What Happens During an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation?

An orofacial myofunctional therapy evaluation is often the first step toward identifying concerns involving the muscles and functions of the face, mouth, and throat. From speech issues to feeding challenges, there are various reasons you may seek professional diagnosis and therapy. 

Patients and parents are often unsure about what an evaluation involves. The process is designed to better understand concerns, goals, and oral function in order to create a personalized treatment plan when therapy is appropriate. Marvel Myo and Speech provides convenient virtual evaluations and therapy to make it easier for patients to get the help they need. 

What Is an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation?

An orofacial myofunctional therapy evaluation looks at the function and balance of the oral and facial muscles. This can be assessed in a video conference by observing the patient speak, breathe, swallow, and chew. The facial muscles and tongue position will be evaluated to identify improper movement and structure.

The goal is to look beyond a single symptom and better understand how oral function, airway health, and related concerns may be connected. Marvel Myo and Speech is proud of our holistic, patient-centered approach to care, meaning we take whole-body health into consideration when it comes to diagnosing and treating myofunctional concerns. 

What Happens During an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation?

We begin by listening to the patient’s or parent’s concerns and discussing their individual goals. The therapist may evaluate areas related to tongue posture, lip and jaw positioning, swallowing patterns, chewing, breathing, and speech based on the patient’s specific concerns.

Common concerns that may indicate the need for therapy include tongue thrust, mouth breathing, improper swallowing, speech challenges, teeth grinding, TMJ concerns, or sleep-disordered breathing. The evaluation is individualized rather than a one-size-fits-all process to ensure that the patient’s unique needs are identified. 

How Does a Virtual Myofunctional Evaluation Work?

Marvel Myo and Speech provides virtual therapy services, allowing patients to complete evaluations without traveling to an office. Teletherapy enables the therapist to observe movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and other oral structures in real time. This approach is not only convenient, but it allows us to reach patients nationwide that may not have myofunctional therapy services available in their area. 

What Happens After Your Evaluation?

After your evaluation we will review the findings alongside the concerns and goals discussed during the initial consultation. Then, if appropriate, we will carefully develop a personalized plan based on the patient’s individual needs. 

Therapy may focus on improving resting oral posture, chewing and swallowing patterns, breathing, speech, or other areas identified during the evaluation. We collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, oral surgeons, and other healthcare professionals when comprehensive care is needed.

Who May Benefit From an Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation?

Patients of all ages that are exhibiting mouth breathing, tongue thrust, swallowing difficulties, chewing problems, speech concerns, teeth grinding, TMJ symptoms, or sleep and airway concerns should be evaluated. Treatment is tailored to the concerns identified during the consultation and evaluation. 

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is often the most beneficial when it begins at an early age, as the exercises can guide growth and development. However, adults can still benefit from treatment in a variety of ways, especially in cases of teeth grinding, TMJ, and sleep apnea that are more common in adults. 

Prepare for Your Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation

Knowing what to expect can make the evaluation process feel more comfortable and straightforward. The evaluation gives patients and families an opportunity to discuss concerns, understand how oral and facial muscles are functioning, and determine appropriate next steps.

If you have concerns about your or your child’s speech, swallowing, breathing, tongue posture, or related oral functions, schedule a consultation with Marvel Myo and Speech today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Evaluations

Can an orofacial myofunctional therapy evaluation be completed virtually?

Marvel Myo and Speech offers virtual evaluations and therapy, allowing patients to receive care from home. Video sessions allow the therapist to observe movements involving the tongue, lips, and jaw.

What concerns can an orofacial myofunctional evaluation identify?

Evaluations may examine patterns related to swallowing, chewing, breathing, speech, tongue posture, and other oral and facial muscle functions. Individual findings vary and determine whether therapy or collaboration with another healthcare professional may be appropriate.

Do I need a referral for an orofacial myofunctional evaluation?

A referral is not necessary to schedule an evaluation with Marvel Myo and Speech, but we do collaborate with other medical professionals as needed for the good of the patient. 

What should I do before my virtual evaluation?

Review Marvel Myo and Speech’s Getting Started information and be prepared to discuss your primary concerns, symptoms, and goals. We also offer age-specific online assessments that can help patients and families explore whether myofunctional therapy may be appropriate.

How long does an orofacial myofunctional therapy evaluation take?

The length of an evaluation can vary depending on the patient’s needs, concerns, and areas being assessed. Your provider can explain what to expect before the appointment and answer questions about the evaluation process.

At Marvel Myo and Speech, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach to speech, feeding, breathing, and orofacial myofunctional care. Through convenient virtual services available throughout the United States, we collaborate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to create individualized treatment plans based on each person’s unique needs. Ready to learn how we can support you or your family? Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.