Frequently Asked Questions

Myofunctional therapy is an exercised based therapy (think physical therapy) for the orofacial muscles-muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face. The exercises are designed specifically to improve muscle dysfunction and restore proper breathing, chewing, and swallowing. 

Mouth breathing leads to poor blood oxygenation which is linked to several health problems- hypertension, heart failure, sleep disordered breathing, anxiety, stress, and inadequate growth and development. It causes the mouth to constantly be open, leading to low tongue posture, leading to vertical facial growth patterns and crowded teeth. It also causes an increase risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. It causes ADD and ADHD-like symptoms in children.

Specific causes can include tongue tie, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, chronic nasal congestion, respiratory congestion, food sensitivities or allergies, asthma, deviated septum, nasal polyps. Each of these issues can make it difficult or impossible for someone to breath through their nose. When this occurs breathing through their mouth is the next option and if it isn't corrected it can become a life long habit. 

Tongue/lip ties are tethered oral tissues that can potentially lead to problems while breathing, chewing, swallowing, nursing,  or speaking. It's an abnormal development of the tongue or lip in which they can't move freely around, interfering with their natural function. 

A tongue thrust is a type of OMD where the tongue pushes against the teeth or in between them when swallowing. The ideal position of the tongue is resting against the roof of the mouth (pallet).

Myofunctional therapy is beneficial for both children and adults.  While starting therapy in young children is most beneficial because their bodies are still growing and you can help encourage proper development of the face, jaw, and airway to prevent future myofunctional disorders. Doing therapy as an adult is still incredibly helpful and will improve myfunctional disorders- open mouth posture, mouth breathing, low tongue posture, and tongue thrust swallowing patterns- leading to a healthier life. 

The best results are obtained when the exercises are done twice daily for a total of 5-10 minutes at a time. Most patients see results in as few as 12 sessions or about 4-6 months.

Marilee understands the importance of your overall health and the difficulties and barriers that insurance companies create by dictating what treatments the patient can receive based on what's cheapest for them to pay. It's always my goal to help patients understand what treatment options are best for their individual needs and wont let an insurance company, that doesn't know my patient, dictate that.  With that said, I'm happy to provide a super bill for patients who would like to send it in to their insurance company for reimbursement.