Myofunctional therapy addresses speech, breathing, and swallowing issues. When the oral muscles (i.e. the tongue and lips) don’t move properly when speaking and eating, it can result in abnormal development of the jaw, tooth and bite misalignment, and other long term problems. Myofunctional therapy delivered at the right time can help children and even adults develop positive habits that can improve their health and quality of life.
Sadly, many people don’t get the help they need because they are concerned about the cost of myofunctional therapy. The goal of this article is to help patients and caregivers understand the cost of myofunctional therapy and how to make this highly beneficial treatment more affordable.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy and Why It Matters
Myofunctional therapy teaches patients exercises to help them learn how to move their oral muscles properly. By breaking negative habits and encouraging positive movements, myofunctional therapy can provide long term solutions. Common issues include:
- Tongue thrusting: when your tongue pushes against the back side of your teeth or pushes between your teeth in an open bite.
- Mouth breathing: when you breathe only through your mouth instead of through your nose with your mouth shut.
- Improper swallowing: when your tongue pushes against or between your teeth when you swallow.
- Speech issues: when you have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds required for language and communication.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Myofunctional Therapy
The cost of myofunctional therapy varies based on a variety of factors:
- Type and severity of the disorder. The exact diagnosis will affect the cost of treatment, as therapy is customized to meet the needs of the patient.
- Number of sessions needed. Myofunctional therapy is typically billed per session, so the more sessions needed the higher the overall cost will be.
- Insurance coverage (if any). If you have an insurance plan that covers myofunctional or speech therapy, your out of pocket cost will be less.
- The experience and credentials of the therapist. A certified speech language pathologist with experience may charge a higher fee due to their level of expertise.
- Age of the patient. Therapy may cost more or less based on the age of the patient.
- Location of treatment programs. Geographic location can play a part in how a clinic prices their services.
Is Myofunctional Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Insurance will sometimes provide coverage for myofunctional therapy if it is billed as “speech therapy” and is delivered by a speech language pathologist. Be sure to check with both your dental and your medical insurance plans for coverage.
At Marvel Myo and Speech we are in-network with Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield Partners, and Aetna (in Texas only). We are happy to work with out-of-network providers to help you get the most out of your plan.
How to Budget for Myofunctional Therapy
There are ways to make myofunctional therapy more affordable either after or without insurance. Options include:
- HSA funds. Health Savings Accounts can be used to pay for myofunctional therapy, as it is a health-related service.
- FSA funds. If your insurance plan includes a Flex Spending Account, those funds can be used to pay for myofunctional therapy in most cases.
- Financing. The cost of myofunctional therapy can be financed, allowing you to make affordable monthly payments during and after treatment is completed if necessary.
Choosing the Right Myofunctional Therapist
When it comes to choosing a myofunctional therapist, consider the following:
- Credentials. Look for a therapist with the proper credentials to provide myofunctional therapy. A speech language pathologist specializes in speech therapy, having completed education and certification in this field.
- Experience. The more experience a therapist has, the more they have developed their skills in working with patients to establish rapport and to achieve the desired results.
- Location. A nearby therapist is convenient, but online therapy offers an option for patients who don’t have access to a qualified therapist. Marvel Myo and Speech provides virtual diagnosis and therapy sessions for patients across the US.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myofunctional Therapy Costs
How long does myofunctional therapy take?
Therapy sessions are typically 20-30 seconds long. Average treatment duration ranges from 6-9 months. A combination of therapist-directed sessions and daily practice at home delivers the best results.
Can children and adults both benefit from therapy?
Patients of all ages can benefit from myofunctional therapy. While therapy is most effective during childhood, adults can still correct speech, breathing, and swallowing issues with the help of therapy.
Is Myofunctional Therapy Worth the Cost?
Speech, swallowing, and breathing issues can affect patients throughout their lifetime. Without treatment, the jaw may fail to properly develop and lead to bite misalignment. Speech issues can lead to a lack of confidence and create a communication barrier. Improper breathing and swallowing can affect nutrition and sleep quality.
But just a few months of therapy could be life-changing. Improved airway health is beneficial during waking hours and at night, allowing patients to get quality sleep. Proper swallowing technique provides adequate nutrition and a lower risk of choking. And clear pronunciation improves communication and social acceptance.
At Marvel Myo and Speech we provide virtual myofunctional therapy for patients of all ages nationwide. Our online sessions allow you to get the therapy you need from the comfort of your own home without the hassle of traveling to appointments. Contact us to begin your journey today.
