Frequently asked questions
What is Orofacial Myology (OM)?
Orofacial myology is a type of therapy that strengthens and retrains the muscles of the tongue, lips, jaw, and face. It supports correct breathing, swallowing, chewing, and speaking patterns and takes a holistic approach by working closely with airway focused dentists and bodyworkers. It aims to promote healthy dental and facial development, improved sleep quality and nervous system regulation in both children and adults.
Who would benefit from Orofacial Myology Therapy?
Orofacial myology can support babies, children and adults who experience:
● Colic or reflux
● Mouth breathing or chronic nasal blockage
● Snoring or sleep related breathing difficulties
● Teeth grinding
● Tongue thrust or abnormal swallowing
● Low tongue posture or weak oral muscles
● Speech, chewing, feeding, or sleep difficulties
● Tethered oral tissues e.g tongue ties, lip ties
● Jaw tension, TMJ pain, or poor oral posture
● Relapse after dental or orthodontic treatment
What do you work on as part of Orofacial Myology Treatment?
Therapy involves learning a range of exercises and techniques that focus on building functional skills across several key domains:
● Breathing: establishing nasal breathing during day and night
● Tongue posture & mobility: correct resting posture, tongue tie, lip tie and buccal tie considerations and lingual palatal suction
● Dentition & palate: narrow/high palate, dental crowding and dental wear
● Sleep & airway: snoring, airway resistance and maintaining nasal breathing
● Posture & muscular tension: neck/shoulder tension and slouching
● Psychosocial factors: stress or anxiety that may influence breathing and muscle tone
Does Orofacial Myology Treatment replace seeing a dentist or orthodontist?
No. OM is a holistic therapy that works alongside airway focused dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, and body‑based practitioners.
Does Orofacial Myology Treatment hurt?
No, all exercises are gentle and habitual.
How long will Orofacial Myology Treatment take?
Orofacial Myology is highly individualised, and so treatment time can vary from individual to individual. Typically, treatment will take at least 4 months.
What delivery options are available?
Orofacial myology is best delivered as individual face to face sessions, often in collaboration with airway focused dentists, ENTs, orthodontists, and body‑based practitioners such as osteopaths and chiropractors.
Do I require a GP referral?
We recommend obtaining a GP referral when seeing an OM trained Speech Pathologist, as it will allow you to claim Medicare rebates. Contact us, so we can discuss options to tailor your needs.
