Phases of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

---

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 

• Duration up to 4-6 weeks; Telehealth appointments every week
• Functional Frenectomy (lingual or labial release) is performed during this phase, if indicated by physician.

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

• Duration approximately 8-12+ weeks; Telehealth appointments every week
• Follow up appointments with your release provider

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 

• Duration approx. 2-6 months; individually scheduled appointments every 2-6 weeks, as needed.
• The therapist monitors the patient’s independent habits and exercises; making adjustments and/or recommendations to home program as necessary.
• Exercises are tailored to integration an awareness oral patterns into daily/nightly activities regarding oral rest posture and self-observed oral habits.
• This phase of treatment will continue as needed based on therapist recommendation and/or client or physician request.
• The therapist makes referrals to other providers as needed or determined to be beneficial to client.

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.

COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM DETAILS

You have been referred for Myofunctional Assessment or Treatment by your physician who has determined that myofunctional therapy would be a beneficial adjunct treatment in helping you meet your orofacial myofunctional goals. 

The next step is enrolling in one of my Comprehensive Myofunctional Therapy Programs. This program includes an Initial Evaluation which takes about 60-90 minutes, followed by a package of therapy sessions over a period of time (length and frequency of sessions varied per individual program). Additional session packages and/or individual sessions can be schedule as needed for established patients. Obviously, the treatment for a 7-year old habitual thumb sucker will be vastly different than the treatment for a middle aged adult struggling with lifelong sleep apnea, and undergoing various structural procedures and surgeries. Enrolling in a comprehensive Myofunctional Therapy Program is your investment and commitment to your role in the program, as well as my commitment to offering you the evaluative and therapeutic care to best optimize long term results. 

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD's) 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). Most 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 be life changing. 

For patients who are undergoing tongue-tie surgery (frenectomy), this program typically includes 4-6 weeks of pre-frenectomy treatment leading up to your procedure followed by post-frenectomy healing protocols and myofunctional treatment to retrain the lingual muscles and eliminate any dysfunctional oral patterns. We always recommend a minimum of 12-sessions to begin with for Pre/Post Frenectomy clients.

Treatment for other concerns is determined based on each individual's myofunctional goals, as determined and/or recommended by dentist and/or speech therapist. 

Myofunctional therapy sessions are approximately 30 minutes in length. 

EVALUATIVE/THERAPEUTIC PROCESS

STEP ONE  -  MYOFUNCTIONAL EVALUATION - ALL CLIENTS MUST RECEIVE A FULL INITIAL EVALUATION PRIOR TO BEGINNING TREATMENT.  We offer In Person Assessments for our local clients in our office which is located at 9675 West Broward Blvd on the border of Davie & Plantation in Broward County. We also offer all assessment and treatment services via Telehealth for all ages.

STEP TWO - REGISTRATION/PAPERWORK: Once your Initial Assessment is scheduled, you will immediately receive a registration link from Simple Practice, which will ask you to provide a credit/debit card as a form of payment. 

• TO RESERVE AND SECURE YOUR ASSESSMENT, WE DO PROCESS FULL PAYMENT AT THE TIME OF BOOKING AN ASSESSMENT. The full assessment fee is non-refundable. One courtesy reschedule is permitted, allowing the fee to be transferred once to a rescheduled appointment.
• Registration must be completed within 24 hours of scheduling your assessment in order to hold your scheduled assessment day/time.
• Your appointment is not confirmed or secured until you have completed the registration and your deposit has been processed.

Once we have received your deposit, your appointment is officially confirmed and will receive additional Intake Forms, Consent Forms and Specific Checklists/Questionnaires related to your case. 

• This intake process provides valuable information that is incorporated as part of your overall assessment.
• Completed forms and questionnaires must be received 2 business days prior to your appointment.

STEP THREE - INITIATE TREATMENT :

• Treatment typically begins the week following your Evaluation
• This allows your clinician sufficient time to analyze all of the evaluative date, write your Comprehensive Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation Report and develop your Individualized Myofunctional Treatment Plan.
• It also provides us time to prepare your Myofunctional Toolbox prior to your first session (and shipment of boxes for Telehealth clients).

