How Narrow Palates, Orthodontic Plates, and the Tongue Are All Connected and Why Myofunctional Therapy Is Key.
If you’ve been told your child has a narrow upper or lower palate and needs an orthodontic plate, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize how much the tongue plays a role in all of this. Believe it or not, the shape and width of your palate, the use of orthodontic plates, and the position of your tongue are all interconnected—and myofunctional therapy can help address these issues.
Narrow Palate: What’s the Deal?
A narrow upper or lower palate happens when the arch of the mouth is constricted or too small. This can cause a host of problems, from crowded teeth to breathing difficulties. A narrow palate often means there’s not enough room for the tongue to rest comfortably, which can push the teeth and jaw out of alignment. When the palate is too narrow, it can lead to poor oral habits like mouth breathing, which exacerbates the problem by contributing to underdeveloped facial muscles and even posture issues.
Orthodontic Plates to the Rescue
Orthodontic plates are one of the most common solutions for addressing a narrow palate, especially in children. These devices gradually widen the arch of the upper or lower jaw to create more space for teeth to align properly. But here’s the catch: simply using an orthodontic plate doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Without addressing the underlying cause—such as improper tongue posture—the palate might narrow again after treatment. That’s why myofunctional therapy is crucial.
The Tongue: A Key Player
So, where does the tongue come into all of this? The tongue exerts a surprising amount of pressure inside your mouth. Ideally, when at rest, the tongue should be positioned against the roof of your mouth, lightly pressing against the upper palate (what we call the “spot”). This natural pressure helps shape and widen the palate over time. When the tongue is positioned incorrectly—like when it rests on the bottom of the mouth or pushes against the teeth—it can contribute to a narrow palate and misalignment of the teeth.
The Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
Here’s where myofunctional therapy shines. This therapy is all about retraining the muscles of your mouth, especially the tongue, to function properly. By teaching correct tongue posture (resting on the roof of the mouth) and proper swallowing patterns, myofunctional therapy addresses the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. For those using an orthodontic plate, it can help support the structural changes by ensuring that the tongue and muscles aren’t working against the plate. It’s like having your tongue as a natural retainer!
Why Proper Tongue Posture Matters
Good tongue posture isn’t just about preventing teeth from crowding—it also promotes better breathing, chewing, and speaking. Many people with narrow palates are also mouth breathers, which can lead to chronic dry mouth, poor sleep, and even behavioral issues in children. Myofunctional therapy encourages nasal breathing, which filters and warms the air, improving overall health.
In a Nutshell
The relationship between a narrow palate, orthodontic plates, and the tongue is like a balancing act. When one is out of place, it affects the others. While orthodontic plates help create space, myofunctional therapy ensures that this space is maintained by teaching correct muscle habits—especially proper tongue posture. If you or your child are dealing with these issues, consider adding myofunctional therapy to your treatment plan to get long-lasting results.
At the end of the day, the tongue is more than just a muscle—it’s the key to maintaining a healthy mouth and well-aligned teeth! So don’t overlook its importance in the journey to better oral health.