Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

It is the assessment and rehabilitation of orofacial muscles that are not properly functioning, under developed or habitually redirected that result in disorders of the head, neck and airway.  With the guided use of exercises and stretches to guide muscle function, break and reform new proper oral habits and gain muscle memory we can aid in proper growth and development of youth. As adults our bodies have had to compensate for the lack of proper function either due to a restriction or habit and with myofunctional therapy we can eliminate or reduce compensations and provide muscles with proper functions once again.

What conditions or disorders would benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?

To name just a few - Tongue ties/restrictions, Sleep disturbances, Restricted airways, Mouth Breathing, Oral Habits like thumb sucking, Muscle Bracing, Clenching, Collapsed dental arches, Relapsed orthodontic work, Grinding/Bruxism, Muscle tension, TMJ discomfort, Speech difficulties/impairments, Stomach bloating/gas build up.

Will a few exercises be all I need?

Completing the physical exercise program is imperative to reach the treatment goals and successfully treat the orofacial muscular disorder or eliminate a habit. Myofunctional therapy is individualized to each client and their goals! Interprofessional collaboration is always advised! This could mean a trip to your massage therapist, chiropractor, speech therapist, orthodontist or other qualified health professionals during your myofunctional therapy program to assist in treatment outcome! Additionally there are a wide range of products and appliances that could be recommended along the way to help boost your therapy. 

Will my Dental Benefits cover treatment?

Each benefit program is predetermined by your employer and yourself and vary from individual, even within the same workplace. Myofunctional therapy can be covered under two parts of your insurance plan, depending on the plan, in either basic coverage or orthodontic coverage pools. We can submit an estimate to your dental insurance benefit to check for eligibility.  Any portions not covered by insurance benefits are the responsibility of the client throughout the treatment.