Tongue Thrust Therapy
Support orthodontic goals by retraining tongue patterns.
A tongue thrust pattern means the tongue moves forward against or between the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or at rest. When that pattern persists, it may affect speech placement, dental alignment, or orthodontic stability.
For: Children and adults when evaluation findings and readiness support treatment
Tongue thrust patterns may affect swallowing, speech placement, dental development, or orthodontic stability. The clinical picture varies, so we evaluate tongue resting posture, swallow pattern, speech sound placement, airway history, and dental factors before recommending treatment.
Braces and aligners can move teeth, but they do not automatically change the oral habits and muscle patterns around the teeth. When tongue thrust or forward resting posture is part of the picture, myofunctional therapy may be recommended alongside orthodontic care.
If therapy is recommended, frequency, duration, home practice, and coordination with dental or medical providers depend on age, clinical findings, goals, and relevant airway or dental factors.
Signs of tongue thrust
- Tongue visible between teeth when swallowing
- Open bite — front teeth don't meet
- Gap between front teeth
- Lisp, especially on s and z sounds
- Tongue rests forward or between teeth
- Messy eating or difficulty with certain foods
- Teeth shifted after orthodontic treatment
Retraining the swallow, step by step
Muscle strengthening
Building tongue strength and control with targeted exercises.
Swallow retraining
Building an age-appropriate swallow pattern with tongue placement away from the teeth.
Posture correction
Teaching the tongue's proper resting position on the roof of the mouth.
Speech sound therapy
When a lisp or sound errors are involved, we correct them in the same program.
Common questions
How long does tongue thrust therapy take?
Frequency and duration vary. Recommendations depend on evaluation findings, age, airway and dental factors, goals, and response to care.
Does insurance cover tongue thrust therapy?
Coverage varies by plan, diagnosis, authorization, and payer rules. Contact BSPS and your insurer; benefit information is not a guarantee of payment.
What age can my child start?
Readiness depends on the child, concern, ability to participate, and relevant medical or dental factors. An evaluation can help determine timing.
Clinical information source
This page provides general education and does not diagnose a patient. For professional guidance on this topic, see ASHA Practice Portal: Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders ↗. Website content updated August 12, 2026.
Clinic options
Find care near Kansas City
BSPS has physical clinics in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and Overland Park, Kansas. Confirm current service availability when you contact the practice.
Related services
Wondering if tongue thrust therapy is right for your family?
Contact BSPS to discuss whether an evaluation may be appropriate. Recommendations, documentation, timing, and treatment needs depend on individual findings.
- Two physical clinic locations
- Insurance varies by plan
- Treatment recommendations depend on individual needs