Elite Myofunctional Therapy

Elite Myofunctional Therapy I help people breathe, sleep, and feel better through Myofunctional Therapy. From TMJ pain and sleep issues to tongue ties and narrow palates, we faced it all.

Specializing in TMJD, tongue thrust, airway health, and orthodontic relapse by retraining the muscles of the face and tongue for long-term wellness. Hi, I’m Bernalea Liesse, a dental hygienist with 21 years of experience and the founder of Elite Myofunctional Therapy. After discovering that my own family—and even I—had been living with undiagnosed orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), everythi

ng changed. Our journey opened my eyes and fueled my passion to help others find answers sooner. No one should have to suffer in silence or wait years for relief. Now, I dedicate my work to guiding families and individuals toward better breathing, improved sleep, and lasting wellness—naturally.

What TMJ topic do you want to know more about?A — Jaw LockingB — Ear SymptomsC — Jaw ClickingD — Facial PainTMJ-related ...
08/30/2026

What TMJ topic do you want to know more about?

A — Jaw Locking
B — Ear Symptoms
C — Jaw Clicking
D — Facial Pain

TMJ-related concerns can show up in different ways, and sometimes the symptoms aren't where you'd expect them to be.

We want to know what YOU want to learn more about! Drop A, B, C, or D in the comments, and we'll break down the topics you're most curious about in future posts.

What does “lip competence” actually mean?Lip competence refers to the ability to comfortably keep the lips together at r...
08/29/2026

What does “lip competence” actually mean?

Lip competence refers to the ability to comfortably keep the lips together at rest without excessive effort or muscle strain.

If someone has to tense their chin or facial muscles just to keep their lips closed, it may be a sign that there's more going on with their oral rest posture, breathing patterns, or muscle function.

Myofunctional therapy looks at how the lips, tongue, jaw, and breathing patterns work together—not just one muscle or habit in isolation.

It's a small detail that can tell us a lot about oral function.

Jaw problem or ear problem? Sometimes it isn't immediately obvious.Your temporomandibular joint sits just in front of yo...
08/28/2026

Jaw problem or ear problem? Sometimes it isn't immediately obvious.

Your temporomandibular joint sits just in front of your ear, and the structures in this area are closely connected. For some people, TMJ disorders may be associated with symptoms such as ear pain, pressure, fullness, or ringing.

Of course, ear symptoms can have many different causes, so they shouldn't automatically be blamed on the TMJ. Persistent or unexplained symptoms should always be properly evaluated.

The location of the TMJ is just another example of how connected the structures of the head and face really are.

Have you ever watched yourself swallow?Try taking a sip of water in front of a mirror and notice what your face does. Id...
08/27/2026

Have you ever watched yourself swallow?

Try taking a sip of water in front of a mirror and notice what your face does. Ideally, swallowing shouldn't require excessive tightening or movement from the lips and chin.

Visible chin tightening or lip involvement can sometimes be a sign that other muscles are compensating during the swallow.

Myofunctional therapy looks at these subtle patterns and works on improving the coordination of the tongue and surrounding muscles for more efficient oral function.

Next time you take a drink, see what you notice!

Why does tongue mobility matter?Your tongue needs to move freely and efficiently to do its job. It plays an important ro...
08/26/2026

Why does tongue mobility matter?

Your tongue needs to move freely and efficiently to do its job. It plays an important role in everyday functions like speaking, chewing, swallowing, and maintaining proper oral rest posture.

When tongue movement is limited, other muscles may compensate, which can affect how the mouth and jaw function together.

Myofunctional therapy looks at these patterns and helps support better coordination, mobility, and overall oral function.

Your tongue does a lot more than you might think!

You swallow hundreds of times a day—but have you ever thought about what your tongue is doing each time?A tongue thrust ...
08/25/2026

You swallow hundreds of times a day—but have you ever thought about what your tongue is doing each time?

A tongue thrust is a swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth instead of using a more typical pattern against the palate.

Over time, this pattern may be associated with changes in oral function, speech, or dental development. Myofunctional therapy can help identify these patterns and retrain the muscles involved in swallowing and oral rest posture.

It's one of those everyday functions you probably never think about until you know what to look for!

08/24/2026

Tongue posture is more than where the tongue rests—it’s part of the way we breathe, function, and develop.

Supporting healthy oral function early can play an important role in the developing palate, jaws, facial structures, and airway.

Curious about myofunctional therapy or wondering if it may be appropriate for you or your child?

Schedule a complimentary pre-screening with one of our therapists.
📩 [email protected]
Learn more at TheBreatheInstitute.com

TMJ Edition: This or ThatTMJ-related symptoms don't look the same for everyone. Some people notice clicking or locking i...
08/24/2026

TMJ Edition: This or That

TMJ-related symptoms don't look the same for everyone. Some people notice clicking or locking in the jaw, while others may experience headaches, facial discomfort, ear symptoms, or fatigue when using their jaw.

Knowing what you're experiencing—and when it happens—can provide helpful information when discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider.

Which side sounds more familiar to you? Tell us your picks in the comments!

**Your jaw doesn't work in isolation.**The muscles of your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders all work within the same regio...
08/22/2026

**Your jaw doesn't work in isolation.**

The muscles of your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders all work within the same region, which is why tension or dysfunction may sometimes be felt beyond the jaw itself.

For some people, TMJ-related concerns may occur alongside neck discomfort, headaches, or facial tension. That doesn't mean every ache is caused by the TMJ, but it does highlight why looking at the bigger picture can be important.

Myofunctional therapy takes a whole-function approach, considering breathing, oral posture, muscle patterns, and how they work together.

**Myo Minute: Let's talk about swallowing.**Most of us swallow without ever thinking about what our tongue is doing—but ...
08/21/2026

**Myo Minute: Let's talk about swallowing.**

Most of us swallow without ever thinking about what our tongue is doing—but the way we swallow matters.

During a healthy swallow, the tongue works in a coordinated pattern without pushing forward against the teeth or relying heavily on the lips and facial muscles.

When the tongue consistently pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing, it's often referred to as a tongue thrust. Myofunctional therapy can help identify these patterns and retrain the muscles for more efficient function.

Next time you take a sip of water, pay attention to your swallow. Do your lips and face stay relaxed?

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