Myofunctional Therapy

For Life Long Wellness

Individualized Myofunctional Therapy Programs
with Holly Duty, BS, RDH

Learn more

Myofunctional Therapy

For Life Long Wellness

Individualized Myofunctional Therapy Programs
with Holly Duty, BS, RDH

Learn more

Empowering You to Achieve Your Goals and Live Your Best Life

SYMPTOMS

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders can include thumb/finger sucking, resting with the lips apart, a forward or low resting posture of the tongue between or against the teeth, tongue thrust, gag reflex, orthodontic relapse and misaligned teeth. Pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, poor quality sleep and/or apnea, and even issues with focus and mental clarity, inappropriate energy levels, and feelings of anxiety and depression.

CAUSES

There are many reasons a person may develop Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. Often there is a combination of factors that lead to dysfunction. Some causes are restricted fascia of the lips, cheeks, or tongue (known as “ties”); habitual open mouth breathing or poor lip seal; chronic allergy/sinus symptoms; low muscle tone and improper swallow due to early feeding issues; injury or illness; improper dental development; restricted airway space; and so much more!

THERAPY

Myofunctional therapy is a holistic approach that addresses the root of dysfunction contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing. Each patient has a unique set of symptoms with unique underlying causative factors. Some patients may need assistance with building a team of providers who each specialize in treating the causative factors to achieve the greatest outcomes. You need a therapist who can provide a comprehensive individual assessment, identify your personal functional needs, and design a therapeutic program that is as unique as you are!

“Expert guidance and support for optimal wellness”

Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy targets dysfunction of oral and facial muscles to achieve optimal function and promote habits that support whole body wellness for a lifetime.

Correcting tongue rest posture and oral muscle function often results in improved sleep, breathing, speech, and facial growth and development.

Myofunctional therapy programs are often integrated with other therapies and procedures to provide the very best result for the patient.

Who Needs Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial Myofunctional therapy is often needed when we identify the presence of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). An OMD is present when there is an abnormal lip, jaw, or tongue position while resting, swallowing, breathing, or speaking. This can have a direct effect on a person’s airway and facial development. By correcting habits that lead to OMDs, we can help you establish proper oral function which will lead to better overall health!

Signs and Symptoms of OMDs

  • Mouth breathing or breathing with lips apart
  • Dental abnormalities, such as overjet and open bite
  • Tongue thrust or difficulty swallowing
  • Speech distortion, particularly a frontal lisp
  • Thumb sucking or prolonged oral habits
  • Tongue tie or low tongue resting posture
  • Orthodontic relapse
  • Sleep apnea, poor sleep quality
  • TMJ pain, neck and back pain
  • Daytime energy deficits or hyperactivity

Goals of Myofunctional Therapy

  • Eliminate oral habits
  • Establish good head and neck posture
  • Achieve adequate lip seal at rest
  • Habituate correct tongue rest position
  • Find typical pattern of swallowing
  • Ensure consistent nasal breathing
  • Experience restorative sleep
  • Build a quality health care team

Our Program is appropriate for children, teens and adults. Program goals are individualized and are meant to create new healthy oral habits for children, teens and adults. The benefits of healthy habits can include nasal breathing, a proper swallow pattern, favorable resting tongue position, improved sleep quality, and preserving orthodontic results.

Positive Impact: With an Orofacial Myology program, a patient can regain the joy of eating, speaking, breathing, and even sleeping more soundly. Cosmetic improvements can help restore confidence and self-esteem. We believe that everyone deserves to be educated about myofunctional disorders and treated if they suffer from OMDs. We endeavor to increase awareness of Orofacial Myology amongst the medical, dental, and academic communities to support the acceptance and progress of this holistic therapy world-wide.

Learn More

A myofunctional therapist will help identify concerns and educate patients on the benefits of treatment.

About Holly Duty, BS, RDH

I am a spirited mix of studious professional and Texas country girl. Growing up in a small town south of San Antonio provided opportunities to sample as many activities as I could manage and to learn from a vast array of experiences. I enjoyed music and dance, rodeo, hunting and fishing, team sports, public speaking, theater, and many academic successes. After all of my wonderful experiences, what I really wanted most was to help others achieve success and happiness. I attended Texas State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Certificate of Education for early childhood. I enjoyed teaching elementary students for over five years before returning to further my own education and receiving a degree in Dental Hygiene. I have practiced hygiene in a pediatric setting for over ten years and adore my job!

I plan to continue practicing hygiene part-time in addition to practicing myofunctional therapy with ongoing training and certification through The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM). The fields of education and health care sparked a fire in me to learn more about how our bodies are designed for healing, and to share with others that it all starts with taking one breath in the right direction. I can’t wait to share this journey with you!
When I am not learning and working to see my patients healthy and thriving, I am a busy boy mom and wife. I am so proud of my two rowdy at-home learners who inherited a love of all things outdoors, a curious nature, and a competitive spirit! We are a faith-filled, loving, and rambunctious crew.