Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Austin TX
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Austin, TX
Trust Prism Speech to address orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) with you or your child’s oral muscles and structures. Call today for a complimentary consultation.
It’s difficult to talk, clearly, eat well, and sleep when oral structures aren’t in the proper position. Thankfully, Prism Speech can help address these issues with professional orofacial myofunctional therapy in Austin, TX. We offer this foundational service to people of all ages.
If your child mouth breaths, snores, has a lisp/articulation errors, is a picky eater/messy eater, an orofacial myofunctional therapist can help tackle the root cause of the problem. Many children struggle with oral motor skills because of muscle weakness and discoordination. We can help train these muscles to improve breathing, airway, sleep, speech and feeding skills.
The Long-Term Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Enrolling your child in orofacial myofunctional therapy at Prism Speech has many benefits. This therapy improves overall health as well as nervous system regulation.
Some of the top advantages of OMT include:
Preventing dental alignment issues like malocclusion or an open bite
Combatting tongue thrust by teaching correct swallowing patterns
Improving sleep with better breathing patterns
Pre and Post frenectomy (tongue tie release) Therapy
Signs Your Child Needs Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Some parents look into orofacial myofunctional therapy in Austin, TX because a dentist or registered dental hygienist recommends it. Others experience warning signs at home and turn to a speech therapist for help. No matter how you come to the decision to begin therapy, it can help your child overcome common symptoms like:
- Dental misalignment
- Low Resting Tongue Posture
- Breathing difficulties
- Tongue Thrust Swallow Pattern
- Lisp or R sound errors
It’s common for children with orofacial myofunctional disorders to exhibit improper tongue placement that impacts their day to day lives. Signs to look for include open-mouth breathing, thumb sucking, takes a long time to finish meals/messy at mealtime or frequently drooling. These behaviors may not be in their control but rather due to differences with their facial muscles including lip and tongue.
Our Process
What can you expect when you schedule orofacial myofunctional therapy in Austin, TX? At Prism Speech, we follow a simple, three-step process.
Phone Consultation
Get in touch with us and we’ll discuss your needs over the phone for a free, 15-minute consultation.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our services and ask questions before moving forward with the next step in the process.
Our friendly specialists look forward to hearing from you and helping your family overcome health issues caused by orofacial myofunctional disorders.
Individual Evaluation
The next step in the process is to visit us for an in-person evaluation. This isn’t a therapy session but rather a chance for a professional to observe your child, their abilities, and symptoms. A therapist will work one-on-one with them to identify common issues that contribute to unusual facial muscle alignment, including:
- Prolonged thumb sucking
- Enlarged tonsils
- Narrow roof palate
- Forward tongue movement when talking or swallowing
All evaluations last between 75 and 90 minutes so the therapist can make a thorough assessment.
Individual Therapy Sessions
The evaluation helps a therapist recognize what tools your child needs from orofacial myofunctional therapy in Austin, TX. They’ll create a personalized plan to re-educate your child’s facial muscles and kick their current habits.
Your child will also receive exercises to practice at home so the skills they learn at Prism Speech carry over into their daily life.
Airway and Oral Motor Obsessed
At Prism Speech, we understand how to get to the root cause of delays in our patients. Our dedicated team offers holistic care to address orofacial myofunctional disorders across the lifespan. The primary goal of our clinic is to give families the tools to improve their overall quality of life.
To learn more about our services or to schedule an evaluation for orofacial myofunctional therapy in Austin, TX, contact Prism Speech today at (512) 387-0332.
Frequently Asked Questions
We receive a lot of questions regarding OMT and its effect on children. Get answers to common questions below.
How Long Does Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Take?
The average patient notices changes after 12 weeks of therapy, though timelines depend on each individual case.
When Should Children Begin Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Children can start orofacial myofunctional therapy in Austin, TX, as early as seven years old, though teenagers and adults can also benefit from therapy.
Can You Do Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy at Home?
Yes, therapists will give you exercises to practice in between sessions to improve the function of your facial muscles.