Risks and Limitations of Myofunctional Therapy

Successful myofunctional therapy is a collaborative process between the patient and the treating clinician. Your healthcare team, including your myofunctional therapist and any collaborating providers, is committed to supporting you and guiding you toward the best possible outcome. Patient motivation, consistency, and active participation play a critical role in therapy progress.

While many individuals experience meaningful improvements with myofunctional therapy, it is important to understand that, as with any therapeutic intervention, there are limitations and variability in outcomes. Results are influenced by multiple factors, including anatomy, overall health, coexisting medical or dental conditions, adherence to therapeutic recommendations, and consistency with home exercises. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Myofunctional therapy has been shown to support improvements in oral function, swallowing patterns, breathing coordination, and oral awareness. However, progress may occur gradually, and in some cases, a period of time is required before noticeable changes are observed. Continued benefit depends on the patient’s ability to maintain learned skills, habits, and exercises outside of therapy sessions.

Myofunctional therapy is a specialized therapeutic intervention designed to address oral habits and functional patterns related to tongue posture, lip seal, breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Therapy may include assessment, education, targeted exercises, and individualized strategies aimed at improving function and preventing further dysfunction. Treatment plans are developed based on clinical evaluation and professional judgment and are individualized for each patient.

Developing awareness of breathing patterns and oral posture outside of therapy sessions is an essential component of treatment. While the clinician will provide education, tools, and guidance, successful integration of these skills ultimately requires ongoing effort and practice by the patient. Every individual responds differently to therapy, and treatment plans are adjusted based on progress and clinical response.

⸻

Results of Treatment and Commitment to the Program

Myofunctional therapy generally proceeds as planned, and every effort is made to support patient success. However, because this treatment relies heavily on patient participation outside of scheduled appointments, outcomes depend on consistent home practice and engagement.

Therapy sessions alone are not sufficient to correct long-standing oral dysfunction. Lifelong oral patterns cannot be remediated through brief weekly sessions without consistent reinforcement at home. If recommended exercises and assignments are not completed outside of therapy sessions, results may be limited, and satisfaction with outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

For optimal results, patients are typically advised to practice assigned exercises for approximately 15 minutes, up to three times per day, unless otherwise directed by the clinician. Some exercises may be completed passively or incorporated into daily activities, while others require focused practice, often in front of a mirror or using specific tools provided as part of the therapy program.

Specific Treatment Considerations 

Allergies and Nasal Congestion

Allergies and chronic nasal congestion are common and may impact breathing patterns and oral function. In some cases, additional medical management may be necessary to support therapy progress. Referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT), allergist, or immunologist may be recommended when clinically indicated.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMJ / TMD)

Some patients experience improvement in temporomandibular joint symptoms through myofunctional therapy, particularly when muscular patterns contribute to discomfort. However, temporomandibular disorders are often multifactorial and may involve structural or non-muscular components. As a result, myofunctional therapy is not guaranteed to resolve TMJ-related symptoms for all individuals. When appropriate, referrals to medical or dental specialists may be recommended for additional evaluation or treatment.

Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie) and Oral Restrictions

Restricted oral frenums, including lingual, labial, and buccal ties, may contribute to myofunctional disorders and limit functional oral movement. In some cases, oral restrictions may significantly interfere with the ability to achieve therapeutic goals through myofunctional therapy alone.

When oral mobility is severely restricted, a functional frenectomy may be recommended to allow for improved movement and function. Without appropriate release of restrictive tissue, optimal improvement in tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and orofacial muscle coordination may not be achievable. Referrals to qualified ENT physicians, dentists, or oral surgeons may be made at any point during therapy based on clinical findings.

If a recommended release is declined, optimal outcomes cannot be guaranteed, and in some cases, continuation of therapy may not be clinically appropriate.

Myofunctional therapy does not replace speech, language, voice, or fluency therapy. These are distinct areas within the field of Speech Language Pathology and are evaluated and treated separately. However, myofunctional therapy may support speech improvement when underlying oral motor or muscular patterns contribute to speech concerns.

In some cases, myofunctional therapy serves as a foundational component of care, addressing oral posture, muscle coordination, and functional patterns that may impact speech production. For certain individuals, this foundational work can support overall progress in speech therapy and may be considered part of a broader treatment plan.

