Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Kansas City's leading orofacial myofunctional disorder specialists.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) affect the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. BSPS is the only private practice in the Kansas City metro with therapists certified in the diagnosis and treatment of OMDs.
What Are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
OMDs occur when the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat don't work together properly. This includes:
- Incorrect tongue posture - tongue resting against or between teeth instead of the roof of the mouth
- Abnormal swallowing patterns - tongue thrust during swallowing
- Mouth breathing - breathing through the mouth instead of the nose
- Oral habits - thumb sucking, nail biting, lip biting
- Restricted oral tissues - tongue-tie or lip-tie affecting function
These patterns can develop from various causes including allergies, enlarged tonsils, prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, or structural differences.
Who This Helps
Orofacial myofunctional therapy at BSPS helps children and adults with:
- Tongue thrust - tongue pushing against or between teeth during swallowing or speech
- Mouth breathing - chronic open-mouth posture and nasal breathing difficulties
- Oral habits - thumb sucking, finger sucking, nail biting, lip biting
- Pre/post orthodontic concerns - preventing or addressing orthodontic relapse
- Tethered oral tissues - tongue-tie or lip-tie affecting function
- TMJ dysfunction - related to muscle imbalances
- Sleep-disordered breathing - related to oral posture and airway
Signs of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder
- Mouth is frequently open at rest
- Tongue rests against or between the teeth
- Visible tongue push when swallowing
- Difficulty with certain speech sounds (s, z, sh, ch, j)
- Messy eating or difficulty chewing
- Thumb sucking continuing past age 4
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Chronic lip licking or chapped lips
- Orthodontic relapse after braces
- Forward head posture
Why Treatment Matters
OMDs don't resolve on their own. Without treatment, they can contribute to:
- Dental problems including open bite, overjet, and crowding
- Orthodontic treatment failure or relapse
- Speech sound errors (lisps)
- TMJ pain and dysfunction
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Facial growth and development concerns
Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles to function correctly, addressing the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
Our Specialized OMD Services
Tongue Thrust Therapy
Correcting abnormal swallowing patterns that affect teeth and speech.
Oral Habit Elimination
Helping children stop thumb sucking, nail biting, and other habits.
Mouth Breathing Therapy
Restoring nasal breathing and proper oral posture.
Tethered Oral Tissues Support
Pre and post-frenectomy therapy for optimal outcomes.
Why BSPS for Myofunctional Therapy?
- COM-certified specialists - the highest credential in orofacial myology
- Founder Mary Billings teaches other clinicians nationally in myofunctional therapy
- Comprehensive evaluation that examines all aspects of oral function
- Collaborative care with dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, and sleep specialists
- Evidence-based treatment with proven techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What is orofacial myofunctional therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a specialized treatment that retrains the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth to function properly. It addresses issues like tongue thrust, mouth breathing, and improper swallowing patterns.
What does COM-certified mean?
COM stands for Certified Orofacial Myologist. It is a professional certification from the International Association of Orofacial Myology, indicating advanced specialized training in diagnosing and treating orofacial myofunctional disorders. BSPS is the only private practice in Kansas City with COM-certified specialists.
Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?
Children, teens, and adults with tongue thrust, mouth breathing, open mouth posture, thumb sucking habits, snoring, orthodontic relapse, or difficulty swallowing can benefit from myofunctional therapy.
How long does myofunctional therapy take?
A typical treatment program runs 6 to 12 months, with weekly sessions and daily home exercises. Progress depends on the specific disorder, patient age, and consistency with the exercise program.
Do I need a referral for myofunctional therapy?
No referral is needed to schedule an evaluation at BSPS. However, we frequently collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, and ENTs for coordinated care.
Ready to Learn More?
If you suspect an orofacial myofunctional disorder, a comprehensive evaluation is the first step. We'll assess all aspects of oral function and create a personalized treatment plan.