Question 1

What conditions can Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy help with?

Accepted Answer

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy addresses the underlying muscle dysfunction that can contribute to a wide range of concerns in both children and adults. Common conditions include:​Open-mouth resting postureMouth breathingLow tongue postureTongue thrustAbnormal swallowing patternsTethered oral tissues (tongue, lip, or cheek ties)Teeth grinding and clenching TMJ pain and dysfunctionSnoring and sleep-disordered breathingThumb and finger suckingNail biting and other oral habitsOrthodontic relapse​Because every patient is unique, therapy is individualized to address the underlying causes of dysfunction and support healthy breathing, oral function, and long-term stability.

Question 2

How do I know if I or my child can benefit from Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Accepted Answer

If you're unsure whether myofunctional therapy is right for you or your child, a complimentary phone consultation is the best place to start. From there, a comprehensive evaluation can identify underlying orofacial muscle dysfunction, assess breathing and oral function, and determine whether therapy would be an appropriate part of your care. Kathryn also collaborates closely with orthodontists, ENTs, myofascial therapists, and other local healthcare providers to ensure each patient receives individualized recommendations.

Question 3

Can Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy help eliminate oral habits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, therapy can help eliminate many oral habits by addressing the underlying muscle patterns and nervous system dysregulation that contribute to them. Common habits include thumb or finger sucking, prolonged pacifier use, nail biting, lip licking/sucking, cheek chewing, tongue thrusting, and chronic mouth breathing.Rather than simply trying to stop a habit, therapy focuses on establishing nasal breathing and optimal oral function. By replacing dysfunctional patterns with healthy ones, patients are more likely to achieve lasting success while reducing the risk of orthodontic relapse and ongoing dysfunction.

Question 4

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Tampa Bay Myo proudly treats both children and adults. Our Mini Myo Program is designed for children ages 3–5, while our Comprehensive Program is appropriate for older children, teens, and adults. We also offer our Tethered to Toned Program for teens and adults who are preparing for tethered oral tissue release procedures.Because every patient develops at a different pace, readiness for therapy is based on more than age alone. During your consultation and comprehensive evaluation, Kathryn will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on you or your child's individual needs and developmental readiness.

Question 5

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No. A referral is not required to get started. Simply contact Kathryn to schedule your complimentary phone consultation, and she will guide you through the next steps to determine if therapy is the right fit for you or your child.

Question 6

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

Most patients complete therapy in 6–12 months, depending on their age, goals, severity of dysfunction, and consistency with home exercises. Because every patient progresses at a different pace, your treatment timeline will be tailored to your individual needs and adjusted as you make progress.

Question 7

How often are appointments?

Accepted Answer

Most patients are seen every 2–3 weeks, allowing time to build strength, develop new muscle patterns, and practice their home exercises between sessions. This schedule provides the right balance of guidance, accountability, and independent practice to achieve lasting results. Appointment frequency may be adjusted based on your age, treatment goals, and individual progress.

Question 8

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tampa Bay Myo offers both in-person and virtual therapy sessions for your convenience. Virtual appointments are an excellent option for routine therapy sessions when appropriate and help make ongoing care more accessible for patients near and far. However, all comprehensive evaluations and periodic progress assessments must be completed in person to allow for accurate measurements, photographs, and a thorough assessment of oral function.

Question 9

Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is not typically covered by insurance. However, upon request, Tampa Bay Myo can provide a superbill for you to submit directly to your medical insurance carrier for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement vary by plan and are not guaranteed. For your convenience, Tampa Bay Myo accepts cash, checks, all major credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards.

Question 10

How much practice is required at home?

Accepted Answer

Home practice is an essential part of being successful in therapy. Most patients are asked to complete their personalized exercises twice a day, with each session taking just between 5-10 minutes. Just like physical therapy, consistent practice between appointments is what creates lasting muscle changes and leads to the best outcomes. The more consistent you are, the more efficient and successful your therapy will be.

Question 11

Should Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy be completed before or after orthodontic treatment?

Accepted Answer

The timing depends on your individual needs and orthodontic treatment plan. Ideally, therapy is completed after adequate space for the tongue has been established. However, many patients benefit from therapy before and during orthodontic treatment to establish healthy breathing and muscle habits to support more stable treatment outcomes. Kathryn will work closely with your orthodontist and other healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate timing for your specific case.

Question 12

How is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy different from Speech Therapy?

Accepted Answer

While both professions work with the muscles of the mouth and face, they have different primary goals. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy focuses on restoring healthy oral function by improving nasal breathing, oral rest postures, tongue mobility and strength, and overall muscle coordination. Speech therapy primarily focuses on improving speech, language, communication, voice, and feeding skills. Although some exercises and treatment goals may overlap, the two therapies complement one another rather than replace each other.Kathryn frequently collaborates with speech-language pathologists to ensure patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care when both therapies are beneficial.

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