Lip Trainer™ – LT

Improvement of swallowing and peri-oral muscle function

The LT focuses on improving the strength, stretch and tone of the lip and cheek muscles, while simultaneously retraining the patient’s swallow. It perfectly adapts to the shape of the patient’s arch which effectively engages their peri-oral musculature and is a significant improvement on the traditional ‘button pull’ exercise used in myofunctional therapy. The LT is used in all of MRC’s treatment systems but can also be used on its own by practitioners providing myofunctional therapy.

LT Design Features

The design features of the LT are suited to improve the strength, stretch and tone of the peri-oral musculature, while improving swallowing function.

Ideal shape

conforms to the dental arches and targets the obicularis oris more effectively.

Detachable strap

attaches to the Lip Trainer™ and has dual purpose when used as a Lip Seal Trainer.

Lip bumper

discourages overactive lip muscles during a reverse swallow.

Directions for Use

The LT appliance should be used for two minutes, twice a day, to gain the full benefits of its exercising features, and can be increased in duration depending on the instructions from the practitioner.

Ensure that the Lip Trainer™ does not ‘suction’ to the teeth, as this will be working the wrong muscles. In order to ensure this, keep the tip of the tongue on the spot and slightly fill the mouth with air for the entirety
of the exercise.

Step 1

Attach the detachable strap to the Lip Trainer™ by pushing it up through the hole on the front of the appliance.

Step 2

Then push it down through the hole on the strap. Pull on the end of the strap to secure it in place.

Step 3

Insert the Lip Trainer™ into the mouth between the lips and teeth with the lip bumpers to the bottom.

Step 4

Close lips and pull on the strap horizontally while keeping the lips squeezed tightly together. If the Lip Trainer™ falls out, place it back into the mouth. Use enough force for the lip muscles to
really work to hold the Lip Trainer™ in place. Do not allow it to ‘suction’.

Step 5

Vary the exercise by pulling the strap slightly upwards and downwards (to about a 45 degree angle while keeping your head still) to strengthen the upper and lower lips individually. Lips should be fatigued by
the end of the exercise.

Lip Seal Trainer – LST

Improvement of lip strength and lip seal

The LST appliance focuses on strengthening the lips which assists with establishing a habitual lip seal. The LST also attaches to the LT appliance, allowing it to be pulled in various directions for peri-oral muscle training. It can also serve as a standalone appliance to improve lip strength and seal through the use of the lip seal spade or training board feature (depending on desired difficulty). The LT appliance is used with all of MRC’s treatment systems but can also be used on its own by practitioners offering myofunctional therapy.

LST Design Features

The design features of the LST are suited to increase lip strength while training the patient to adopt a closed lip posture, which improves lip seal and function.

Dual use

as either a standalone exercise appliance or acts as a detachable strap for the Lip Trainer™.

Training board

can be used for beginners to start training the lips to stay together at rest or be placed between the lips while wearing a Myobrace^® or Myosa^® appliance to
encourage lip seal.

Lip seal spade

trains the lips to stay together at rest for more advanced users. Use only when competent with the training board.

Directions for Use

The LST appliance should be held between the lips for 10 minutes while wearing the Myobrace^®, then for 2 minutes, twice a day, without the Myobrace^® in the mouth, to gain the full
benefits of its exercising features. This usage can be increased in duration depending on instructions from the practitioner.

Step 1 (while wearing an appliance)

Place the Lip Seal Trainer between the lips touching the Myobrace^® or Myosa^®appliance in your mouth, then lightly close the lips enough to hold it in
place. Continue this for 10 minutes while wearing your appliance.

Step 2 (as a standalone exercise)

Remove the Myobrace^® or Myosa^®appliance and use the Lip Seal Trainer on its own for another two (2) minutes, either with the lip seal spade or training
board between the lips.