Frequently Asked Questions
What is the therapy exactly?
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise based program that improves orofacial muscle dysfunction. Dentists, dental hygienists and speech language pathologists may practice myofunctional therapy after receiving specialty training. You will be given new exercises every two weeks to practice daily. There are two types: active and passive exercises. Active exercises will require watching yourself in a mirror and trying to minimize muscle compensations while doing them. Passive exercises take minimal effort and can be done easily while doing something else-- watching TV, scrolling on your phone etc. A full therapy program is on average 12 sessions for adult and teens and 10 sessions for a child 5-12 years old. Changing behaviors takes time, which is why our program lasts about 6 months, providing the support needed for lasting change.
What do I need to start therapy?
You will need a computer and high speed internet for virtual sessions. Once you start the program I will send you a therapy tool kit that will aid in a number of exercises. You will need to set aside time to do your exercises for 5 minutes, twice a day.
How do I pay for therapy?
We operate on a private basis, as medical insurances typically do not cover myofunctional therapy. We offer several convenient payment options, including PayPal, Venmo, Square, and flex/health savings accounts. Additionally, we provide payment plans for full therapy programs to accommodate your needs.
Is there research on myofunctional therapy?
There is published research in highly respected medical journals that support myofunctional therapy. Here are some to get you started on your research journey:
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International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Short lingual frenulum and head-forward posture in children with the risk
of obstructive sleep apnea- 2021 Poland
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165587621000926
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Nature of Science and Sleep
Obstructive sleep apnea: focus on myofunctional therapy- 2018 Brazil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6132228/
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American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Relapse of anterior open bites treated with orthodontic appliances with and without orofacial myofunctional therapy- 2010 USA
https://aomtinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AJODO_RelapseAnteriorOpenBite.pdf
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American Journal of Respiratory Care and Critical Care Medicine
Effects of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Patients with Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome- 2008 Brazil
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Laryngoscope, Investigative Otolaryngology
Lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy: Exploring safety and efficacy in 348 cases (open access)- 2019 USA
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lio2.297
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Sleep and Breathing- International Journal of the Science and Practice of Sleep Medicine
Myofunctional therapy improves adherence to continuous positive airway pressure treatment-2016 Brazil
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11325-016-1429-6
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There are many more articles- just ask!
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