Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
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Tethered Oral Tissues
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs), commonly known as tongue-ties or lip-ties, can significantly impact speech, feeding, and oral development. Our specialized therapy addresses these challenges by offering personalized treatment plans that include exercises and techniques to improve tongue mobility and oral function. We work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach, empowering patients to overcome the difficulties associated with TOTs and improve their quality of life.
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Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for children that can sometimes persist beyond the toddler years, potentially leading to speech and dental issues. Our therapy program is designed to gently and effectively help children eliminate this habit. Through positive reinforcement, behavioral strategies, and engaging activities, we support children in developing healthier oral habits. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth and comforting as possible, promoting better speech development and oral health.
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Mouth Breathing & Airway
Mouth breathing, often a symptom of underlying airway issues, can affect oral and facial development, sleep quality, and speech clarity. Our practice offers targeted interventions to identify and treat the root causes of mouth breathing. Through a combination of breathing exercises, posture correction, and collaborative care with medical professionals, we aim to transition patients to healthier nasal breathing patterns. Our approach not only enhances speech and dental health but also improves overall well-being by promoting optimal breathing practices.
Orofacial Myofunctional Programs
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Tongue Tips
Developed by Jennifer Simon Triandafilou, MA, CCC-SLP, this program is designed to retrain the muscles of the face and tongue for proper posture within the mouth. It works to correct the swallowing motion and any speech sound errors that have been identified. This program incorporates a variety of exercises that stimulate different muscles that are associated with a tongue thrust. Each exercise is accompanied by an icon that explains which muscle group you will be working on.
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Tiny Tongue Tips
Developed by Jennifer Simon Triandafilou, MA, CCC-SLP, this play-based program focuses on teaching children proper oral and facial postures at rest, during speech, and while swallowing. It aims to reestablish nasal breathing which has been linked to better overall health. With proper oral and facial postures, problematic symptoms - such as chewing/ swallowing difficulties, speech sound errors, snoring/ sleep apnea, and persistent oral habits - become easier to treat.
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Thumbs Up
Developed by Jennifer Simon Triandafilou, MA, CCC-SLP, THUMBS UP! is an oral habit elimination program that incorporates behavioral modification and positive reinforcement to break the habit and reverse the negative effects of thumb/finger sucking (tongue/teeth positioning, swallowing problems, speech sound errors).
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SMILE: SysteMatic Intervention for Lingual Elevation Program
Developed by Robyn Merkle Walsh, SMILE (SysteMatic Intervention for Lingual Elevation) Program is an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy program targeting speech, oral resting posture, oral habits and swallowing.