Why Would You Need Myofunctional Therapy?

Why Would You Need Myofunctional Therapy?

Jan 01, 2021

If you are affected by improper functioning of your face and mouth muscles, you are a candidate for myofunctional therapy. When you use your orofacial muscles correctly, you notice an improvement in tooth alignment, jaw, facial structure, eating, speaking, breathing, and sleeping. The term myofunctional therapy may seem alien to you. However, if you research myofunctional therapy near you will understand the treatment is provided by speech therapists or dental hygienists who received advanced training to become myofunctional therapists.

Some dentists and medical practitioners are also performing myofunctional therapy, but dental hygienists and speech therapists familiar with the mouth are considered suitable for providing these treatments. Myofunctional therapy has been around since the 70s and is gaining more traction with research on the benefits conducted and released, encouraging more myofunctional therapists to set up shop.

Reasons Why You May Need Myofunctional Therapy?

If your oral rest posture, oral functions, and swallowing are not functioning correctly, you benefit from this therapy, proving useful by 80 to 90 percent. Myofunctional treatment is incredibly successful and involves identifying the underlying cause of the problem instead of just the symptoms. You may be an appropriate candidate for your myofunctional therapy if you answer positively to any of the following questions:

  • Are your lips open when resting?
  • Is your tongue posture when resting low?
  • Do you breathe through your mouth, or are you affected by breathing issues?
  • Do you think your face and jaws are too narrow?
  • Do you have crowded teeth?
  • Are you affected by eating challenges, or are you a picky eater?
  • Did you encounter orthodontic treatment relapse after undergoing the treatment?
  • Are you affected by speech impediment?

If you have answered positively to one or more of the questions, you are a candidate for myofunctional therapy. The treatment is performed by a therapist from myofunctional therapy in Frisco, TX, after a thorough assessment for you or your child to determine whether you can benefit from this treatment.

Is Myofunctional Therapy Successful?

The success rate of myofunctional therapy depends on many factors. The therapists identify the underlying cause of your problem and don’t treat just the symptoms. Your motivational levels as well play a large part in the success rate of myofunctional therapy. Studies indicate the treatment is sufficient to correct 80 to 90 percent oral rest posture and allow other oral functions appropriately if you, as a patient, comply with the treatment requirements. The corrections made can be retained for years after completing the treatment.

Who Provides Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is not a profession by itself. It is merely a treatment modality provided by some regulated health professionals, especially those who have received training to work with the mouth, neck, and head and have received advanced training in myofunctional therapy. The licenses of the regulated health practitioners must have orofacial myofunctional treatment within their scope of practice.

The myofunctional therapist in myofunctional therapy in Frisco has orofacial myology mentioned in its scope of practice. Professionals involved in speech training, pathologists, orthodontists, and medical practitioners can also receive advanced training to provide myofunctional therapy.

How Many Sessions Of Myofunctional Therapy Will You Need?

Every patient’s needs are different, with some requiring more sessions and some responding faster to myofunctional therapy. How many appointments you need depends on the severity of the condition bothering you and the level of commitment you are willing to make.

You must practice the tasks provided by the myofunctional therapist regularly to reduce the frequency of your appointments gradually. If you are negligent about practicing, you will likely need more sessions than individuals practicing every day. The initial assessment with the myofunctional therapist will help determine how much time you need to complete the treatment after a thorough evaluation is done. You will receive an estimate of the sessions during and the follow-up appointments to assess your progress.

How Much Will Myofunctional Therapy Cost?

The total cost of myofunctional therapy is determined by how many sessions you need, and the myofunctional therapist will provide an assessment of the charges after your initial appointment. A consultation appointment lasting one hour and including a comprehensive evaluation will cost around $ 100. Follow up sessions cost between $ 25-$ 100 depending on the time required for performing myofunctional therapy. Some insurance providers are covering myofunctional therapy. The therapists in Frisco, TX, can help you with the insurance providers after your initial appointment. You can also contact your insurers to understand whether your policy covers myofunctional therapy to benefit from the orofacial disorders affecting you.

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