Myofunctional disorders can hold your child back. Fortunately, we can provide therapy to ensure proper oral development and function.

family in highlands ranch discussing myofunctional therapy

Proper Oral Function Helps Your Child Thrive

Learn How!

Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy in Castle Pines

kids in highlands ranch

Myofunctional therapy aims to address myofunctional disorders, which can impede oral development, lead to orthodontic issues, and make day-to-day tasks such as eating, speaking, and breathing challenging for your child.

Fortunately, Dr. Jon and our team provide gentle therapy at Sierk Children’s Dentistry to ensure proper oral development and function, helping your child thrive in every stage of growth.

Myofunctional Therapy at a Glance

Myofunctional therapy uses simple, non-invasive exercises to retrain the muscles of the face and mouth. It focuses on improving how your child breathes, swallows, and rests their tongue.

Who it’s for: Children struggling with mouth breathing, snoring, speech issues, or habits like thumb sucking.
The Goal: To establish proper "oral posture," which means the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth and breathing happens through the nose.
The Benefits: Better sleep quality, clearer speech, proper jaw development, and improved focus.
The Process: Typically 6–12 months of personalized exercises performed at home and during office visits.
Is it painful? Not at all! Most kids find the exercises gentle and engaging, similar to "physical therapy" for the mouth.

How Myofunctional Therapy Helps Kids

Myofunctional therapy helps restore function when a disorder is present. Below, we share a few ways this treatment can benefit your child.

Reversing Oral Habits

Tongue thrusting can lead to tooth misalignment. Myofunctional therapy helps reposition the tongue so it rests correctly in the mouth.

Improved Breathing

Mouth breathing and sleep apnea may result from myofunctional disorders. Fortunately, your child's pediatric dentist can intervene early.

Speech Development

Speech impediments and enunciation difficulties can result from myofunctional disorders. We want to help your child speak clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do about my child's loud snoring?

Occasional snoring in children is not necessarily concerning. However, consistent loud snoring can signal an underlying issue with breathing or airway development. Left unaddressed, these issues can affect a child’s sleep quality and, by extension, their focus, mood, behavior, and overall health. One effective solution parents are turning to is pediatric myofunctional therapy.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy involves simple, targeted exercises that retrain the tongue and facial muscles to support healthy breathing and oral posture. When the tongue rests properly on the roof of the mouth and children breathe through their nose instead of their mouth, airway space improves. This also tends to reduce or eliminate snoring.

This type of therapy also helps correct habits like chronic mouth breathing, which can narrow the airway and worsen sleep-disordered breathing. Conversely, better breathing at night translates to deeper, more restful sleep, which supports a child’s focus, growth, and emotional well-being.

While myofunctional therapy is not the only possible treatment for pediatric snoring, it’s a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective option. And, if necessary, your pediatric dentist may also collaborate with other specialists to ensure your child gets comprehensive care.

Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy in Castle Pines, CO

If you’re in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch and noticed that your child is mouth breathing and snoring excessively and want to ensure they grow up breathing and sleeping in comfort, contact Dr. Jon Sierk and our outstanding team today to schedule a consultation to learn about the transformative benefits of pediatric myofunctional therapy.

When should children have their first dental visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that parents schedule an initial “well-baby” appointment with a pediatric dentist approximately six months after the emergence of the first tooth, or no later than the child’s first birthday.

This early start is crucial, as the incidence of infant and toddler tooth decay has been rising. Untreated tooth decay and early cavities can cause significant pain and lead to long-term oral health problems.

The Importance of Early Pediatric Dental Care

Your pediatric dentist is more than just a tooth doctor; they are specialists in child psychology and behavior, serving as a vital resource for information and guidance. During these early visits, your Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines pediatric dentist can:

Implement Preventive Strategies: Help parents establish a robust preventative strategy to protect emerging teeth from harm and demonstrate how infant teeth should be brushed and flossed effectively.
Address Oral Habits: Provide strategies for eliminating unwanted oral habits, such as pacifier use and thumb sucking.
Establish Daily Oral Routines: Assist parents in creating a sound daily oral routine for the child.
Assess Oral Development: Beyond routine care, our pediatric dentist can assess for and address conditions like tongue and lip ties, offering gentle tongue tie release procedures when necessary, and guiding families through myofunctional therapy to support proper oral development, breathing, and speech.

