For little ones ages 1-5+
Entering into a Myofunctional Therapy Program is not to be taken lightly and no treatment plan is identical. Length of treatment is determined on a case by case basis. Orofacial myofunctional disorders can be caused by various structural, functional or habitual reasons. Habitual causes are easier and quicker to resolve (such as eliminating oral habits) than those that also have a structural component or that have developed into functional eating/swallowing/breathing disorders (such as oral restrictions/tongue tie, reverse swallow or sleep apnea).
OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY typically consists of THREE Phases of Treatment. Everyone progresses through the phases at different rates. There are numerous factors that determine each individual's length of treatment, thus determining the overall cost. Several factors are in your control such as compliance and consistency in the program. Other factors are out of our control such as the severity of your overall dysfunction and the responsiveness of your orofacial muscles, a person's cognition, structural issues to address during therapy and more.
Phase 1- Pre-Treatment Phase (Awareness/Stabilizing Stage) – Developing New Muscle Patterns
This phase focuses on:
1. Developing new muscle patterns
2. Education of proper myofunctional oral habits and treatment goals
3. The elimination of negative behavioral oral habits
4. Stretching exercises
5. Range of motion exercises
6. Strengthening and toning the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles that lift and contract the tongue
7. The importance of compliance and consistency during the ongoing home/independent portion of program.
Phase 2 – Post-Treatment Phase (Intensive Stage) – Integrating and Implementing New Muscle Patterns – Achieving Neuroplasticity
This phase focuses on:
1. Implementing and Integrating new muscle patterns
2. Lingual, labial and mandibular range of motion, strength and stability
3. Proper lingual and labial positioning at rest and during swallow/speech
4. Proper swallow patterns during the swallowing of saliva and liquids
5. Proper oral phase swallow (food chewing, proper bolus formation and swallowing)
6. The reinforcement of habit elimination
7. Speech, Voice and Fluency Skills as warranted
Phase 3 – Generalization, Habituation and Retention of ALL Muscle Patterns
This phase focuses on:
1. Generalizing all patterns
2. Ease of performance
3. Generalizing integrated muscle patterns into specific daily activities (natural environment, no clinical structure)
4. Habit strengthening
5. Self-monitoring
6. Self-correction
7. New muscle patterns and proper function fully implemented into day and night
8. Retention of all newly acquired muscle patterns
This type of therapy requires you to show up every day and do your best, otherwise you will not get your money's worth and your symptoms or conditions will likely recur. You must be actively ready to begin the change in yourself or your child. This is a health and lifestyle choice because you will be doing exercises everyday, and bringing new awareness to dysfunctional oral patterns that you have had your entire life. The most important changes are the changes that happen at home in between sessions and it is my goal to support you in incorporating gradual changes and using research-based techniques to help you and your child reach your goals.
Orofacial myofunctional treatment does not offer a quick fix, however with consistency and dedication, it can be highly effective at normalizing orofacial dysfunction and the results can absolutely be life changing. The best results are obtained when the exercises are done daily. Therapy generally lasts between 3 and 12 months. The program can be modified to fit your schedule. Appointments range from weekly to monthly.
Myofunctional therapy has been shown to result in effective improvements in oral and swallowing patterns, however due to the many factors that influence these patterns, outcomes are not guaranteed. Everyone progressed through the phases of treatment at different rates. It is important to recognize that even when therapy outcome is positive, there may be a period of time before myofunctional therapy is effective. Effectiveness further depends on the patients’ maintenance of habits and exercise program developed during therapy.
If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Copyright © 2025 Myofunctional Spot - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.