — and where muscle work makes the biggest difference. If you are already in treatment, we can start now; if you are about to start, we can prepare you in advance.

Do you work with Invisalign patients?

Yes. The muscle and posture work applies regardless of whether you are in traditional braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign, ClearCorrect, or SureSmile. Many of our Invisalign patients come in for pre-aligner muscle preparation and post-aligner retention stabilization. We coordinate with your Invisalign provider just as we would with any orthodontist.