Potential Dental Problems Babies Can Experience

A baby is at risk for tooth decay as soon as the first tooth emerges. During the first dental visit, our pediatric dentist will discuss these risks and how to mitigate them.

Early childhood caries (ECC), commonly known as baby bottle tooth decay, is a significant concern. Infants and toddlers who frequently drink breast milk, juice, baby formula, soda, or sweetened water from a baby bottle or sippy cup are at high risk. The sugars in these liquids can pool around the teeth, leading to rapid cavity development.

To counteract this threat, your pediatric dentist in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines advises parents to:

Avoid filling cups with sugary fluids.
Never dip pacifiers in honey or other sweet substances.
Prevent the transmission of oral bacteria to the child via shared spoons or by cleaning pacifiers in their own mouths.

Schedule with the Pediatric Dentist in Highlands Ranch

If you have further questions or concerns about the timing or nature of your child’s first oral checkup, please reach out to Sierk Children's Dentistry. Schedule your child's first dental visit online. We are conveniently located in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines.

Is myofunctional therapy painful?

Many parents are surprised to learn that pediatric myofunctional therapy isn’t painful at all. In fact, many parents liken it more to a guided exercise for the mouth. The goal of pediatric myofunctional therapy is to retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to work together properly, often improving breathing, speech, and bite alignment.

What to Expect During Myofunctional Therapy

During myofunctional therapy sessions, children complete gentle exercises to strengthen and coordinate their oral muscles. These may involve tongue placement, swallowing techniques, or breathing practices. While muscles might feel “tired,” just as they would after a workout, pain is rare. Because the process is gradual and tailored to each child’s ability, most kids actually enjoy the challenge.

Parents often notice positive changes within weeks, including easier breathing, better posture, and more restful sleep. At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jon Sierk and our caring team make sure every child feels encouraged, comfortable, and supported for long-term success every step of the way.

Comfortable, Kid-Friendly Myofunctional Therapy in Castle Pines

If you’re in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch and want to learn more about pediatric myofunctional therapy and how it can gently improve your child’s oral function and support their overall wellness, contact Dr. Jon Sierk and the caring, skilled Sierk Children’s Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.

How long is a typical treatment course for myofunctional therapy?

The length of pediatric myofunctional therapy varies from case to case. For most children, complete treatment requires between six months and a year. The exact duration depends on each child’s specific needs and issues, like tongue thrust, open-mouth breathing, or orthodontic readiness. Early identification of habits, like thumb sucking or improper tongue placement, can also shorten treatment time.

What Affects Myofunctional Therapy Treatment Time?

Consistency is key. Children who regularly practice their exercises at home, as assigned, progress through treatment more quickly than those who primarily (or only) work during office visits.

At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jon Sierk takes a personalized approach, ensuring every program fits your child’s pace and comfort level. Progress reviews throughout treatment help track improvement and make necessary adjustments, ensuring results that last.

While patience is important, families are often surprised at how quickly they see improvements in breathing, speech, and oral coordination. Sometimes, it only takes a few weeks!

Personalized, Supportive Myofunctional Therapy in Castle Pines, CO

If you’re in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch and want to learn more about pediatric myofunctional therapy and how long it may take to see lasting results, contact Dr. Jon Sierk and the compassionate team at Sierk Children’s Dentistry to schedule your child’s appointment today.

How long do the myofunctional therapy exercises take each day?

Pediatric myofunctional therapy in Highlands Ranch lasts approximately six to 12 months and is performed weekly or bi-weekly in our dental office. Typically, this schedule lessens over time and includes targeted exercises to help restore function.

Appointment timeframes will vary based on your child's needs, but the dentist will let you know what to expect after an assessment.

The goal of myofunctional therapy may be to correct or improve one or more of the following myofunctional issues:

Orthodontic problems
Sleep Issues, including snoring and mouth breathing
Short attention span
Tongue thrusting
Restlessness
Mouth breathing
Ongoing thumb sucking or pacifier use
Exaggerated gag reflex
Picky eating
Speech issues

Myofunctional Therapy and Solutions

Aside from targeted exercises, your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment, tongue and lip-tie surgery (performed with a gentle laser), and at-home care advice.

Your child’s pediatric dentist in Highlands Ranch will evaluate their symptoms and anatomical structure to create a custom treatment plan that addresses their specific issues. We will also discuss the findings with you and lay out the various treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your dental care.

At Sierk Children’s Dentistry in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch, we are dedicated to your child’s oral health and comfort.

