When your child is struggling with normal daily functions like eating, breathing, speaking, and even sleeping, it’s normal to feel defeated. You may wonder if there is any kind of treatment available to help improve oral function for your child. The good news is there is a solution – orofacial myofunctional therapy. But what is it? How much does it cost? To help you better prepare for the journey ahead, a local expert is here to answer these questions as well as share what you can do to save in the long run.
What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy, also known as orofacial myology, looks at how the muscles within the jaw, tongue, lips, and face move when abnormalities occur.
Present in both adults and children, OMD (orofacial myofunctional disorders), can make it difficult to perform basic tasks (i.e., eating, speaking, breathing, etc.), which can lead to additional oral and overall health conditions if left untreated.
A few of the most common reasons OMD may develop include:
- Genetics
- Tongue-Tie
- Restricted Airway
- Non-Nutritive Habits (i.e., finger or thumb sucking)
- Unhealthy habits (i.e., nail-biting, teeth grinding)
Should you opt to forgo treatment for your little one, they may develop more serious issues that range from a misaligned bite and crooked teeth to improper tongue, lip, or mouth positioning. It’s also believed that 80% of individuals who have OMD develop a speech impediment, which can hinder your child’s self-confidence as they grow older.
How Much Does Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Cost?
When learning that orofacial myofunctional therapy is a valuable and effective treatment option, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is, “How much will it cost?”
Depending on the expert you choose to see, their fees may vary. You can expect there to be an initial consultation as well as individual therapy fees. While the consultation/assessment might come in at $150-$250, the individual therapy session prices cannot be determined until your child’s doctor determines which type of treatment they need.
Once all of this is established, you can expect that team members will check with your dental insurance to see if any type of coverage is available. It is often not always possible to save with private insurance simply because many companies still view it as a form of treatment in its early stages of development.
However, there are other ways to avoid high out-of-pocket expenses, such as flexible financing through companies like CareCredit. By enrolling in one of their low- or no-interest payment plans, you can ensure that your child gets the care they need. Instead of worrying about paying the full amount upfront, you can choose a plan that works for you and pay it out over time.
Giving your child the ability to enjoy a better quality of life doesn’t have to leave you emptying your savings. By working with qualified individuals who are eager to help, you can put them on a path to improved oral and overall health at a price you can afford.
About the Author
Dr. Andrea Csok is a dentist and tongue-tie expert who is also a mother of two. After completing Dr. Baxter’s Tongue-Tie Academy course, she attended the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals conference to better understand the process as well as meet various experts in the field. If your child is having a hard time breathing, eating, and performing other oral functions, visit our website or call (216) 292-3600 to learn how orofacial myofunctional therapy might be the solution to their problems.