Therapy

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a non-invasive, individualized program of exercises that are designed to re-pattern the oral and facial muscles. Children find the therapy sessions fun and observable progress fuels their motivation. Treatment times can vary, although a typical program usually occurs over a 12 month period.

Children as young as 4-5 years of age can be seen for evaluation to determine if they would benefit from early intervention. Children ages 7-10 are very good candidates for therapy; however, children, adolescents, and adults of all ages can achieve successful results with OMT. The best results involve a coordinated effort between the orofacial myologist, orthodontist, general dentist or pediatric dentist, and other involved specialists all working together to obtain the best outcome.

Therapy programs include:

Habit elimination therapy.
Exercises to improve nasal breathing and oral facial functions.
Teaching and promoting proper chewing, breathing, and swallowing.
Re-patterning head and neck posture problems.
Generalization and habituation of the new muscle patterns.

Parental involvement is very important to a child's success, and key to that success is a supportive environment that provides consistent encouragement and motivation necessary for positive and permanent change.