Contact Our Dental Team Today

For more information or to schedule a consultation with the dentist, call a dental team member to get started.

Identifying the Signs: Is Myofunctional Therapy Right for My Child?

At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we believe that understanding the "why" behind certain habits can lead to a happier, healthier child. Sometimes, challenges with sleep, speech, or focus are simply signs that the muscles of the face and mouth need a little extra guidance to work in harmony.

Signs You Might Notice at Home

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, a gentle myofunctional assessment with Dr. Jon can help provide clarity:

Restless sleep
Snoring and mouth breathing
Dark circles under the eyes
Short attention span
Tongue thrusting
Fidgety behavior
Orthodontic issues
Difficulty breathing during meals
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
Strong gag reflex
Picky eating
Late speech
Speech issues

Infants who can’t latch on or feed correctly may have a tongue or lip tie, requiring laser frenectomy and myofunctional therapy for successful feeding and oral development.

Why Early Observation Matters

These signs are simply your child’s way of showing that their oral development might need a little support. By intervening early in Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines, we can help retrain these muscles to support easier breathing, better sleep, and a more confident smile as your child grows.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Jon Sierk

Dr. Jon has been serving the children and families of Colorado since completing his pediatric specialty training in 2003 and is proud to be a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

"I am humbled by the trust our patient families have in the care that my team provides. When a child is in our care, they are treated as if they are one of our own.”
-DR. JON SIERK

After growing up in Bettendorf, Iowa, Dr. Jon graduated from Northwestern University in 1996 where he divided his time between studies ...

What to Expect from Myofunctional Therapy in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch

child who receives myofunctional therapy in highlands ranch A myofunctional dentist for children will assess your child’s oral structure and development to determine the best treatment method for their unique situation.

Many oral myofunctional disorders are caused by or lead to narrowing of the arches, resulting in overcrowded teeth and other issues.

Chewing, breathing, and tongue posturing may disrupt day-to-day life for your infant or child. They may miss milestones or experience general discomfort when breathing, eating, or speaking.

Fortunately, our pediatric dentist in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch can intervene early, which can aid in better oral hygiene, easier eating and breathing, better sleep, and improved speech development.

Therapies may include oral appliances and interceptive orthodontics, combined with specific myofunctional exercises that target arch development, airway, and bite alignment. The goal is to retrain the muscles to behave in a predictable and functionally appropriate manner.

Myofunctional therapy is generally not painful; the exercises are gentle, though a child's facial and tongue muscles might feel tired or slightly sore initially, similar to starting any new exercise routine. A typical myofunctional treatment course lasts between 6 and 12 months, often involving weekly or bi-weekly visits initially, followed by longer spacing as the child progresses and moves into a retention phase.

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November 10, 2025

How Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Might Be Affecting Your Child's Teeth

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common and comforting behaviors for babies and toddlers. However, when kids are allowed to continue them past a certain age, these habits can begin to affect their dental and jaw development. Both thumb sucking and pacifier use can lead to changes in bite alignment, tooth position, and even speech formation.

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Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Children's Airway

child playing dress up in Highlands Ranch, CO

When it comes to oral health, parents understandably focus on their children’s teeth and gums. But what if we told you that tongue position, breathing habits, and oral posture could play a similarly significant role in their well-being?

Research shows that how a child breathes and uses their oral muscles plays a major role in airway development and long-term health. Pediatric myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive, exercise-based treatment that helps children establish healthy oral habits and supports better breathing, sleep, and growth.

At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we see myofunctional therapy ...

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Myofunctional Therapy for Infants

Myofunctional therapy also benefits infants before and after a frenectomy. Your child’s dentist performs a laser frenectomy if your child has a tongue or lip tie. A tongue tie means a small area of skin beneath the tongue is too short or thick to support sucking and proper oral movement. A lip tie is similar, but the short or dense area of skin is located behind the upper lip, restricting meaningful or correct movement.

A laser frenectomy frees this skin gently, which aids in your baby’s nutritional intake and oral development.

Myofunctional Therapy for Kids: Caring for Little Smiles Is Our Priority

Pediatric myofunctional therapy in Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines provides your infant or child with an excellent head start by repairing or retraining their oral muscles and restoring proper function. If you have questions about myofunctional disorders or would like to schedule an evaluation with the dentist, call us today.

We are happy to accept CareCredit and LendingClub financing.

Schedule Your Child's Myofunctional Assessment