Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) Specialized Therapy
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are atypical, adaptive patterns that emerge in the absence of normalized patterns within the orofacial complex amongst young children and adults.
A comprehensive evaluation by a specialized, Orofacial Myofucntional Therapist is the most effective way to identify challenges and areas needing support. With the specific information gathered throughout the assessment, we will be able to pinpoint your goals and formulate an individualized treatment plan built just for you.
What to Look (and Listen) For Before Requesting a Comprehensive Evaluation
Your dentist, doctor, orthodontist or Ear Nose Throat doctor can usually identify when there is a need for Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT).
Common Signs of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT).
If several of these are true, it might make sense to seek an OMTconsult:
A tongue tie
Thumb or digit sucking
Enlarged adenoids or tonsils
Poor sleep patterns
Tongue thrust
Mouth breathing
Orthodontic work (including, but not limited to expanders, retainers and braces)
Following the initial evaluation, many of these clients can continue their regular, weekly care on teletherapy and schedule monthly, in person check ins.
Why Work With Beech Street Speech
“Our clients finish speech when they graduate, not when they run out of sessions or benefits.”
At Beech Street Speech & Language, our skilled orofacial myofunctional therapists collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, and ENTs to instill healthy habits and routines.
Key objectives of OMT include:
Creating new habits and postures for your tongue to promote stable dentition
Improve nasal breathing habits and optimizing airway function
Teaching proper tongue positioning and motions for safe swallowing
Enhancing sleep habits related to breathing patterns
Types of Orofacial Myofunctional Feeding Disorders
Feeding Disorders can be among the most frustrating, anxiety-inducing and dangerous disorders within our scope of practice.
It’s important to identify which of the 2 types of feeding challenges you or your child is experiencing: Sensory feeding disorder (recognized as “picky eaters”) or mechanical feeding disorder (recognized as “messy eating”)
Sensory Feeding Disorder
The first type of orofacial myofunctional feeding disorder is recognized by most as those who are "picky eaters" with limited food variety and brand preferences, coupled with anxiety and behaviors.
Beech Street addresses this through:
Sequential-Oral-Sensory feeding principles
Parent education for home carryover
Collaborative support with OTs and mental health counselors
Alleviating stress and anxiety around mealtime is paramount to a peaceful, healthy home.
Call us today to learn how we can help.
Mechanical Feeding Disorder
Identifying clients with disordered chewing and swallowing patterns, evident in messy eating, coughing, watery eyes, pocketing food, and a sensitive gag reflex.
Beech Street addresses this through:
Infants transitioning to bottles or solids
Older clients to prevent choking and aspiration
Tongue-tie release clients relearning how to swallow
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders & Their Effects Can’t Wait!
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is best suited for clients 4 years and older and requires daily exercises at home. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and screening to see if your child could benefit from this support.