Question 1

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a type of treatment that focuses on correcting the function of the muscles in the face and mouth. It involves exercises designed to improve the way a person uses their tongue, lips, and jaw during activities such as speaking, sleeping, chewing, and swallowing. OMT is commonly used to address issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, improper swallowing patterns, and poor posture of the mouth and jaw.
This therapy is often recommended to improve oral health, help with orthodontic treatment, support better sleep and enhance overall quality of life.

Question 2

Why do I need myofunctional therapy?

Accepted Answer

You may need myofunctional therapy if you're experiencing issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting,  improper swallowing, or poor posture of the jaw and mouth muscles. These habits can lead to problems such as misalignment of teeth, speech difficulties, sleep apnea, or even TMJ (jaw) pain. Myofunctional therapy helps retrain the muscles in your face and mouth, improving overall oral function, supporting orthodontic treatment, and promoting better breathing, swallowing, and posture. Myofunctional therapy supports a tongue tie release, prepping patient before surgery and after, contributing to treatment success.

Question 3

What are the benefits of myofunctional therapy?

Accepted Answer

Myofunctional therapy offers several benefits, including improved nasal breathing, better tongue and lip function, and corrected swallowing patterns.  It can help reduce or prevent issues like teeth grinding, clenching, and mouth breathing, all of which can affect dental health and overall well-being. Additionally, by supporting proper muscle function, it can enhance the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, reduce TMJ discomfort, support better sleep, prepare for a frenectomy, and promote healthier facial development, leading to better long-term oral and overall health.

Question 4

What are the goals of myofunctional therapy?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 main goals of therapy: 
1. Proper tongue position 
2. Nasal breathing 
3. Lips sealed
4. Correct swallowing

We want the tongue to rest completely on the roof of the mouth and the lips to stay closed while breathing through the nose.

Question 5

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

Myofunctional therapy is a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your specific concerns and orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). The duration of therapy typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on factors such as the client’s age, the severity of the OMDs, and the client’s dedication to following the prescribed exercises and achieving their goals.

Question 6

Is treatment covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately this treatment modality is not covered by insurance.

Question 7

Do you charge a cancellation fee?

Accepted Answer

It is our policy that 24 hours notice must be given if you are forced to cancel an appointment.

All broken appointments with no notice, will accrue a charge of $25. Patients will be dismissed from the practice after a total of 2 Late Cancellations and/or No Shows.

Question 8

How much does therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Guidance call: free Consultation: $150Therapy sessions: $75 per session Optional, but recommended, myofunctional therapy kit $25 (incudes shipping)

Question 9

Is orofacial myofunctional therapy painful?

Accepted Answer

No, orofacial myofunctional therapy is not painful. The exercises are generally gentle and designed to improve muscle function over time. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort or muscle fatigue, especially when starting the therapy, but this is usually temporary. The goal is to retrain the muscles for better oral function, and any discomfort typically decreases as you progress with the exercises.

Question 10

Does orofacial myofunctional therapy involve other professions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, orofacal myofunctional therapy involves a team approach for success. Professionals such as speech-language pathologists, orthodontist, dentists, ENTs, sleep specialists, physical therapists, osteopath, general medical doctor, craniosacral therapists and chiropractors each contributes their expertise to address concerns.

Myofunctional therapy is just one piece of the puzzle. 🙂

Question 11

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Paige works with children ages 5 years and older as well as adults. Therapy involves consistency and dedication from the patient and parent.

Myofunctional therapy can support children’s facial and jaw development, enhance orthodontic treatment outcomes, improve speech and swallowing, aid in learning and behavior, support optimal sleep, and help prepare for a frenectomy.

Myofunctional therapy is beneficial for adults as well. Oftentimes, OMDs are a result of poor jaw development, malocclusion, or an underlying OMD that worsened over time.  Adults of all ages can achieve success from therapy!

Question 12

Do you see patients in person?

Accepted Answer

Paige is currently only seeing patients virtually. For success of treatment, patients will be required to have high-speed internet with optimal connection.

Question 13

Who will be doing my therapy?

Accepted Answer

Paige will be working with you for all therapy sessions.

Question 14

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please visit services to schedule an appointment.

Question 15

What is involved in the consultation?

Accepted Answer

Your consultation exam will last between 60-90 minutes. During this time, Paige will evaluate your symptoms, review your health history, and assess how your orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are affecting your overall health. She will also begin developing your personalized therapy plan.

To prepare, please upload specific photos and videos to your secure patient portal at least 48 hours before your consultation. You will receive photo instructions when you schedule your comprehensive exam. Once payment is received for the consultation, your therapy kit with necessary supplies will be mailed to the address provided. Cheek retractors and a calibrator must be purchased by the patient prior to the consultation. Paige will be assisting with specific instructions for the purchase of these 2 items.

During the consultation, Paige will analyze the submitted photos, review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors related to myofunctional disorders. She will also evaluate how your muscles function during activities like chewing, swallowing, breathing, and maintaining oral posture. Based on this evaluation, she'll provide personalized recommendations and create a tailored therapy plan just for you.

Question 16

How does therapy work?

Accepted Answer

All therapy sessions are held online via your secure patient portal. Before your appointment, please ensure your camera and video are functioning properly and check your internet connection. Each therapy session will last about 30 minutes and are scheduled biweekly. To ensure success, please give your full attention and avoid interruptions during this time. Arrive promptly, as Paige  works in an efficient timely manner. If late, sessions may need to be rescheduled.

Make sure to bring all required supplies (your therapy kit) to each appointment. If any additional items are needed for future sessions, Paige will let you know.

As a reminder, myofunctional therapy is a team effort, requiring patients to work on their prescribed exercises daily. Therapy sessions are typically met once every two weeks, and can last on average 6-12 months, depending on the patients goals.

Question 17

What supplies do I need for therapy?

Accepted Answer

Please come prepared with the following prior to the consultation:

computer with high-speed internet
camera and/or cell phone
quiet space with no interruptions or distractions 
mirror 
your provided therapy kit ($25 and will be shipped to your provided address via USPS)

Question 18

What is in my therapy kit?

Accepted Answer

The myofunctional therapy kit is required for therapy and costs $25. This kit includes all of the tools you will need to complete your therapy. The kit will be mailed to the provided mailing address.  If you lose your kit and need a replacement or need an additional kit for multi-parent living situations, please let me know. The cost of an additionally kit is $25. Price includes USPS shipping within the United States​

Frequently asked questions