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Orofacial Myology Disorders

About OMD

Orofacial myology is defined as “the study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing, and overall mental and physical health.

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Orofacial Myology therapy is not speech therapy. OMT is therapy to correct or re-train muscle tonus/function problems which influence dental occlusion; facial shape; chewing; swallowing; and tongue, lip, and jaw resting posture. Not all individuals who have a tongue thrust have a speech problem and not all

who have a speech problem have a tongue thrust.

Signs or Habits of Concern

  • Abnormal thumb, finger, lip(s) or tongue sucking habits

  • An inappropriate mouth-open lips-open resting posture

  •  Abnormal forward rest position of the tongue against front teeth

  •  Abnormal tongue position between back teeth

  •  Inappropriate thrusting of the tongue while speaking and/or swallowing.

  • Drooling, improper chewing and swallow.

What are the Consequences of OMD?

  • These abnormal habit patterns, functional activities, and postures can create an open bite. This can result in a disruption of dental development in children and over-eruption of selected teeth in adults.

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  •           Over time, dental malocclusion (open bites, crowded teeth), altered sleeping patterns (snoring, sleep apnea, which might lead to poor school/ work performance, reduced memory and attention), changes in jaw growth and position (narrow arches), are observed in some patients with OMDs.

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FAQ

1. Is there an age limitation?

 No, as long as an individual is capable of listening and willing to repeat exercises

2. What does therapy involve?

  Initial examination/ evaluation takes 90 minutes and is absolutely needed to properly diagnose the problem and set up goals and treatment planning.

**Therapy sessions include, but not limited to working on different sets of exercises to strengthen the muscle tone and proper position of  lips, jaws and tongue.

3. How often therapy sessions need to be scheduled?

Sessions recommended to be appointed on weekly basis.

4.   Is there "homework"?

 Yes, please be prepared to do daily exercises at home (lasting only 10 minutes or so). The more consistent you are with your assigned exercises, the better and faster you will achieve desired result.

5. How many sessions will I need?

Expected number of sessions depend on severity,  compliance and consistency of the patient.

6. Does my medical or dental insurance cover the services?

NO, there has not been a medical or dental code in place to bill to the insurance.

7. How much does therapy costs?

Initial examination costs $150. Follow up therapy sessions are $75. Payment is expected at the time of the appointment.

10 Will any photos or recording be taken during the sessions?

YES, in order to provide appropriate treatment, photos and videos may be taken during initial exam and follow up treatment sessions.

11. How will my progress be evaluated?

At the end of each phase, a short examination will be given to the patient to assess his/her readiness for the next phase.

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