--- title: "Tongue Thrust and Orthodontics UK | Open Bite & MFT (2026)" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/tongue-thrust-orthodontics-uk description: "Tongue thrust and the bite: how it causes open bite, what myofunctional therapy involves, and what happens if it is left untreated." updated: 2026-08-17T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- Tongue Thrust Open Bite Myofunctional # Tongue Thrust and Orthodontics UK — What You Need to Know Tongue thrust — where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing or at rest — can cause or worsen open bites and affect orthodontic results. Addressing it alongside orthodontic treatment gives the best long-term outcomes. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Compare Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) ## What is tongue thrust and how does it affect the teeth? Tongue thrust is a swallowing pattern in which the tongue pushes forward against, or protrudes between, the upper and lower front teeth rather than resting against the hard palate. In a normal adult swallow, the tongue tip contacts the palate just behind the upper incisors and the teeth come together lightly. In a tongue thrust swallow, the tongue creates pressure against the front teeth on every swallow — and the average person swallows around 500 to 1,000 times per day. That repeated low-grade pressure, sustained over months and years, is sufficient to move teeth. The result is typically proclination (forward tipping) of the upper or lower front teeth, spacing between the front teeth, or an anterior open bite where the front teeth do not overlap vertically even when the back teeth are together. ## The link between tongue thrust and open bite Anterior open bite — where a gap remains between the upper and lower front teeth when biting together — is the most common dental consequence of tongue thrust. The tongue occupies the space that the teeth would otherwise close into. Not all open bites are caused by tongue thrust; thumb sucking and dummy habits during development, skeletal vertical growth patterns, and other factors can produce open bites independently. However, tongue thrust is both a potential cause of open bite and a consequence of it: children with an open bite from any cause may develop an adaptive tongue thrust to seal the gap during swallowing, which then perpetuates the open bite. This cycle makes diagnosis and early intervention important. ## How orthodontists identify tongue thrust patterns An experienced orthodontist will assess tongue posture and swallowing pattern as part of a comprehensive records appointment. Observation of a rest swallow — asking the patient to swallow naturally while watching the lip and tongue — can reveal whether the tongue protrudes. Resting tongue posture is also assessed: if the tongue sits low and forward rather than against the palate, this is a risk factor. In some cases, clinical photographs or video are used. Referral to a speech and language therapist or a myofunctional therapist for a more detailed swallowing assessment may be recommended before orthodontic treatment begins, particularly where a significant open bite is present. ## Myofunctional therapy (MFT) in the UK Myofunctional therapy — sometimes called orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) — is a programme of exercises designed to retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and face to adopt correct posture and function. It addresses tongue rest posture, the swallowing pattern, lip competence, and nasal breathing. In the UK, MFT is provided by some speech and language therapists, specialist dental therapists, and a small number of dedicated orofacial myofunctional therapists. It typically involves weekly or fortnightly sessions over several months combined with daily home exercises. Evidence supports MFT as an effective adjunct to orthodontic treatment for tongue thrust: when combined with orthodontics, open bite relapse rates are significantly lower than with orthodontics alone. ## Tongue cribs and habit-breaking appliances A tongue crib is a fixed orthodontic appliance — usually a wire cage or grid cemented to the upper molars — that physically prevents the tongue from resting between the teeth. It does not teach a correct swallowing pattern but breaks the habit and removes the mechanical pressure on the teeth. Tongue cribs are most commonly used in younger patients, typically aged 8 to 12, where the habit is clearly contributing to an open bite. They are generally worn for 6 to 12 months. Some orthodontists use removable versions. A tongue crib alone is rarely a complete solution: once removed, relapse is possible if the underlying muscle pattern has not changed, which is why combination with MFT is often recommended. ## Orthodontic treatment outcomes when tongue thrust is not addressed Orthodontic treatment alone — without addressing tongue thrust — has a significantly higher relapse rate for anterior open bite than treatment where the functional cause is also corrected. Studies show open bite relapse rates of 25 to 40% or more when tongue thrust is not treated, compared to much lower rates when MFT is combined with orthodontics and good retention. Orthodontists will therefore commonly decline to begin open bite treatment, or will strongly recommend MFT first, if tongue thrust is present. Where open bite has a significant