Frequently Asked Questions About Myofunctional Therapy
Questions About Getting Started?
It is normal to have questions before beginning myofunctional therapy. These answers cover some of the most common topics patients and families ask about when considering care with Central Washington Myofunctional Therapy.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on the function and coordination of the muscles of the mouth, tongue, face, and airway. Therapy may address patterns involving breathing, tongue posture, swallowing, lip seal, and oral habits.
Speech therapy focuses more specifically on speech, language, communication, and related functions. The two fields may overlap in certain cases, and some patients may work with both a speech-language pathologist and an orofacial myofunctional therapist depending on their needs.
Myofunctional concerns can appear in many different ways. Common signs may include mouth breathing, snoring, low tongue posture, tongue thrust, open-mouth posture, difficulty swallowing, orthodontic relapse, oral habits, jaw tension, and other patterns involving the muscles of the mouth and face.
Because these symptoms can have multiple causes, an evaluation can help determine whether dysfunctional oral or facial muscle patterns may be contributing.
Learn More About Myofunctional Therapy →Carrie works with children, teens, and adults. Therapy is personalized based on the patient's age, developmental readiness, concerns, and goals.
The Mini Myo Program is specifically designed for younger children ages 5+ who may benefit from simple exercises but are not yet ready for a full foundational program.
The process usually begins with a complimentary phone consultation so Carrie can learn more about your concerns and determine whether myofunctional therapy may be appropriate.
If an evaluation is recommended, the comprehensive assessment generally takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Carrie reviews health history, oral function, habits, compensations, breathing patterns, and other relevant concerns before developing recommendations for care.
Every therapy plan is individualized. A typical program may include approximately 10 to 15 sessions, depending on the patient's needs and progress.
A typical session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, and sessions often begin approximately every two weeks. Appointments may become more spread out later in treatment.
Patients are also given simple home exercises that generally take around 5 to 10 minutes per day. Consistency with home exercises is an important part of the therapy process.
Both options are available. Carrie provides in-person therapy in Wenatchee, Washington and also offers telehealth appointments when appropriate.
The best format depends on the patient, the type of service, and what needs to be evaluated or treated.
You can contact Central Washington Myofunctional Therapy directly to ask questions and discuss whether an evaluation may be appropriate.
Carrie also works collaboratively with dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers when coordinated care is helpful.
Provider Referral Information →Yes. Carrie offers frenectomy exercises designed to support patients before and after a tongue-tie or related procedure.
Preparation may include exercises to improve tongue mobility and strengthen the orofacial muscles. Post-procedure exercises may also be recommended to support function and help reduce the risk of tissue reattachment.
A more comprehensive myofunctional therapy program may be recommended when retraining tongue posture, swallowing, breathing, or other functional patterns is needed.
Insurance coverage for myofunctional therapy can vary by provider and plan. Please contact Central Washington Myofunctional Therapy directly for current information about payment, billing, and whether documentation can be provided for your insurance company.
Contact UsThe best place to start is with a conversation. Carrie offers a complimentary phone consultation where you can discuss your concerns, ask questions, and learn whether a comprehensive evaluation may be appropriate.
If therapy is recommended, Carrie develops an individualized plan based on the patient's oral function, habits, symptoms, age, and goals.
Start With a Complimentary ConsultationStill Have Questions?
Every patient's needs are different. If you are unsure whether myofunctional therapy is the right next step, reach out to Carrie for a complimentary phone consultation.
Contact UsIn-person in Wenatchee, WA | Telehealth available
Are You a Healthcare Provider?
Dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, pediatricians, and other providers can securely refer patients directly to Central Washington Myofunctional Therapy.
Refer a Patient
