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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unfortunately this treatment modality is not covered by insurance.

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.

Guidance call: free Consultation: $100 Therapy sessions: $100 per session Extra myo supplies kit: $75

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.

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. 🙂

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!

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

Paige will be working with you for all therapy sessions.

Please visit services to schedule an appointment.

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.

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.

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 (included in the purchase of a consultation)

The purchase of a consultation includes a myofunctional therapy kit. 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 $50. Price includes USPS priority shipping within the United States​

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the band of tissue under the tongue (called the frenulum) is too short or tight. This limits the tongue’s movement, which can affect breastfeeding, speech, breathing, swallowing, and even oral hygiene. In some cases, a simple procedure called a frenectomy can help release the restriction and improve tongue function. Myofunctional therapy does not cure a tongue tie, however it can help strengthen the muscles of the tongue as well as provide necessary prep for a frenectomy and post-op.

A tongue tie (also known as ankyloglossia) can lead to several issues, particularly in infants, children, and adults. These issues may include: 1. Feeding Difficulties: - Infants with a tongue tie may struggle with breastfeeding because they cannot latch properly, which can lead to ineffective sucking and poor milk transfer. 2. Speech Difficulties: - Patients with tongue ties may experience challenges with articulation, especially with sounds that require the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth, such as "t," "d," "l," "n," and "s." - This can lead to speech delays or mispronunciations. 3. Oral Hygiene Problems: - A restricted tongue can make it difficult to properly clean the teeth and gums, leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. 4. Breathing Issues: - In some cases, a tongue tie can affect proper tongue posture, which may impact breathing patterns, particularly if it leads to mouth breathing, especially during sleep. 5. Jaw and Dental Development: - A restricted tongue may interfere with normal oral and jaw development, potentially contributing to malocclusions or misalignment of the teeth. 6. Social and Emotional Impact: - In some cases, difficulties with speaking or eating may affect a social interactions or self-esteem, 7. Pain or Discomfort: - In older children or adults, a tongue tie may cause discomfort or pain when performing activities like swallowing, speaking, or eating, particularly if the tongue's range of motion is restricted. A restricted tongue can also present with tension especially in the TMJ, neck and shoulders. Treatment, such as a frenectomy with myofunctional therapy may be considered to address these issues, depending on the severity of the tongue tie and its associated problems.

Myofunctional therapy helps address the effects of a tongue tie by improving tongue mobility, strengthening oral muscles, and promoting proper function. Here's how it helps: 1. Improves Tongue Movement: Exercises increase range of motion, especially after a frenectomy, helping the tongue move more freely. 2. Corrects Tongue Posture: Trains the tongue to rest in the correct position, which is often difficult for those with a tongue tie. 3. Supports Speech: Helps with articulation by strengthening tongue muscles and improving sound production. 4. Enhances Swallowing: Corrects improper swallowing patterns, reducing the risk of dental issues. 5. Prevents Compensatory Habits: Addresses mouth breathing or improper chewing habits that can develop after a tongue tie release. 6. Promotes Facial Development: Supports proper jaw and facial muscle growth, particularly in children. 7. Reduces Pain: Eases muscle tension and discomfort related to limited tongue movement. Myofunctional therapy complements tongue tie treatment by improving function and helping prevent long-term issues.

Mouth breathing occurs when a person breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. This can happen either habitually or due to allergies, enlarged tonsils, tongue tie or a deviated septum. Why should it be addressed? 1. Dental Health: Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. 2. Facial Development: Chronic mouth breathing, especially in children, can affect proper facial and jaw development, leading to issues like an elongated face, narrow palate, or crowded teeth. 3. Poor Sleep Quality: Mouth breathing can contribute to snoring, sleep apnea, or disturbed sleep, leading to tiredness and other health issues such as anxiety or learning disabilities. 4. Impaired Breathing Function: Breathing through the nose filters, warms, and humidifies air, while mouth breathing doesn't. This can lead to irritation in the respiratory system and decrease oxygen intake. 5. Speech and Swallowing Issues: Habitual mouth breathing can affect oral muscle function, which may result in speech delays, articulation problems, or swallowing difficulties. Addressing mouth breathing can improve overall health, support proper oral and facial development, and enhance sleep and breathing function. It’s important to identify and treat the underlying causes, often with the help of multiple professionals.

Mouth breathing can impact the structure of the mouth and face in several ways: 1. Narrow Palate: Without the tongue resting on the roof of the mouth, the palate may become narrow, leading to bite and alignment issues. 2. Jaw Misalignment: It can contribute to overbites, underbites, or crooked teeth due to improper jaw development. 3. Elongated Face: Chronic mouth breathing can result in a longer, more narrow facial appearance, especially in children which continues into adulthood. 4. Underdeveloped Cheeks: The muscles around the cheeks may not develop fully, leading to a less defined facial structure. 5. Altered Tongue Posture: The tongue may rest incorrectly, affecting both facial growth and teeth alignment. 6. Sleep Issues: Mouth breathing can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea, further affecting health and facial development. Addressing mouth breathing early helps prevent these structural changes and promotes healthy oral and facial growth.

