Myo Oral Health LLC

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

 

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, Myofunctional Therapy, Tongue Thrust Therapy all refer to the same thing. These terms are interchangeable.

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Your tongue’s position is an indication of your health.  It impacts facial features, breathing, chewing, swallowing, speaking, sleeping, pain in your head, neck, and shoulders.  Fortunately, Marie McElderry has been trained to identify abnormal tongue position and can correct this with orofacial myofunctional disorder.  Myofunctional Specialist, like Marie, have advanced training that ensures a future of good health and a pleasing smile!

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Myofunctional programs offer exercises that increase muscle tone around the mouth and facial areas to correct deviation of tongue or tongue thrust. A deviated swallow can be found in children and adults.  Myofunctional programs are customized, individualized process that corrects and improves muscle tone for healthy swallowing.

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How is it Done?

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Myofunctional therapy (MFT) is performed by a professional with advanced training in this specialty.  MFT is not part of dental or dental hygiene education.  MFT is based on individual needs, increasing muscle tone of tongue and facial muscles, most importantly focusing on four goals.

1. Nasal Breathing

2. Lisp Seal

3. Tongue Position at Rest

4. Proper Swallowing

Ideal swallowing pattern uses facial muscles and tongue which lead to an increase in muscle strength and coordination. 

The muscles of the face and mouth are designed to work together in a collaborative effort.  By recognizing an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder early, you can help overcome hurdles and have optimal health!

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Schedule a 90 minute Evaluation today!

Client Comments on Therapy with Marie

I am a "graduate" of Marie's Myofunctional Therapy program, and what a great experience it was.  The exercises assigned to me each week were manageable and in fact I enjoyed the feeling of strength over the course of the therapy in my facial muscles, my tongue and my swallow.  I greatly appreciate Marie's expertise, patience, good humor and enthusiasm for my progress during these 11 weeks.  She took care explaining all aspects of the treatment and the goals of the course, an I am so glad to have improved my breathing habits.

Linda K, Ph.D.
Professor

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"Our experience with Marie was top-notch!  She was very responsive, quickly mailed out the materials for the therapy sessions to us, consistently contacted the additional dental and orthodontic providers with updates on therapy, and accommodated a difficult student schedule.  Her patience in therapy was well-noted, providing additional support and extra time to master the particular exercise before moving on to the next phase in treatment.  Therapy provided visible results quickly, and we are pleased with the results." Tamra A

 

"Marie coached me through a dozen sessions and is very knowledgeable about myofunctional therapy . She thoroughly demonstrated the exercises and helped me make a lot of progress during our sessions. My sleep has improved, and my old habits of tongue thrusting and mouth breathing are fading away. I would recommend her program to anyone interested in improving their health” Tony K,  Minnesota