FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS AN EVALUATION REQUIRED TO START THERAPY?

I offer 1-1 coaching sessions for parents or caregivers who are seeking professional advice, support, and resources related to facial, feeding, breathing, language, and speech development. For these educational sessions, a full evaluation is not required.
For more complex cases, a thorough assessment of the child is required in order to a) identify underlying causes of difficulties, b) determine whether referrals to other medical professionals are needed, c) create an individualized therapy program designed to fit you and your child’s needs, and d) collect baseline data to measure progress and effectiveness of therapy.

HOW LONG WILL I OR MY CHILD NEED TO RECEIVE THERAPY FOR?

Length of therapy will be dependent on your child’s unique needs. The most important changes are the changes that happen at home and it is my goal to support you in incorporating gradual changes and using research-based techniques to help you and your child reach your goals. Developing the right mindset towards growth will also be an integral part of the process for you and your child. Therapy takes time and patience as we are building foundations for lifelong health that require the development of positive habits and skills.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

Evaluation and therapy fees are determined by your child’s age, therapy programs needed, and whether you are interested in virtual or in-home services, or a hybrid of both.

DOES MY CHILD NEED A DIAGNOSIS TO RECEIVE THERAPY?

Since my practice is privately-owned and does not accept insurance, I am able to treat children with or without a medical diagnosis.

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER MY VISIT?

Oral myofunctional therapy isn’t covered very well by insurance. The field is growing so quickly, and there’s an enormous amount of demand for services but the insurance companies haven’t quite caught up yet. So what we suggest is that you contact your insurer and get clarity upfront as to what they’ll cover. Please note that the therapy is billed under medical, not dental insurance, and I am not considered in network with any insurance company.

DO I NEED MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY BEFORE MY RELEASE?

YES! For an optimal release of a tethered oral tissue, pre and post op therapy are KEY.
Pre-Therapy: Myofunctional therapy prior to the release prepares the muscles for what's to come. Just because your tongue will have this new range of motion does not mean your tongue will automatically start functioning on full, or know what to do or where to go. The pre-therapy allows us to begin re-education of the muscles for the newly gained range of motion and to move functionally.
Post-Therapy:
1. Active Wound Management: Active wound management reduces the risk of possible scarring. If sutures are not being placed, active wound management becomes even more essential. We must ensure proper healing by secondary intention.
2. Neuromuscular Re-education: The goals of myofunctional therapy include obtaining a proper oral rest posture which includes tongue resting in the roof of the mouth, lip competence, and exclusive nasal breathing, and optimal chewing and swallowing patterns.

WHY IS MOUTH BREATHING BAD FOR MY HEALTH?

Why is mouth breathing bad for my health?
Mouth breathing affects your overall health, including, but not limited to:
-Dry mouth/xerostomia, bad breath/halitosis
-Narrow palate, underdeveloped jaws
-TMJ pain
-Orthodontic and dental treatment relapse
-Dry/cracked lip
-Drooling day/night time
-Infected tonsils, enlarged tonsils/adenoids
-Sleep disordered breathing, umbrella term
-Symptoms paralleling ADD/ADHD
-Fatigued/foggy brain
-Long face, changes to facial appearance
-Digestive issues

WHAT IS TONGUE THRUST?

A tongue thrust may be caught by your dentist, orthodontist, or speech pathologist. During the swallowing process, the tongue comes forward, also known as an anterior tongue thrust. A posterior tongue thrust can also be present, on one side or both (uni-lateral or bi-lateral). This is when the tongue thrusts, or pushes out toward the sides. A tongue thrust can be a sign of an airway issue.