Frequently Asked Questions

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a specialized facial muscle training program, used to improve orofacial muscle dysfunction. It encourages proper airway and facial development, re-establishes nasal breathing, and improves the tone and function or the facial muscles. 

Orofacial means "of the face and oral cavity" and myofunctional means "function of the muscles". Orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) is a condition characterized by abnormal muscle function in the face, mouth, and jaw. This can affect various functions like breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. OMDs can involve issues like tongue thrust, mouth breathing, and incorrect oral posture, potentially leading to dental problems, sleep apnea, and speech difficulties.

- mouthbreathing

- lips apart at rest

- a dimpled or rough textrure to the chin

- tongue thrust

- tongue or lip ties

- drooling

- bed wetting beyond a normal age

- inability to breastfeed

- thumb, digit, or object sucking

- lisp, speech difficulties or delay

- messy eating or food avoidance

- crowded, worn, or flattened teeth

- teeth that have shifted after orthodontics

- sleep issues (night terrors, snoring or sleep apnea)

- TMJ pain 

Unfortunately, this is not a comprehensive list! There are also physical markers such as forward head posture, facial asymmetry, poor body posture, and a "tired" look, all of which are common in people with orofacial and airway dysfunction.

If you have any of the symptoms listed in the previous section, myofunctional therapy may be a beneficial remedy. Myofunctional therapy can support people with breathing difficulties, orthodontics, tongue ties, speech impediments, oral surgery recovery, and more. 

Your myofunctional therapist will complete a thorough examination of all your orofacial structures, as well as your posture and habits. With this information, your therapist develops a customized treatment plan of exercises to improve your muscle tone, strength, and function.

Every client comes to me with unique strengths and challenges, so duration of therapy varies from person to person. But you can typically expect to spend between 8-12 sessions with me over the span of 6-12 months. 

Myofunctional therapy is only for people ages 4 and above. Yes, even adults and seniors! However, airway screening and early intervention/detection is appropriate for any age. 

An orofacial myofunctional therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who has completed extensive additional training in the orofacial and stomatognathic systems of the body. Although not limited to, but included, are usually dental hygienists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, dentists, and medical doctors.

No. Myofunctional therapy cannot "cure" any disease, and this is not its goal. However, by improving your orofacial tone, strength, and breathing, myofunctional therapy can support improvement in many conditions that are caused by orofacial dysfunction. 

If you are not likely to benefit from myofuntional therapy, don't worry, I got you! I work with a large network of providers to be able to get you the care you need.