Ever hit that frustrating spot where your progress just grinds to a halt? Like, you’ve been doing everything right, but suddenly your jaw stops improving, your bite feels stuck, and the pain won’t budge. That was me at month five of my myofunctional therapy journey. I call it the month 5 plateau—the moment I felt like my trainer progress stalled and I was stuck month five, unable to push forward.
Here’s the thing about TMJ relief and DIY teeth alignment: patience matters, but so does strategy. And after blowing $5,000 on treatments that barely made a dent, I realized I needed a fresh approach. I wasn’t just going to accept this plateau as my new normal.
What Is the Month 5 Plateau?
In my experience, the month 5 plateau happens when your body adapts to the initial changes of therapy or orthodontic work and then stops responding as quickly. It’s like your muscles and bones hit a standstill. You’re still doing your exercises, wearing your appliances, but the progress graph just flattens out.
For me, this meant the jaw clicking I’d been battling stubbornly refused to improve. My bite alignment felt “off” despite daily stretches and tongue posture exercises. I honestly wondered if I was wasting my time.
Why Does Progress Stall?
Here’s what surprised me: the plateau isn’t just about the jaw or teeth. It’s about the whole system adapting. My therapist explained that after a few months, the muscles and even the bones around your jaw sometimes need a new stimulus to keep shifting. Otherwise, they settle into a "comfortable" position—even if it’s not ideal.
This is why many people with TMJ or sleep apnea symptoms feel stuck. The body resists change once it finds a new “normal,” especially if you’re only doing the exact same routine every day.
How I Broke Through the Month 5 Plateau
Breaking through that stuck month five feeling required a mix of things. I changed my approach drastically, and it worked.
1. Reassessed My Myofunctional Therapy Routine
Initially, I was doing the same set of tongue and jaw exercises recommended in the first month. At month five, I noticed my tongue wasn’t engaging the roof of my mouth properly during swallowing, which is crucial for facial development and jaw alignment.
I found a telehealth dentistry platform that specialized in myofunctional therapy. For $147, I booked a virtual session where the therapist watched me perform my exercises and gave me tailored tweaks. This was a game changer. She introduced new exercises focusing on nasal breathing and lip seal, which I hadn’t tried before.
2. Tried a German Dental Device
This one was interesting. I discovered a German-made oral appliance designed specifically for TMJ and snoring relief. It cost about $349, so not cheap but far less than my previous $1,200 night guard that didn’t fit well.
The device gently realigned my jaw overnight and helped open my airway. After about two weeks, I noticed less morning stiffness and snoring. This device added a physical stimulus my jaw muscles needed to keep progressing.
3. Added Facial Development Techniques
It sounds weird, but I started doing simple face stretches and massages to help relax tight muscles around my jaw and neck. Things like gently pulling my jaw forward and holding it, or massaging my masseter muscles with my fingers.
These techniques helped release tension and improved blood flow, which made the exercises more effective. I also started focusing more on nasal breathing during the day, which many TMJ sufferers overlook.
4. Adjusted Sleep Posture and Sleep Apnea Strategies
Sleep apnea and TMJ often go hand in hand. I realized my sleep position was making my symptoms worse. I started sleeping on my side with a special pillow that keeps my neck aligned. This simple switch reduced jaw tension overnight.
Plus, I bought a basic nasal dilator strip ($12 for a pack of 30) to help with airflow. Better breathing at night meant less clenching and grinding, which kept my jaw from locking up in the morning.
Why These Breakthrough Plateau Tips Worked
Look, the truth is, no single fix will work for everyone. But adding variety to your routine and addressing both muscle function and airway health helped me. The month 5 plateau is often about your body needing a new challenge or a different kind of support.
After making these changes, I saw steady improvements again within three weeks. My jaw pain decreased by about 40%, my bite felt more natural, and my sleep quality improved. No expensive surgeries, no confusing treatment plans—just smart tweaks and some investment in myself.
Lessons From My Journey
I’ve learned that dealing with TMJ and teeth alignment is a marathon, not a sprint. That month 5 plateau felt like a failure at first. But it pushed me to learn more, get creative, and not settle.
If you’re stuck month five and feeling like your trainer progress stalled, try mixing things up. Don’t just repeat the same thing hoping it’ll work eventually.
Here’s a quick checklist of what helped me:
- Get a fresh perspective from a myofunctional therapist, even via telehealth Try a different oral appliance, especially if your current one is uncomfortable Add facial stretches and massage to your daily routine Focus on nasal breathing and lip seal exercises Adjust your sleep posture and use simple aids like nasal strips
FAQ: Breaking Through the Month 5 Plateau
Q: What exactly is the month 5 plateau?
A: It’s when your progress in TMJ relief or orthodontic work seems to stop around the fifth month. The body adapts to your current routine, so improvements stall.
Q: How long can this plateau last?
A: It varies. Some people break through within a few weeks after changing routines, others might take a couple of months. Patience and persistence pay off.
Q: Is it normal for progress to stall during myofunctional therapy?
A: Yes. Myofunctional therapy requires consistent changes in muscle function, and your body may resist new patterns. Switching up exercises or getting professional guidance helps.
Q: Can I just push through the plateau by doing more exercises?
A: Not always. Overdoing the same exercises might cause muscle fatigue or strain. It’s better to modify your routine or add new stimuli.
Q: Are German dental devices better than regular night guards?
A: Some German-made devices focus more on jaw alignment and airway opening, SleepBrace which can help TMJ and snoring more effectively. But comfort and fit are key—what works for one might not work for another.
Q: How do I know if my sleep posture is affecting my TMJ?
A: If you wake up with jaw pain, stiffness, or headaches, your sleep position might be the culprit. Try side sleeping with a supportive pillow and see if symptoms improve.
Q: Are telehealth dentistry sessions worth it?
A: For me, yes. They offer personalized advice without the cost and hassle of in-person visits. Just make sure you choose a reputable provider.
Q: What are some affordable alternatives to expensive orthodontic treatments?
A: Myofunctional therapy, DIY teeth alignment with guidance, and oral appliances like the German devices I mentioned can be good options. Always research carefully and consult professionals when possible.
Q: Can improving nasal breathing really affect TMJ?
A: Yes. Nasal breathing promotes proper tongue posture and reduces mouth breathing, which can strain jaw muscles and worsen TMJ.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make during the month 5 plateau?
A: Giving up or sticking to the exact same routine without adjustments. The body needs new challenges to keep adapting.
Q: How much did breaking my plateau cost me?
A: Around $500 total. $147 for telehealth therapy, $349 for the German device, and about SleepBrace $20 for sleep aids like nasal strips and pillows. Much less than the $5,000 I spent before on failed treatments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re stuck month five, know you’re not alone. That plateau doesn’t mean failure. It means you need to rethink your approach. The month 5 plateau is a sign your body is ready for the next step.
And breaking through it? That’s possible with patience, new strategies, and sometimes a little help from technology and devices that work. I’m proof of that.