Course of Treatment

How Does Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Work and How Long Will It Take?

The goals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) are accomplished by a structured series of exercises and strategies to tone, strengthen and re-pattern the muscles of the orofacial complex. Forming new patterns of muscle movement through neuromuscular re-education and behavior modification requires intensity, repetition and time. Without these 3 components the patient will be susceptible to relapse.

Orofacial myofunctional therapists work in collaboration with other disciplines (dentists, ENTs, allergists, speech language pathologists, orthodontists, osteopaths etc.) to ensure the most successful outcomes for patients. Barriers/limitations to orofacial myofunctional therapy can include nasal obstructions (e.g. deviated septum, allergies), tongue restriction (tongue tie), structural abnormalities, severely crowded teeth and/or very enlarged tonsils/adenoids. This is why a collaborative approach is an essential aspect of treatment protocols. Your health practitioners, myofunctional therapist, and the team involved are dedicated to achieving the best possible result. Patients who are committed, consistent and compliant can achieve very successful results from their therapy program. The greater these components, the greater level of success with therapy.

I offer a complimentary phone consultation to discuss concerns and determine if a comprehensive exam is warranted. If you were referred by a dental or medical provider, you can skip directly to:

• Certain tests will be performed, intraoral measurement may be taken, photos will be taken, clinical findings will be documented, and health/dental/medical history will be obtained. Goals of therapy will be discussed.
• Information from evaluation will be compiled and a treatment plan will be developed based on individual needs. A report of findings, recommendations and short-term/long-term goals will be provided to patient/parent within a week of evaluation.

• I will assess and discuss performance and follow through with exercises and techniques from prior week's treatment instructions.
• I will present, instruct and demonstrate exercises/techniques for upcoming week. Patient will perform each exercise/technique and I will analyze performance and assist as needed to ensure effectiveness.
• I will continuously and holistically assess the patient and recommend and/or facilitate collaboration with other disciplines as needed.

There are 3 to 4 phases of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) treatment.

Total duration of treatment is generally 12 months. The number of sessions ranges depending upon progression and many other factors; average range is 18-26 sessions. Duration/phases of treatment vary depending on complexity of case, patient's age, and compliance.

Phases of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) treatment include:

Duration up to 30 days

This phase focuses on the elimination of oral habits (e.g. thumb sucking) or jaw stabilization.

Duration 8 weeks. Frequency 1x per week.

We will work together on muscle activation, coordination of these muscles, oral rest posture, lip seal, proper chewing/swallowing of foods/liquids (oral preparatory phase, OMTs do not treat dysphagia), reinforcement of habit elimination, and sleep hygiene.

Note: Duration 10 weeks if a frenectomy is needed (tongue or lip tie release)

Duration 4 months. Frequency 1x every 2-3 weeks.

Less intensive exercises and techniques, assess/monitor carry over of new patterns into everyday life. Maintain new patterns. Assess integration process; monitor habits, techniques and exercises, adjusting as necessary. Identify goals that have been met and others that may still be in progress and target accordingly. Choose strategies to ensure overall integration.

Duration 5-6 months (until year is complete from start of therapy). Frequency 1x per month.

Less frequent and intensive techniques with continued monitoring (check-ins). Techniques/strategies are tailored to retain recently achieved patterns (ingrained in everyday life).

Integration! Ensures you will "hold on to" the results of all your hard work and commitment!