Your first visit will be a ‘discovery visit,’ and will include an evaluation and examination of the muscles of your mouth, throat, and airway. You can expect about a 90 minute exam which will include photographs, video of swallowing, an explanation of your conditions, and a brief description of your treatment plan. We will also discuss the cost of your treatment. Most follow up therapy sessions will be conducted via video telehealth to allow you better facilitate your care in your own home/office. You should plan for an expense of $250 for your initial visit which will be collected at time of service.
Generally, you should expect therapy sessions to last 25-30 minutes every 2 weeks for 6-9 months. You will be expected to do physical therapy exercises for several minutes each day during treatment to achieve excellent results.
Costs: During your initial consultation you will receive a quote for complete therapy (based on an estimated number of sessions). You can pay for your therapy as one lump sum or spread the cost into monthly payments. Most patients find that a full course of therapy will cost them approximately $3300-3600 (Dental and medical insurance usually do NOT help with the costs associated with myofunctional therapy, however I do accept funds from FSA and HSA accounts). The cost of the consultation is not included in the cost of the therapy.
Goals: There are four goals of myofunctional therapy:
Nasal breathing day & night
Tongue on the roof of mouth day & night
Lips closed together day & night
Proper chewing & swallowing
Other Providers: Myofunctional therapy often involves a team approach, working with other health care providers to address your underlying challenges and achieve your goals. Other providers may include dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, ENT physician, sleep specialists, and nutritionists, depending upon your specific needs.