Frequently Asked Questions

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized program that focuses on correcting improper function of the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. It involves a series of personalized exercises designed to retrain the muscles to establish correct resting posture of the tongue, lips, and jaw, and to improve functions like breathing, chewing, and swallowing. OMT is often a key component of an interdisciplinary approach to health and wellness. 

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are maladaptive functional patterns that involve the muscles of the mouth and face. These disorders arise when the muscles are not functioning in a typical or coordinated way. Common OMDs include:

• Improper Tongue Rest Posture: The tongue rests low and forward in the mouth instead of against the palate (roof of the mouth).

• Tongue Thrust: The tongue pushes forward between the teeth during swallowing or speech.

• Mouth Breathing: Chronic breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.

• Non-nutritive Sucking Habits: Prolonged thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking.

Symptoms of an OMD can be varied and affect multiple areas of health and development. They may include:

• Chronic Mouth Breathing: Lips are often parted, and the mouth is open at rest.

• Sleep Disturbances: Snoring, grinding teeth (bruxism), restless sleep, or symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

• Dental Issues: Orthodontic relapse, open bite, or other malocclusions.

• Speech Issues: Lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (e.g., /s/, /z/, /t/, /d/).

• Chewing/Swallowing Difficulties: Messy eating, or a noticeable tongue thrust during swallowing.

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain: Chronic jaw pain or headaches.

OMDs rarely have a single cause, but are typically the result of a combination of factors. The most common causes include:

• Airway Obstruction: Chronic nasal congestion, allergies, or enlarged tonsils/adenoids that force the individual to breathe through their mouth.

• Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs): Conditions like a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie that restrict the movement and proper resting posture of the tongue and lips.

• Prolonged Oral Habits: Extended use of pacifiers, bottles, or thumb/finger sucking past the age of four.

• Genetic Predisposition: Certain craniofacial growth patterns can be inherited.

The duration of OMT is highly individualized, depending on the severity of the OMD, the patient's age, and their commitment to the exercises. Typically, the active phase of therapy lasts between 6 to 9 months. This is followed by a retention phase to ensure the new muscle habits are permanent. The exercises themselves are usually brief, requiring only a few minutes of practice, ideally three times a day. 

OMT is a non-invasive, exercise-based program. Treatment involves:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: An initial assessment to identify the specific OMDs and contributing factors.

2. Personalized Exercises: A series of simple, targeted exercises to strengthen and retrain the oral and facial muscles. These exercises focus on achieving the four goals of OMT: proper lip seal, nasal breathing, correct tongue rest posture, and correct swallowing pattern.

3. Regular Sessions: Weekly or bi-weekly appointments with your therapist to review progress, introduce new exercises, and ensure correct technique.

4. Follow-up Treatment: Follow-up treatment involves monitoring results after therapy completion to ensure long-term success.

Studies have shown that OMT has a high success rate, often cited between 80% and 90%, in normalizing the resting positions of the oral structures and improving functions like swallowing and breathing. When combined with other necessary treatments (like orthodontics, body work, or addressing airway issues), the results are often stable and long-lasting. 

While OMT can be beneficial at any age, from children to adults, the ideal time to start is often around age four or five. At this age, children are typically mature enough to understand and comply with the exercises. However, adults can also achieve excellent results, and early intervention for infants (e.g., with feeding and pre-frenectomy/post-frenectomy care) is also critical. 

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) services are not covered by OHIP; however, reimbursement may be available through extended health benefits depending on the client’s insurance plan. Clients are responsible for submitting claims directly to their insurance provider. Upon request, all necessary codes and supporting documentation will be provided to facilitate the reimbursement process.

While a referral is not always required, OMT is most effective when part of an interdisciplinary team approach. We highly encourage you to consult with your dentist, orthodontist, pediatrician, or ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) to discuss your symptoms. We will also coordinate care with any other specialists involved in your treatment.

OMT is a powerful complement to orthodontic treatment. The forces of the tongue and facial muscles play a major role in the development of the jaw and dental arches. By correcting improper muscle function, OMT can:

• Shorten Orthodontic Treatment Time: By encouraging proper growth and stability.

• Prevent Orthodontic Relapse: By establishing a correct tongue rest posture, which acts as a natural retainer, preventing teeth from shifting back to their original position.

• Improve Results: By ensuring the underlying functional issues are addressed, not just the cosmetic alignment of the teeth.