What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialised field that looks at the assessment and treatment of dysfunction of the orofacial complex, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, TMJ, palate and associated muscles. OMT is applied neuromuscular training for when these muscles are imbalanced and not functioning well. Some of the signs and symptoms that can relate to poor function of the orofacial complex include; craniofacial pain, low tongue posture, malocclusion (crooked teeth), jaw underdevelopment, TMJ dysfunction and pain, dysfunctional swallowing, sleep disordered breathing and tooth grinding (bruxism).

OMT is for both children and adults.

Your OMT initial consultation is 45 minutes. During this time a thorough history is taken and your concerns noted.

Your First OMT Visit

Assessment will vary depending on age, and can look different for an adult compared to a young child. The key areas of assessment include:

• Craniofacial symmetry and development

• Spinal posture

• Resting oral posture

• Breathing and airways

• Tongue, lip, cheek, palate and swallow function

• Tonsillar tissue

• TMJ function

• Neck and jaw musculature

• Cervical spine and cranials

• If warranted, otoscopic, neurological, hypermobility and gait assessment.

Dr. Clarke will spend time after your appointment compiling a report of findings and OMT exercises tailored to your examination findings and treatment goals.

Your report of findings visit is 30 minutes. During this time Dr. Clarke will discuss your examination findings and go through your report with you. Your proposed treatment plan is discussed, including any additional recommended treatment and/or referrals to other healthcare practitioners.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) consists primarily of a program of myofunctional exercises. As treatment progresses, you will be assessed and monitored each appointment and the exercises changed and advanced accordingly. The first set of exercises will be demonstrated during your report of findings consultation. It is important exercises are guided during the consult to ensure these are performed optimally and modified where required.

In circumstances where additional treatment is recommended, eg. cranial or TMJ chiropractic care, this will commence in your subsequent standard visits.

This is a great time to ask any questions you may have, however, sometimes your questions come after the report visit. You are encouraged to bring up any questions during subsequent visits or e-mailing us anytime.

Standard visits are 30 minutes. During your visits, your progress is monitored by and your new exercises prescribed accordingly.

If you have questions and would like more information, contact us via email or our online enquiry form, or book a complimentary discovery call with Dr. Michelle Clarke.