skeletal component in addition to tongue thrust, orthognathic (jaw) surgery combined with orthodontics and MFT may give the most stable result. ## Useful related pages [Orthodontic Guides Hub](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides) [Types of Braces UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/types-of-braces-uk) [How Braces Work](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-braces-work-uk) [Orthodontic Relapse](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-relapse) [Get a Virtual Consultation](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) This guide is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist. ### Compare next steps [Orthodontist Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [Clear Aligners Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [Invisalign Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/invisalign-provider-near-me) [Browse Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Ready for a clearer starting point? Upload guided photos and receive an indication of likely treatment options and pricing before booking appointments. [Get an Online Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) ### Frequently Asked Questions Can tongue thrust be fixed without orthodontics? Tongue thrust itself — the muscle habit — can be addressed through myofunctional therapy without orthodontics. If the tongue thrust has already caused dental changes such as an open bite or proclination, orthodontic treatment will also be needed to move the teeth to the correct position. The most stable outcomes combine both: MFT to correct the habit and orthodontics to correct the tooth position. What is myofunctional therapy? Myofunctional therapy (MFT) is a structured programme of exercises that retrains the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to adopt correct rest posture and function. For tongue thrust, it aims to establish a correct tongue rest position against the palate, a correct swallowing pattern that does not push against the teeth, adequate lip seal, and nasal breathing. It is typically delivered by a trained therapist over several months and requires daily home exercise compliance. Do tongue cribs work? Tongue cribs are effective at breaking the physical habit of tongue resting between the teeth, and studies show they help close anterior open bites during treatment. However, they do not retrain the muscle pattern — they only create a mechanical barrier. There is a meaningful relapse risk once the crib is removed if the swallowing and rest posture pattern has not been retrained. Combining a tongue crib with myofunctional therapy gives a more durable result than either approach alone. Will braces fix my open bite permanently if I have tongue thrust? Not reliably, without also addressing the tongue thrust. Braces can close an open bite mechanically during treatment, but if the tongue continues to push against the front teeth after the braces are removed, the forces of swallowing will gradually re-open the bite. Long-term retainer wear combined with MFT significantly reduces this risk. Your orthodontist should assess for tongue thrust before planning open bite treatment and will usually recommend MFT before or alongside orthodontics. At what age should tongue thrust be treated? Tongue thrust is normal in infants and toddlers. It should self-correct by around age 6 as adult swallowing patterns develop. If tongue thrust persists beyond age 6 to 7 alongside dental changes, assessment and intervention are appropriate. Earlier treatment (age 8 to 12) is generally easier and more effective as the bones and muscles are still developing. However, myofunctional therapy is effective in motivated adults too, and tongue thrust in adults undergoing orthodontic treatment should always be addressed. Is tongue thrust therapy available on the NHS? Myofunctional therapy as a standalone treatment for tongue thrust is not routinely available on the NHS. Some NHS speech and language therapy services may address tongue posture and swallowing as part of a broader speech or feeding concern, but dedicated orofacial myofunctional therapy is almost exclusively private in the UK. Costs vary by provider and region; many therapists charge £50–£100 per session with a programme of 10–20 sessions typical. Your orthodontist may be able to refer you to a suitable therapist. Does tongue thrust affect speech? Yes, in some cases. Because tongue thrust involves abnormal tongue placement and movement, it can contribute to lisping (particularly a frontal or interdental lisp) and difficulty with certain consonant sounds. A speech and language therapist can assess this. Correcting tongue thrust through MFT often improves speech clarity as a secondary benefit, particularly in children. Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. 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Upload guided photos and get a tailored recommendation for your teeth and bite. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Find an Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) Citation details Title Tongue Thrust and Orthodontics UK | Open Bite & MFT (2026) Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-08-17 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/tongue-thrust-orthodontics-uk](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/tongue-thrust-orthodontics-uk)