Mouth breathing can lead to several health and developmental issues, including: Dental Problems: Dry mouth from mouth breathing increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Facial Development Issues: Chronic mouth breathing can affect facial structure, leading to a long, narrow face, underdeveloped cheekbones, and a high or narrow palate. Jaw Misalignment: It can cause or worsen bite problems (overbite, underbite) and contribute to crooked teeth as the jaw doesn’t develop properly. Sleep Disorders: Mouth breathing is linked to snoring, sleep apnea, and poor-quality sleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue and other health problems. Impaired Breathing Function: Mouth breathing bypasses the nose’s filtering, warming, and humidifying functions, potentially leading to respiratory issues and reduced oxygen intake. Speech and Swallowing Issues: It can contribute to speech delays, articulation problems, and improper swallowing patterns, such as tongue thrusting. Addressing mouth breathing early on can help prevent these issues and promote better overall health and development.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) is a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joints (TMJ), affecting movements like chewing and speaking. Common Symptoms: - Jaw, face, or neck pain - Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw - Limited jaw movement or jaw locking - Headaches, ear pain, or ringing in the ears - Muscle tightness in the jaw or neck Causes: - Jaw misalignment or bite issues - Teeth grinding or clenching - Stress, injury, or arthritis Treatment options include physical therapy, pain relief, stress management, dental appliances, or surgery, depending on the severity.

Myofunctional therapy can help with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) by addressing muscle imbalances, improving jaw movement, and reducing strain on the TMJ. Here's how it helps: 1. Relieves Muscle Tension: Myofunctional therapy includes exercises that relax and strengthen the muscles around the jaw, face, and neck, reducing the tension that contributes to TMD pain. 2. Improves Jaw Alignment: It promotes proper jaw posture and movement patterns, which can help align the TMJ and improve overall jaw function. 3. Corrects Dysfunctional Habits: It targets habits like teeth grinding or clenching, which often worsen TMD symptoms, helping to break these patterns. 4. Enhances TMJ Mobility: The exercises help improve the range of motion in the jaw, reducing stiffness and pain. 5. Supports Relaxation: Myofunctional therapy can teach relaxation techniques to reduce the stress that often exacerbates TMD. By addressing both the muscles and movement patterns involved, myofunctional therapy can play a key role in managing TMD symptoms and improving overall jaw health.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) can improve symptoms of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, but it does not cure them. OMT focuses on exercises to strengthen and re-educate the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue, which can help with issues like tongue obstruction and poor jaw positioning that contribute to sleep apnea. How OMT Helps: 1. Improves Tongue Posture: Strengthening the tongue and surrounding muscles helps prevent the tongue from falling back during sleep, reducing airway obstruction. 2. Enhances Jaw Alignment: It can help promote proper jaw positioning, which may reduce snoring and mild cases of sleep apnea. 3. Reduces Mouth Breathing: OMT encourages nasal breathing, which can improve airflow and support better sleep quality. 4. Relieves Muscle Tension: OMT helps relax the muscles in the face, jaw, and neck, reducing tension that might contribute to snoring or sleep disturbances. While OMT can be beneficial, it is often used alongside other treatments like CPAP therapy, dental appliances, or lifestyle changes for more effective management of sleep apnea and related sleep disorders.

Snoring is often related to orofacial myofunctional disorders because these disorders can lead to muscle weakness or poor muscle coordination in the mouth, throat, and tongue, which can obstruct the airway during sleep. Here’s how they are connected: 1. Weak Tongue Muscles: A weak or improperly positioned tongue can collapse backward during sleep, narrowing the airway and causing vibrations that lead to snoring. 2. Mouth Breathing: Orofacial myofunctional disorders may result in habitual mouth breathing, which dries out the mouth and can contribute to snoring by affecting airway flow. 3. Poor Jaw and Soft Palate Function: Dysfunctional jaw posture or a weak soft palate can cause airway constriction, leading to snoring or other sleep-related breathing issues. 4. Muscle Imbalance: Imbalances in the muscles of the face and throat can cause the airway to become partially blocked, leading to noisy breathing during sleep. Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) can help reduce snoring by strengthening and re-educating the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and throat to improve airway function and promote better breathing patterns.

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders involve improper patterns of muscle function in the face and mouth, such as incorrect tongue posture, mouth breathing, or abnormal swallowing patterns. Over time, these issues can contribute to a variety of dental problems, including: 1. Misalignment of Teeth (Malocclusion): Abnormal muscle function can interfere with the proper development and alignment of your teeth, potentially leading to bite issues, such as an overbite, underbite, or open bite. 2. Tooth Wear: Incorrect swallowing or tongue thrusting may cause unnecessary pressure on the teeth, which can result in wear, chipping, or shifting of teeth. 3. Gum Recession and Periodontal Issues: Mouth breathing, a common symptom of OMDs, can dry out the gums and reduce the natural protection provided by saliva, increasing the risk of gum disease and other periodontal problems. 4. Difficulty with Chewing or Speaking: Abnormal muscle function can affect the way you chew and speak, leading to discomfort or difficulty in both daily activities. 5. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): OMDs can contribute to habits like teeth grinding or clenching, which can cause tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches. By addressing Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders through therapy, these muscle function issues can be corrected, helping to prevent further dental complications and improve overall oral health.

Myofunctional therapy helps by retraining the muscles of the mouth and jaw, reducing tension and abnormal movements that contribute to clenching or grinding (bruxism). It also focuses on improving proper tongue posture and breathing techniques, especially nasal breathing. Better breathing helps reduce stress and muscle tension, which are common triggers for bruxism. By promoting relaxation and proper muscle function, myofunctional therapy can help alleviate bruxism and improve overall oral health. This therapy can be an effective complement to other treatments for bruxism.