Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)
An orofacial myofunctional disorder, often refer to as an OMD, includes a variety of symptoms that may have a negative effect on the development of the oral cavity and airway space, as well as make it difficult for speech articulation and swallowing.
OMD impact on speech sounds:
Research has revealed that of those individuals who exhibit OMD 81% have speech problems. The /s/ sound is the most noticed speech error; others are /z/, /sh/, /ch/, /j/, /d/, /t/, /n/, /l/ and /r/. When there is a combination of OMD and related speech errors, it is often difficult to correct the speech problems through traditional speech therapy (International Association of Orofacial Myology).
OMD impact on swallowing:
Children or even adults with an OMD frequently demonstrate dysfunctional chewing and swallowing habits, such as taking large bites and swallowing without completely chewing their food, chewing with their lips apart, and demonstrating a tongue-thrust swallow pattern. These behaviors often leads to food particles left behind in and around the mouth, noisy chewing and swallowing (smacking and gulping), and a messy eating area. It can also cause an upset stomach from swallowing too much air.
What causes myofunctional disorders?
It is often difficult to identify a single cause for an orofacial myofunctional disorder. Most OMDs involve a combination of factors that may include:
Deviate rest positioning of the tongue, mouth breathing
Improper oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking, cheek or nail biting
Pacifier (ab)use
An airway restriction from enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Allergies or anatomical deviations involving the nasal cavity or pharynx
Structural or physiological abnormalities such as short lingual frenulum
Neurological and sensory-neural developmental delays or abnormalities
Hereditary predisposition to any of the above factors
What is orofacial myofunctional therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a specialized professional discipline that involves the evaluation and treatment of the oral and facial musculature (tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw) that are contributing to a disruption in the natural development of the mouth and face. These disruptions can be caused by habitual mouth breathing, non-nutritive sucking habits (thumb/finger sucking), and low tongue resting posture, to name a few.
The overarching goal of orofacial myofunctional therapy is to create balance of the structures and functions of the face and mouth, including establishing nasal breathing and correct positioning of the tongue at rest, as well as during speaking and swallowing.
Services & Pricing
Services
I offer consultation services and limited evaluations, which are available on a case-by-case basis depending on availability. At this time, ongoing treatment is not provided; however, I’m happy to offer guidance, education, and personalized recommendations to support next steps and connect you with appropriate providers during your consultation appointment.
Consultations are conducted via phone or video and are designed to help you better understand your child’s oral development and functional needs. During your session, I will gather information regarding your concerns, current or past treatments, and answer questions related to orofacial development, oral habits, feeding/picky eating, and speech sound errors or distortions.
We may discuss areas such as mouth breathing, tongue thrust, prolonged pacifier use, feeding patterns, and overall orofacial function. Observations and recommendations are provided within a functional, developmentally appropriate framework, with a strong emphasis on caregiver education and practical strategies that can be carried over into daily routines.
Consultations may also include guidance on referrals to appropriate providers (e.g., ENT, orthodontist, dentist, or in-person myofunctional therapist), as well as support with care coordination when needed.
Who This Is For
This service is a great fit for families who:
Want guidance and clarity about their child’s speech, language, feeding, or oral development
Are looking for practical strategies to support their child during everyday routines
Value a collaborative, caregiver-focused approach to supporting development
Feel unsure about next steps and want expert input before pursuing therapy
Have concerns about oral habits, speech sound development, or feeding patterns
Are motivated to implement strategies and support their child’s progress at home
Who This May Not Be the Best Fit For
This service may not be the best fit if you are:
Seeking ongoing, direct 1:1 therapy services
Looking for frequent, hands-on treatment sessions with your child
Unable to participate in sessions or carry over strategies between consultations
In need of intensive feeding or therapy services that require in-person, ongoing intervention
Pricing
Comprehensive Consultation – $150
A comprehensive consultation designed to provide a deeper understanding of your child’s oral development, functional needs, and next steps. Ideal for new concerns or first-time clients.
Follow-Up / Guidance Session – $95
A focused session to review progress, answer additional questions, and provide continued guidance and support as needed.
Written Summary (Optional) – $40
A brief written summary of recommendations and next steps provided after your consultation.
What’s included:
Comprehensive review of concerns and developmental history
Discussion of current or past therapies and interventions
Functional assessment of oral habits and patterns (via observation and parent report)
Guidance on orofacial development and airway-related considerations
Insight into speech sound development (including sound distortions)
Personalized recommendations tailored to your child
Practical, easy-to-implement strategies for home carryover
Support with determining next steps and treatment options
Referrals to trusted providers (e.g., ENT, orthodontist, dentist, in-person myofunctional therapist)
Opportunity to ask questions and receive expert guidance in a supportive, collaborative setting
Myofunctional consultations provide individualized guidance to support oral development, speech, and feeding. These sessions are ideal for families seeking clarity, next steps, or support navigating concerns related to oral habits and function.