Open Lip Posture

Myofunctional therapy helps correct open lip posture by strengthening lip muscles, improving tongue position, and addressing mouth breathing habits

What is “Open lip posture” 

Open lip posture refers to the condition where the lips remain slightly apart or open when a person is at rest or speaking, rather than being naturally closed. This posture can be a sign of several underlying issues. Myofunctional therapy can effectively address open lip posture by focusing on improving the function and coordination of oral and facial muscles. 

The therapy includes exercises to strengthen the muscles around the lips, which helps enhance their ability to maintain proper closure. It also trains the tongue to rest in the correct position against the roof of the mouth, supporting natural lip alignment. By improving coordination between the lips, tongue, and other oral muscles, myofunctional therapy helps achieve and sustain a closed lip posture. 

Additionally, it addresses and modifies habits such as mouth breathing, which can contribute to open lip posture. Overall, myofunctional therapy offers a comprehensive approach to correcting open lip posture by targeting both muscular and habitual factors.

Here are some reasons why one may have open lip posture: 

1. Habitual Mouth Breathing: Often associated with chronic mouth breathing, where the mouth remains open to facilitate breathing, especially if nasal passages are obstructed.

2. Muscle Imbalance: It can result from weakness or poor coordination in the lip muscles, leading to difficulty maintaining lip closure.

3. Dental or Orthodontic Issues: Open lip posture may be related to dental problems such as misaligned teeth or issues with jaw alignment.

4. Functional Disorders: It can indicate problems with the function of the tongue and other oral muscles, which might affect how the lips stay positioned.

Potential Effects:

• Dental and Oral Health: Can contribute to dry mouth, increased risk of cavities, and gum issues.

• Facial Development: In children, prolonged open lip posture might affect facial growth and lead to orthodontic problems.

• Speech and Swallowing: May influence speech patterns and swallowing function.

Addressing open lip posture often involves identifying and treating the underlying causes, which may include orthodontic care, myofunctional therapy, or other medical interventions.