The MYO Process
First Visit - Comprehensive Myofunctional Screening
All visits are completely virtual.
Your First Visit: Discovery & Functional Screening
Your initial visit is a 90-minute discovery session where we will observe & note both the clinical & function of the muscles of the face, mouth, and airway.
During the functional assessment, we will record brief videos of you performing specific tasks related to your myofunctional habits. These may include chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing. These recordings allow for a detailed analysis of muscle function and movement patterns.
What You’ll Complete Before Your Visit:
To prepare for your clinical evaluation, you will receive:
- A comprehensive intake/history form, which includes questions about:
- Birth and developmental milestones
- Early feeding and swallowing patterns
- Childhood dental and orthodontic history
- Current or past habits and symptoms (mouth breathing, snoring, clenching, TMJ concerns, etc.)
- Daily routines and any functional limitations
- Your goals and expectations for therapy
- A photo submission guide
These photos allow me to document posture, facial structure, and lip and tongue posture. They are essential for assessing your myofunctional health and tracking progress over time.
We ask that you please complete and return all forms and photos at least 7–10 days prior to your appointment. This allows me to thoroughly review your case in advance and begin the clinical part of the assessment ahead of time so we can make the most of our time together.
After Your Evaluation:
If you choose to move forward with therapy, I will compile all findings and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Your first payment is due in order to schedule your first session & have your kit of tools mailed to you.
The Evaluation Components consists of:
1. Videos: To analyze your muscle function and movement patterns in detail.
2. Photos: To document your facial structure as well as your lip & tongue postures.
3. Questions: Covering your history from early childhood onward.
- You should plan for an expense of $175 for your Comprehensive Exam, which will be collected at time of service.
*Exams can include an additional family member at a discounted rate.
Therapy Program
Personalized client-based program. A full program generally consists of 10-12 sessions and ranges from 6-10 months. These sessions take place via telehealth. For clients who need a functional frenuloplasty, therapy includes pre & post operative stretches and exercises. These clients may also require 1-3 short check-in sessions.
Therapy consists of bi-weekly sessions that are approximately 45 minutes in length.
Each therapy session will be unique and builds upon the previous sessions. Each of the exercises given will be demanding even though they may seem silly. Personal dedication is essential in order for successful program completion. You will demonstrate the exercises you learned and practiced prior to learning new ones in every session. As therapy progresses some sessions may be held every 3 -4 weeks instead of every two.
The exercises and techniques given usually require about 5-10 minutes of your time, two times a day. It is important to maintain consistency in order to create new neural pathways, allowing for new functional patterns. This is the pathway to eliminating old neuromuscular patterns of dysfunction, relieve tension or pain, and improve the quality of both sleep and breathing.
*Sessions can include up to one additional family members at a discounted rate, as long as sessions take place together.
Goals of Therapy
Four Goals Of Therapy
- Nasal breathing (Day & Night)
- Correct Tongue Posture (Day & Night)
- Lips Closed Together (Day & Night)
- Proper Chewing & Swallowing
Other Providers: Myofunctional therapy is multifaceted & often involves a team approach. This means working with other health care providers to address your underlying challenges to help us achieve your goals. Other providers may include Airway Focused/Aware dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, ENT's, physicians, sleep specialists, body workers & more. Therapy is individualized and treatment plans are devised depending upon your specific needs.
Costs
Costs:
Myofunctional therapy is considered a specialized treatment and is not generally covered by medical or dental insurance and not considered in-network with any insurance company. However, most FSA and HSA can be used for therapy, it is suggested you check with your specific plan.
You can pay for your therapy upfront (receiving a 5% discount) or choose a payment plan.
Myofunctional therapy is priced as a program rather than per session. Most patients find that a full program will cost them approximately $2,500. A kit of tools needed for therapy is included with the cost.
The cost of the comprehensive exam is not included in the cost of the therapy.
