What is it?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is bascially physical therapy for your mouth. The goals of therapy are to establish coordinated muscle movements in the face/mouth and to eliminate improper postures, compensations, and muscle bracing. When the tongue, lips, and facial muscles are working properly with no compensatory movements, the teeth naturally align in a more aesthetic and straight position, and the jaws develop in a forward position which leads to the proper development of the upper airway.

Benefits

Patients of all ages can benefit from OMT. Those who have an open bite, open mouth posture (mouth breathing), tongue-tie, snoring, etc. are all great candidates for myofunctional therapy. OMT assists orthodontic treatment and aids in maintaining a beautiful smile once braces are removed. OMT is also essential before and after a functional frenuloplasty is performed.

4 Goals of OMT

  1. Establish exclusive nasal breathing all day and night
  2. Proper tongue posture (entire tongue in the roof of the mouth)
  3. Proper lip seal
  4. Establish correct swallow mechanics

Meet Courtney Ray, OMT

Our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist

 

Courtney began her career in dentistry as a dental hygienist (RDH), graduating in 2011 from the Dental Hygiene Program at Indiana University Northwest.  Eventually, she decided to limit her clinical practice to Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and begain working with Dr. Annie in 2021.  Courtney completed Sarah Hornsby's MyoMentor Program and continues to take educational courses in Myofunctional therapy and more.  Most recently, she has taken courses through Hallie Builken, MyoMunchee, and Airway Health Solutions.  Practicing as an OMT has opened her eyes to so many aspects of the human body and she is continually looking for new ways to learn and better treat her patients.  

She is excited to help patients develop proper breathing technique, establish correct tongue position, and rehabilitate intended facial muscle function by teaching them myofunctional therapy exercises.  She especially loves treating children and works with kids ages 4 and older.  Some children may need different or additional support and our office is happy to help parents find the appropriate provider for their child's needs. 

Courtney looks forward to sharing her knowledge with her patients, spreading the word on the many benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and improving their breathing, facial development, and overall quality of life.