Because speech concerns and disorders can have many contributing factors, improvement in speech cannot be guaranteed through myofunctional therapy alone. Clinical decisions are made on an individual basis. The clinician reserves the right to pause or modify myofunctional therapy and recommend a formal speech and/or language evaluation or treatment when clinically indicated.

As a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, additional assessments or therapy services may be provided if appropriate and are offered at an additional cost. For more information regarding developmental speech and language delays or disorders, please visit www.speechlanguagespot.com.

In some cases, referrals may be made to additional healthcare providers as an adjunct to myofunctional therapy. These may include, but are not limited to, chiropractors, craniosacral therapists, physical therapists, or other appropriately licensed professionals. When recommended, these services are intended to support overall functional goals and facilitate progress within the myofunctional therapy program.

Adjunctive bodywork does not replace the intraoral therapy and functional rehabilitation that occur within myofunctional treatment. All intraoral assessment, treatment, and therapeutic exercises remain the responsibility of the licensed Speech Language Pathologist and are essential components of care.

If conditions or factors outside the scope of myofunctional therapy are identified or arise during treatment, a referral may be recommended for additional evaluation or support. Fees for any adjunctive services are separate from myofunctional therapy fees and are determined by the individual provider.

We are committed to working with highly qualified healthcare providers who understand orofacial myofunctional therapy and value a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to care. 

Our referral network is intentionally curated and includes practitioners and physicians who demonstrate advanced training, clinical experience, and alignment with our treatment philosophy. This collaborative model allows us to support the most effective and predictable outcomes for our patients.

For optimal coordination of care, we strongly encourage patients to work with providers within our established referral network for services related to:

• Tongue-tie surgery (functional frenectomy)

• Orthodontic treatment and expansion

• Airway and ENT evaluation

• Sleep evaluation and assessment for sleep-disordered breathing

• TMJ and craniofacial pain management

• Adjunctive bodywork, including chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, osteopathy, and physical therapy

These recommendations are based on clinical experience, evidence-based practice, and long-standing professional collaboration. Successful myofunctional therapy depends not only on the therapy itself, but also on alignment among all providers involved in care.

Patients may choose to work with providers outside of our referral network. However, when care is pursued outside of our recommended providers, coordination of treatment, clinical alignment, and outcomes may be impacted. In these cases, patients acknowledge that they are assuming responsibility for that decision and understand that outcomes may differ from those achieved through a coordinated, team-based approach.

When clinically appropriate, we may require a signed acknowledgment or waiver confirming that the patient has elected to proceed with outside providers and understands the potential limitations this may place on treatment progress or outcomes. This ensures clarity, transparency, and shared understanding of roles and responsibilities within the care team.

Finding the right providers is a critical component of successful myofunctional therapy. Many providers within the field of orofacial myofunctional disorders maintain specific referral relationships based on shared training, experience, and treatment philosophy. We value the trusted relationships we have built with highly specialized providers and the confidence they place in referring their patients to our practice. Close collaboration within this network allows us to deliver coordinated, ethical, and patient-centered care.

TELETHERAPY/TELEPRACTICE TREATMENT

What Technology Do I Need?

Internet/WiFi Connection: To engage in real-time therapy sessions, you will need to utilize a computer (best option), tablet, or cell phone with good internet/network connection and built in camera or external camera.

Session Time - Clinician will send you a registration link for our HIPAA compliant client portal which will be where our video sessions take place. It is the client's responsibility to make sure their network connection is working properly prior to our session. If you are having trouble connecting, please notify clinician. If clinician experiences connection/network difficulties at any time during the course of treatment, the session will be rescheduled for a later time and you will not be charged for your session.

Privacy & Confidentiality - Web Security

All video conferencing platforms are minimally secure using passwords and logins. However, confidentiality at the level of the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) cannot be guaranteed when participating in treatment over the internet. 

Teletherapy has proven to be very beneficial in the treatment of Myofunctional Disorders, and has many wonderful benefits, compared to in-person sessions. There is significant research supporting teletherapy as highly effective

We are licensed in the states of Florida and California. Please be advised: due to licensing restrictions, any Telehealth sessions with participants outside of the state of Florida or California can only be provided within a consultative or "coaching" capacity and therefore are not eligible to receive superbills or insurance reimbursement.  I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your orofacial myofunctional goals! 

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT