Why Does Tongue Position Matter?

The hard palate is the floor of the nasal cavity. Proper orofacial development requires the tongue to rest at the top of the mouth with lips closed and nasal breathing.

Without proper tongue placement, the hard palate, facial muscles and structures will not develop correctly. This can lead to mouth breathing, a tongue thrust, abnormal jaw development, an elongated face, a compromised airway, and many other unhealthy conditions.

Poor tongue posture can lead to orthodontic relapse, airway blockage, and nasal congestion.

How Long Does Myofunctional Therapy Take to Work?

Every client has different needs, goals, and commitment levels. Since therapy works to address the underlying cause of dysfunctions instead of the symptoms, there is no magic number of sessions. I have had clients complete therapy in 8 sessions, while others have taken 8-12 months.

Therapy is dependent upon patient/parent participation and commitment.

During this time, an individualized exercise program is created to help you achieve

jaw stabilization, lip tone and strength, tongue tone, and a correct swallow pattern. The bilateral function of the jaw or chewing muscles (masseter, posterior temporalis, pterygoid musculature) is introduced, and proper chewing and drinking techniques are taught. We work to develop the soft palate, uvula and oropharyngeal muscles (important for airway and sleep). We develop the back of the tongue, and teach the tongue its proper position, which is in the roof of the mouth across the palate. We work to eliminate jaw shifting, mouth breathing, tongue thrust, nail biting, and unilateral/ bilateral tongue flare.

Factors that can affect treatment time include the need for a frenectomy, palatal expansion, surgeries (tonsils/adenoids), or timing of oral devices such as orthodontics, ViVos, DNA, other types of palatal expanders, and of course lack of commitment to daily exercises and scheduled appointments.

How Often Do I Meet With You for Therapy?

My goal is to help you establish long term functional, healthy habits that will last you a lifetime.

I prefer to see patients once a week for the first 6 weeks. After a strong foundation is established with jaw stability and tongue posture improvement, a 2-3 week interval may be appropriate.

What Does Myofunctional Therapy Look Like?

Therapy involves a series of non-invasive, fun exercises that are targeted to address the cause of orofacial dysfunctions, instead of just the symptoms.

A kit of materials and aides will be provided on your first therapy visit. Exercises are meant to be built upon, and daily practice is necessary for the desired outcome. Exercises should not take up any more than 30 minutes total for the day, and most can be incorporated into your daily routine.

Success of Therapy

Studies confirm a 90% success rate with Orofacial Myology and its stable long term effectiveness.

The success of therapy rests upon the severity of the disorder, patient motivation, patient compliance, and family support.

No patient is the same and there is no cookie-cutter approach. Every patient has different needs and circumstances. Some will progress quicker than others. Just like anything else in life, the more you put into your therapy with regular practice, the more progress you will see.

The MOST important factor in reaching your success is commitment and compliance with daily home assignments, and regular treatment attendance.

In order to repattern and build the muscles involved, you will need to do it slowly, over time, to effectively reprogram your muscle memory. On average It takes about 6 weeks to train one new muscle, and we are working with several.

You will begin to see positive changes and habits taking place early on in therapy.

Like anything else worthwhile in life, therapy takes time, patience, and practice. Results are never guaranteed.

What can Myofunctional Therapy help with?

Those undergoing TMD treatments. 90% of Temporomandibular Dysfunctions are muscle-related

Those undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment, especially in cases of orthodontic relapse (crowding, shifting, open bite, cross bite)

Mouth breathers

Tongue Thrusters

Pre and Post op frenectomy’s (tongue ties/tethers)

Those who have had nasal surgery or a tonsillectomy

Those with a tongue tie/tongue restrictions

Those who are/were thumb suckers

Those with bad oral habits such as nail biting or tongue sucking

Those who used a sippy cup, pacifier, or bottle for too long.

Those with allergies, enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or turbinates

Those with sleep breathing disorders

Those who clench and grind

Post op Orthognathic surgery

Payment and Insurance

Therapy is not covered by insurance, but it is HSA, FSA eligible. Major credit cards are accepted and a Super Bill can be requested.

Discounts are available for treating multiple family members.

Discounts are available if Frenectomy Preparation and a full course of Myofunctional Therapy are partially paid for at the same time.

Please contact me if you have questions or special circumstances.