WHAT IS MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a non-invasive treatment option for orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), which are abnormalities in lip, jaw, or tongue position while at rest, during swallowing or speech.
Examples of OMDs include:
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Repetitive oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking
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Habitual open-mouth resting posture (lips apart)
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Resting tongue posture between or against the teeth
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Tongue thrust swallowing pattern
These OMDs contribute to many medical and dental problems including:
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Malocclusion (poor alignment of teeth)
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Orthodontic relapse
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Periodontal disease
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Chewing/swallowing/feeding disorders
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Abnormal jaw growth and position
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TMD (jaw pain)
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Low facial tone
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Restricted airway!
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Myofunctional therapy coverage can differ significantly across insurance plans, as many insurance companies are not yet familiar with it.
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You will receive a "superbill" to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. You may need to provide documentation of medical need, such as a letter from a doctor or oral surgeon requesting myofunctional therapy to treat sleep apnea or related conditions. A "Letter of Medical Necessity" prompt will be given upon request.
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In most cases, you may be able to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending account to cover the cost of myofunctional therapy