Myofunctional Therapy In Lexington, KY

Conditions We Treat with Myofunctional Therapy

At Kentucky Therapy Solutions, we specialize in addressing a wide range of oral and facial muscle disorders through myofunctional therapy. Our comprehensive approach focuses on both the functional and behavioral aspects of these conditions. Each child’s journey is unique, and our therapeutic approach is tailored to address their specific challenges through specialized treatment programs that develop proper muscle patterns and habits for life.

Tongue Thrust and Improper Swallowing Patterns

Tongue thrust occurs when the tongue moves forward or sideways during swallowing instead of lifting upward toward the roof of the mouth. This condition can significantly impact your child’s development and daily activities. Signs may include messy eating, difficulty swallowing pills, and visible tongue protrusion during speech. Our therapy helps retrain proper tongue positioning and swallowing patterns, leading to improved eating habits, clearer speech, and better dental alignment.

Mouth Breathing and Open-Mouth Posture

Chronic mouth breathing can lead to various developmental and health issues. When children regularly breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, it can affect facial growth, dental development, and sleep quality. Our therapy focuses on establishing proper nose breathing patterns and lip closure, helping improve oxygen intake, reduce dry mouth symptoms, and promote better facial muscle development.

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)

OMDs encompass various issues affecting the proper function and coordination of oral and facial muscles. These disorders can impact facial growth, oral function, and overall development. Through targeted exercises and activities, we help strengthen and coordinate these muscle groups, improving everything from facial expression to oral function.

Snoring and Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Poor oral muscle tone and positioning can contribute to breathing difficulties during sleep. Our therapy addresses the underlying muscle patterns that may lead to snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. By improving tongue position and muscle tone, we help create better airway space for improved nighttime breathing and more restful sleep.

TMJ Dysfunction and Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities like eating and speaking. Our therapy addresses muscle patterns that may contribute to jaw pain and dysfunction, helping establish better muscle balance and reduce strain on the TMJ joint.

Pre- and Post-Orthodontic Support

Proper muscle function is crucial for successful orthodontic treatment. Our therapy helps prepare children for orthodontic work by establishing proper tongue placement and muscle patterns. We also provide post-orthodontic support to maintain results and prevent relapse by ensuring proper muscle function continues after orthodontic treatment is complete.

Through early intervention and consistent therapy, these conditions can be significantly improved or resolved, leading to better oral health, improved breathing patterns, and enhanced quality of life for your child. Our experienced team works closely with each family to create a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.

Benefits Your Child Will Experience

Better Breathing for Better Health

Watch your child transition from mouth breathing to natural nose breathing, leading to:

• Improved oxygen levels for better focus and energy
• Reduced risk of dental problems
• Better sleep quality
• Fewer sinus infections and respiratory issues

Improved Eating and Swallowing Skills

Our therapy helps children develop proper eating patterns that:

• Make mealtimes more enjoyable
• Reduce messy eating and drooling
• Improve chewing efficiency
• Lead to better nutrition through proper food handling

Enhanced Speech and Communication

Many children experience clearer speech as their oral muscles strengthen:

• Better articulation of sounds
• Improved confidence in speaking
• Reduced tongue thrust
• More precise pronunciation

Long-term Oral Health Benefits

Proper muscle function leads to:

• Better dental alignment
• Reduced need for extensive orthodontic work
• Decreased risk of TMJ problems
• Improved facial development

Your Child’s Journey With Us

At Kentucky Therapy Solutions, we understand that addressing orofacial myofunctional disorders requires a delicate balance of clinical expertise and child-centered care. Our program is designed to create a supportive, engaging environment where children can develop proper oral-facial muscle patterns while having fun. We believe that effective therapy should feel like play, making each session both productive and enjoyable for your child.

Our myofunctional therapy program is led by Jessica Hundley, M.S. CCC-SLP, CLC, a board-certified Speech-Language Pathologist who brings extensive expertise in pediatric care. After earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Kentucky, Jessica has dedicated her career to helping children thrive through specialized therapy. As one of only four PROMPT-trained therapists in Kentucky, she combines her expertise with advanced training in Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS), oral motor dysfunction, and myofunctional disorders. Her certification as a lactation counselor and role as an instructor for both the TummyTime! Method and Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure brings additional depth to her practice, allowing her to address feeding and oral development comprehensively.

Working alongside Jessica is Mallory Leet, M.S. CCC-SLP, a board-certified Speech-Language Pathologist who shares our commitment to exceptional pediatric care. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and her graduate degree from the University of Cincinnati, Mallory has focused her expertise on pediatric feeding and orofacial myofunctional disorders. Her specialized training in Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs), oral motor dysfunction, and myofunctional disorders enables her to provide comprehensive care for children with various oral-facial challenges. Her diverse experience across acute rehabilitation, schools, and private practice settings enriches our team’s approach to therapy.

What Happens During Treatment

Each 40-minute session is thoughtfully structured to maximize both engagement and therapeutic benefit. Our sessions are carefully timed to match children’s attention spans while ensuring sufficient time for skill development and practice. During this focused time, your child will experience:

• Fun exercises that strengthen oral muscles
• Engaging games that reinforce proper tongue positioning
• Interactive activities that promote nose breathing
• Simple homework activities to practice at home
• Regular progress assessments

Through this combination of expert care and engaging therapeutic activities, we create an environment where children can develop proper oral-facial patterns while building confidence and having fun. Our team’s extensive experience allows us to adapt these activities to each child’s needs and interests, ensuring that every session contributes meaningfully to their progress.

Common Questions from Parents

How do I know if my child needs Myofunctional Therapy?
If you notice your child regularly breathing through their mouth, having difficulty eating neatly, or showing signs of tongue thrust (tongue pushing against or between teeth), they may benefit from myofunctional therapy. We offer comprehensive evaluations to determine if our program would help your child.

At what age should my child start therapy?
We typically work with children ages 4 and up, as they’re better able to follow instructions and participate in exercises. Early intervention often leads to the best results, but it’s never too late to start improving oral muscle function.

How long does treatment usually take?
Most children complete their therapy program within 4-6 months, attending weekly sessions and practicing daily exercises at home. However, every child progresses at their own pace, and we’ll adjust the program to meet your child’s specific needs.

Begin Your Child’s Journey to Better Oral Health

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Starting myofunctional therapy is an important step toward your child’s better health and development. At Kentucky Therapy Solutions, we’re here to support you and your child throughout this journey.
Contact us to schedule your complimentary evaluation:

• Phone: Call us at (859) 203-4878 and we can book an appointment over the phone.
• Website: Visit our Request an Appointment page, fill out the short form, and we will get in touch with you about scheduling.
• Location: Drop by our clinic in Lexington, KY and we will be happy to help you in-person.

Give your child the gift of proper oral function that will benefit them for life. Contact Kentucky Therapy Solutions today to learn how our Myofunctional Therapy program can help your child thrive.