Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy can correct the oral rest postures of the tongue, lips, and jaw so the face and teeth can develop naturally. This therapy is appropriate for children ages 5 and up. *(For children under 5, see below).
step 1 |
Evaluation
The first step is to have an evaluation which is a comprehensive assessment of function of all of the oral structures including a detailed case history since birth. This evaluation can take up to 2 hours and (in our office) yields an 8-9 written report with recommendations, referrals to other professionals if needed, and a plan for treatment moving forward.
step 2 |
Therapy
Your therapist will recommend beginning weekly therapy and assign 3-4 exercises that must be completed at least twice a day. For example, putting the tongue up behind the top teeth, but not TOUCHING the teeth, and holding it there for 30 seconds is one type of exercise. Sounds easy right? There are requirements such as mouth is open wide and tongue is not allowed to move. You would be surprised to find out how many people cannot do something that seems so simple, especially when it comes to not moving the tongue.
How Long Will It Take?
We get asked this question a lot. Typically, with good practice, the total number of sessions ranges from 16-24 or four to six months. Missing daily practice can extend the program while completing the exercises with consistency can shorten it.
How Much Will It Cost?
This is usually the next question and an important one! Each myofunctional therapist or orofacial myologist has their own pricing so it would inappropropriate to post information here.
One thing to consider is that you are paying for a specialized, tailored, and highly individualized therapy that only a few hundred people in the country can provide.
Additionally, while the cost of braces continues to soar, people seem to figure out how to pay for them, yet attempting to correct the problems that may lead to needing braces or preventing relapse is judged to be too expensive. Luckily, the cost of myofunctional therapy is not even close to the cost of braces yet it can do so much more for your overall health!
Will Insurance Cover It?
Unfortunately most do not. In our office, we can file with your insurance so the cost is applied toward your deductible.
What Do I Do Next?
If you are local to Burlington, NC you can call our office and begin the intake process for the evaluation at (336) 350-9263. We offer both in-person and online services. For those who are local, we can do the evaluation in-person and then do therapy online saving you travel time!
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If you are in other parts of North Carolina, or reside in Georgia, Illinois, or Missouri, we can complete the evaluation online and therapy too!
We also complete evaluations and therapy online to make getting treatment easier for our families!
*For Children Under 5
Even though most children under 5 would not be candidates for a full myofunctional program, it does not mean they wouldn't benefit from an evaluation as it can identify any issues that may lead to a more serious myofunctional problem down the road. It will also assist the parents by providing necessary referrals for issues regarding airway, breathing, and tongue resting posture. Additionally, we have other treatment modalities that will put them on the right track for good facial and dental development.