Frequently Asked Questions

  • Any individual suffering from an orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) can benefit from myofunctional therapy. An oral myofunctional disorder is a disorder of the orofacial muscle complex which includes the mouth, tongue, lips, and facial musculature.

  • Functional Symptoms

    ADD/ADHD Anxiety

    Bedwetting beyond the age of six years  Clenching/Grinding

    Chronic acid reflux Chronic ear infections

    Chronic head/neck/ shoulder pain Daytime sleepiness

    Difficulty swallowing pills Difficulty swallowing certain foods

    Family history of sleep apnea Frequent congestion

    Frequent sore throat Headaches

    Insomnia Mouth breathing 

    Nail biting Open mouth chewing

    Orthodontic relapse Picky eating

    Prolonged pacifier use Sleep walking

    Sleep disordered breathing Sleep disordered breathing

    Speech issues Snoring

    Strong gag reflex Thumb sucking

    TMJD or jaw pain Tongue thrusting


    Physical Symptoms                                     

    Chapped lips

    Crooked nose

    Crooked teeth

    Crowded teeth

    Dark under eye circles

    Open bite

    Open mouth posture

    Receded chin

    Tongue Tie

  • Adults and children can benefit from therapy.

  • Everyone’s journey may be different, but the goals of oral myofunctional therapy are the same:

    Proper tongue rest posture

    Correct chewing and oral phase swallowing patterns

    Lip Seal

    Nasal, diaphragmatic breathing

  • I offer flexible pricing based on therapy type and complexity. After an initial conversation, I’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Treatment typically range from 8-12 months. However, this is not a rule. Ultimately, it depends on the individual complaint, motivation and completion of at home exercises. Additional therapy treatment modalities can also influence the longevity of treatment.

  • You can choose to begin with either a free 30-minute Phone Assessment, or to jump right into a Comprehensive Exam.

    In a Free Assessment, you will gain insight on muscle dysfunction, related symptoms, average cost of therapy, session frequency, and scheduling.

    The Comprehensive Exam is essential for therapy initiation. During the detailed 75 - 90 min exam we will review chief concerns, medical history, and questionnaires. These details allow me to develop your customized therapy plan, session count, and cost of treatment. This will ensure your therapy is as effective and successful as possible and is an imperative part of therapy.

    After this, if you choose to move forward with therapy, we will begin therapy sessions. Each session lasts for a duration of 35-60min, and is scheduled every 1 -2 weeks through the first two phases, then often less frequent through the third phase.

    • Yes, therapy can be completed either in-person or over a HIPPA complaint video call.

  • Unfortunately, the majority of insurance companies do not cover myofunctional therapy. However, I can offer a superbill for individuals to personally submit to their provider for possible reimbursement.

  • Each case is individually assessed to determine what care an individual would benefit. It is important to work collaboratively with specialists as needed. Often to create the best care plan, I work with a team of various healthcare professionals including orthodontists, dentists, allergists, ENTs (ear, nose and throat doctors), osteopaths, physical therapists, speech therapists and lactation consultants. Each professional brings to the table specific expertise.

  • Studies have shown that OMT can reduce the incidence of sleep apnea in children and adults, but it is not a cure.    

  • Treatment may be indicated before, during, and or after orthodontics. Each case should be collaboratively discussed by the professionals involved. Orthodontics and myofunctional therapy can be closely integrated with each directly impacting the other. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists promote a balance of the muscle and orofacial functions, improving the resting posture of the tongue and helping to decrease the likelihood of orthodontic relapse after the removal of orthodontics.

  • The Myo Munchee is a small chewing device for children and adults, designed to help improve the tone and strength of the muscles in the lips, face, and jaws.

  • Practicing Buteyko breathing techniques regularly ensures a switch from mouth to nasal breathing.

    By learning to stop over-breathing and improving our CO2 sensitivity, we can help with conditions including asthma, anxiety and panic disorders.

    Buteyko helps reduce sleep issues such as snoring, sleep apnea, and insomnia. Additionally, the Buteyko Breathing Method is effective for managing high blood pressure, COPD, and rhinitis.

  • Research shows that mouth breathing can also increase the risk for memory problems, anxiety/panic attacks, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues and sleep disordered breathing (sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome). Any person who has a mouth breathing habit, also has a tongue thrust.  The two disorders go hand-in-hand.

    Mouth breathing does not provide the same blood oxygenation rate or nitric oxide conversion as nasal breathing which has been linked to hypertension and heart failure.

    Breathing through the mouth also creates a dry oral environment which can lead to irritation, inflammation, periodontal disease, bad breath and an increased risk for tooth decay.

  • Tongue thrust is an orofacial dysfunction where the tongue presses against or between the teeth when swallowing. Improper tongue position can lead to poor occlusion, jaw and facial development.

  • A tongue tie, also known as ankyglossia, is when the underside of the tongue is connected too tightly, or tethered, to the floor of the mouth, and the range of motion is restricted. The tethering of the oral tissue decreases the ability of the tongue to function normally.

    Research shows that tongue-tied children are at higher risk to develop sleep apnea and airway issues, and their facial and cranial development is also impacted. .

    Chronic jaw pain, sleep apnea, facial pain, headaches, and clenching and grinding, along with dental and orthodontic issues are often associated with tongue-ties.

    Individuals who are tongue-tied often mouth breathe. This can lead to a wide range of myofunctional dysfunction.

  • A minor surgical procedure that removes or alters a frenulum, a small band of tissue in the mouth that connects the lips or tongue to the gums. A scalpel or laser is used during the procedure to lengthen the lingual frenulum and reduce the restricted tongue range of motion.

    Myofunctional therapy is important after the procedure to normalize and habituate the tongue, lips and other muscles of the face due to a life time of compensation. 

Resources

Sleep Disorders

Meta study examining the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy to treat sleep apnea.

Study examining the association of insomnia symptoms with daytime behavior and cognitive functioning in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Meta study looking at the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy to reduce snoring.

Retrospective study looking at the connection of short frenulums and sleep apnea in children.

Tongue Thrust and Dysfunctional Swallow Patterns

Study looking at the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy to treat an atypical swallow.

Study looking at the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy to treat children with anterior open bites and tongue dysfunction.

Mouth Breathing

Study looking at the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy with children who are mouth breathing.

Review of the effects of mouth breathing on facial development in children.

Study evaluating the relationship of posture and mouth breathing.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Study evaluating the effects of myofunctional therapy on temporomandibular disorders.

Breathing Techniques

A Review of Breathing Re-Education and Phenotypes of Sleep Apnea.

A clinical trial showing the effectiveness of the Buteyko Breathing technique with children suffering from asthma.