Frequently Asked Questions
Individualized therapy to address articulation and language delays, late talking toddlers, developmental delays, and fluency disorders.
A systematic customized approach that aims to support the proper growth and development of the orofacial complex, promote the stabilization of dental and/or orthodontic treatment, improve the production of speech patterns and sounds, enhance a person’s appearance and/or confidence, and foster the maintenance of optimal oral health for a lifetime.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMDs) occurs when there is an abnormal tongue, jaw or lip position during rest, swallowing or speech. OMD’s can interfere with normal growth and development of the muscles and bones of the face and mouth.
If speech-sound errors exist along with an OMD, they typically involve the sounds that require tongue-tip elevation and alveolar/palatal ridge precision. This may be demonstrated by tongue protrusion between the teeth or pushing against the teeth to produce the sounds /t/, /d/, /n/, and /l/. Other sounds that may be impacted by jaw and/or tongue stability are a a frontal or lateral “lisp” are the /s/, /z/, “sh,” “ch,” “tsh,” or /j/.
“Certification, in any particular speciality, distinguishes the professional as obtaining a superior level of education, understanding, and competency in their area of expertise. When a professional chooses to pursue certification, it denotes a dedication to learning as much as possible in their field of choice. It allows the patient or client to more easily narrow their search when searching for the most competent professional to assure that they are receiving the highest level of education and care.
The IAOM Certification (COM), process challenges the participant with in-depth investigation into the etiologies, symptoms, treatment variances, and supportive research related to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. The process enhances their breadth of clinical knowledge that cannot obtained through a single course method. ”
Sound Mouths therapists are certified by the IAOM.
If you are ready to work together with our team to peel back the layers to get to the root cause that is inhibiting or stalling progress; WE are the RIGHT fit for you. =
Ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, is a congenital condition in which the tongue is literally “tied,” or tethered, to the floor of the mouth. This can impact the areas of feeding, swallowing, posture, breathing, sleep and speech.
A tongue tie can not be diagnosed only visually. To properly diagnosis one must assess function as well as appearance
When a person swallows incorrectly, the tip and/or sides of the tongue press against or spread between the teeth. A tongue thrust is a symptom, not the diagnosis. Identifying a tongue thrust would warrant an orofacial myofunctional evaluation with one of our Certified Orofacial Myologists.
Mouth breathing changes the way your face and jaws grow, leading to more airway issues later in life. In children, mouth breathing can cause crooked teeth, facial deformities, or poor growth. In adults, chronic mouth breathing can cause bad breath and gum disease. It can also worsen symptoms of other illnesses.
Mouth breathing can be attributed to one or more of these: 1. enlarged or inflamed adenoids, tonsils or turbinates 2. Deviate septum. 3. Allergies which can be seasonal, environmental or dietary. 4. Food intolerance(s).
Finger/Thumbsucking and Pacifer use used to soothe a child. Pacifier use should eliminated between 6-12 months. Finger/Thumbsucking should self-eliminate between 2-4 years of age. Prolonged oral habits should be addressed by a Certified Orofacial Myologist who can determine if there are any underlying causes that are persisting this noxious habits.