Frequently Asked Questions

Because orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) can encompass a wide variety of symptoms, people of all ages can benefit. Early intervention with kids can positively impact their craniofacial growth and development while reducing risks of other health issues into adulthood. Myofunctional therapy focuses on the root cause. Correcting the dysfunction of the orofacial muscles can have life changing results in both children and adults. 

Nasal breathing has tremendous health benefits. Your nose is a natural filter to the outside world. Breathing through the nose not only filters out allergens and pathogens but it also acts as a humidifier, warming and moisturizing the air we inhale. Warm, moist air is easier for the lungs to utilize. The biggest benefit of nasal breathing is the increased production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide production acts as a vasodilator for your blood vessels. Vasodilators widen the blood vessels allowing more oxygen to be transported throughout the body. Did you know nasal breathing can increase your oxygenation by almost 20 percent? Nasal breathing is also imperative for better quality sleep. Training the tongue to rest properly in the roof of the mouth creates a seal, encouraging dominant nasal breathing. 

Mouth breathing offers no filter, allowing allergens, dust, and pathogens to travel directly into the lungs. This can lead to an increase in allergies, asthmatic symptoms, and sickness. Mouth breathing also decreases moisture in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. A good night's rest is vital to one's overall health and well being.  Quality sleep improves memory, performance, and reduces the risk of other health issues like heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer's. If you're mouth breathing during sleep, you're most likely not achieving quality, deep sleep.  

The goal of myofunctional therapy is to establish proper tongue rest posture and dominant nasal breathing. When you have proper tongue rest posture, your tongue rests in the roof of the mouth forming a seal, inhibiting mouth breathing. This in turn, establishes dominant nasal breathing. Good tongue rest posture in children also encourages ideal craniofacial growth and development. 

A tongue tie means oral tissues are tethering the tongue down towards the floor of the mouth, restricting full function. Tethered oral tissues can restrict full range of motion needed for dominant nasal breathing and proper chewing and swallowing technique. If tongue ties are too restricted, a tongue tie release may be necessary. This involves a referral to a release provider that can surgically release the tongue tie with a laser. Myofunctional therapy is strongly recommended before and after a tongue tie release to strengthen the muscles of the tongue and prevent scar tissue from forming and creating more restriction. 

Myofunctional therapy is often a collaborative effort. This may include referrals to an ENT, dentist, orthodontist, primary care physician, sleep medicine provider, lactation consultant, speech therapist, allergist, bodyworker (massage therapist, cranial sacral therapist, chiropractor), etc. when indicated. While seeking treatment from referrals is not required for myofunctional therapy, it can result in a more successful outcome. 

Myofunctional therapy is not one size fits all. You will be provided with an individualized care plan based on the severity of your OMD. Therapy can range on average from 6 to 12 months. Your commitment to your daily practice and exercises outside of therapy sessions is imperative to your success. Behavior modification takes time, repetition, and dedication. 

Because myofunctional therapy is considered a holistic approach to restoring proper orofacial muscular function, it is not usually covered by insurance.  We encourage you to inquire about coverage directly with your insurance company. We are happy to provided any documentation needed for insurance reimbursement. 

Absolutely! HSA and FSA plans are accepted.