What is orofacial myofunctional therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a series of exercises that teaches patients how to chew, swallow, and breathe correctly. It works on correcting bad habits that lead to poor muscle patterns — patterns that can affect total body health.
The exercises are designed to work in a hierarchy, starting simple and advancing forward as muscle tone and function increase — like physical therapy for the face, mouth, and airway.
The nose is the airway you want, day and night. Therapy re-establishes nasal breathing as the primary pattern.
A full tongue resting on the palate supports the airway, the bite, and facial growth — we retrain it there.
Lips together at rest, without strain. A strong, easy seal normalizes freeway space and quiets the mouth.
Swallowing with the back teeth together and chewing on both sides — the patterns your muscles were built for.
Two clinicians, one airway-first approach.
Jennifer Mashburn, RDH
Jennifer is a Myofunctional Therapist and Registered Dental Hygienist with nearly 17 years of clinical experience. Her journey into myofunctional therapy began with training through the Airway Circle, expanding her career to better support patients in achieving their functional, airway, and wellness goals.
Jennifer takes a patient-centered approach focused on education, compassion, and long-term success.
Ashley Braswell, RDH
I'm Ashley Braswell, a registered dental hygienist with more than 20 years of experience helping patients achieve healthier smiles. Throughout my career, I've always believed that oral health is about so much more than teeth — it's deeply connected to our overall health and well-being.
My passion for orofacial myofunctional therapy began through my own family's journey. While searching for answers to my own TMJ disorder (TMJD) and seeking solutions for my son Luca's underdeveloped airway and facial structures, I discovered the profound impact that proper oral function, breathing, and airway health can have on both children and adults. That experience changed the way I viewed oral health and inspired me to pursue advanced training in orofacial myology through Airway Circle.
Today, I'm passionate about helping others uncover the root causes of issues such as mouth breathing, improper tongue posture, sleep-disordered breathing, and dysfunctional oral habits. I love partnering with families to create healthier foundations that can improve breathing, sleep, facial development, and overall quality of life.
When I'm not working with patients, you'll usually find me spending time with my husband, Jason, at the pool or planning our next adventure. Together we're raising our curious and energetic 7-year-old son, Luca, and our lovable 3-year-old Goldendoodle, Jack, who keeps us all entertained.
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when you're searching for answers. My goal is to provide a welcoming, supportive space where patients feel heard, educated, and empowered. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or your child, I'm honored to be part of your journey toward better oral function, improved health, and a happier, healthier life.
The right age is earlier than you think — and never too late.
Children as young as four benefit from an evaluation to catch causative factors — an airway obstruction or a tongue-tie — that need intervention early.
Age five is an ideal time to begin a program that helps eliminate harmful sucking habits before they shape the bite.
Children of seven to eight are strong candidates to begin a complete orofacial myofunctional therapy program.
Teens and adults of all ages achieve successful, long-term results — it is never too late to retrain the pattern.
The AOT process
Depending on your program, therapy runs 6 months or 12 months. Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) preparation is about 8 weeks.
See the full getting-started guide →
Asked to try Z-Tape? Here's where to get it.
Many patients are asked to tape at night during therapy — a gentle way to hold the lip seal you're training, so nasal breathing can do its work while you sleep. Z-Tape is the tape we recommend: designed by Dr. Stephen Deal, DDS, with an H-shaped strip that peels off easily and holds a comfortable seal through the night.
Sold through Essential Orthodontic Products — Dr. Deal’s supply shelf. Checkout takes a minute; no account needed.
Schedule your exam today.
We would love to hear from you. Tell us when you’re generally free and your therapist will follow up with times that work — usually within one business day.
Sessions happen over video (Zoom, Skype, or your preferred platform), so therapy fits your schedule wherever you live.
info@arkansasorofacialtherapy.com →