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Pediatric Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Services

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) addresses the oral structures (lips, tongue, jaw, cheeks, and palate) and their impact on swallowing skills and oral rest posture. OMT is based on the neuromuscular re-education or re-patterning of the oral and facial muscles and includes facial exercises and behavior modification techniques to promote proper tongue position, improved breathing, chewing, and swallowing.  Incorrect chewing and swallowing and/or incorrect tongue position may have a negative effect on your child’s:

  • Dental alignment and dental development
  • Ability to sleep effectively
  • Ability to breathe effectively
  • Feeding skills such as the ability to move food around in the mouth
  • Development of oral muscles and facial muscles
  • Speech skills
  • Oral hygiene (bad breath, cavities)
  • Social interactions (open mouth breathing, tongue out of the mouth, drooling)
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Common Signs of an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder Include:

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose due to allergies, enlarged tonsils, or enlarged adenoids
  • Tongue-tie
  • Open-mouth breathing
  • Narrow roof of the mouth (palate)
  • Forward tongue movement during speech and/or swallowing

Additional issues that may contribute to an orofacial myofunctional disorder include:

  • Prolonged pacifier use
  • Prolonged thumb, finger, or tongue sucking

Your dentist or orthodontist may identify these signs during a routine office visit and may recommend an orofacial myofunctional evaluation.

Our OMT specialists are trained in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing and orofacial myofunctional disorders.

What to Expect at an Evaluation

During the evaluation, our OMT specialists will assess the strength and movement of your child’s lips, tongue, jaw, cheeks and palate. In addition, they will evaluate your child’s ability to chew food, move food around in their mouth, and swallow food and liquids. They may also evaluate your child’s speech skills if needed. You may bring your own food and drink, or food can be provided. 

Pictures and video of your child will be taken as part of the evaluation as a baseline of their oral structure and skills. Pictures and video are kept private and confidential.

 Here are some questions you might be asked at the evaluation:

  • Does your child snore?
  • Is your child a picky, messy, slow, or fast eater? Do they avoid certain foods?
  • Does eating seem like a lot of work for your child?
  • Does your child have any behaviors during mealtimes?
  • Is your child self-conscious of their eating or speech?
  • Have you seen an orthodontist? 
  • Does your child have an open mouth while eating?
  • Is your child’s mouth open often during the day?

After the evaluation is completed, the OMT specialist will analyze and review all the testing results and discuss the results with you. The evaluation will determine if there is a need for therapy and if any other referrals are needed.

Our OMT specialists work closely with the following departments to determine the best treatment plan for your child:

  • Dentistry
  • Orthodontics
  • Allergy
  • Sleep medicine
  • Otolaryngology
Schedule an Evaluation with One of Our Pediatric Orofacial Myofunctional Experts Today
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Parent Testimonials
As a parent of a child with autism, I've always wanted him to be able to create meaningful friendships with kids his age. From the first time my son walked into Summit Pediatric Therapy, he was made to feel warm and welcome. His pediatric therapists worked tirelessly to help him develop the skills to start creating friendships. We are thankful for the life skills they helped him develop.
Summit Pediatric Therapy
2018-07-09T15:29:05-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
As a parent of a child with autism, I’ve always wanted him to be able to create meaningful friendships with kids his age. From the first time my son walked into Summit Pediatric Therapy, he was made to feel warm and welcome. His pediatric therapists …
This letter was provided to Speech-Language Pathologist, Tara Lujan, MA, CCC-SLP

Summit Pediatric Therapy
2019-07-10T10:52:16-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
This letter was provided to Speech-Language Pathologist, Tara Lujan, MA, CCC-SLP
Alex Bresler, MA, CCC-SLP is amazing. Lauren loves her and she has been so patient with her and really worked hard to build a positive relationship.
Summit Pediatric Therapy
2019-06-13T09:17:41-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
Alex Bresler, MA, CCC-SLP is amazing. Lauren loves her and she has been so patient with her and really worked hard to build a positive relationship.
Maggie Henrksen, MA, CCC-SLP is amazing and extremely professional and proactive. My son loves going to talk with each week. Both the school and I have seen great progress with my son!

Very Happy - Thank you!!
Summit Pediatric Therapy
2019-06-13T08:37:52-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
Maggie Henrksen, MA, CCC-SLP is amazing and extremely professional and proactive. My son loves going to talk with each week. Both the school and I have seen great progress with my son! Very Happy – Thank you!!
Claire Beynon-Powell, MS, CCC-SLP is great with my 13 year old. She respects him and never talks down to him.
Summit Pediatric Therapy
2019-06-13T08:40:37-06:00
“Provider of Pediatric Speech, Occupational, Physical & Feeding Therapy to patients throughout Aurora, Centennial, Denver & Littleton”
Claire Beynon-Powell, MS, CCC-SLP is great with my 13 year old. She respects him and never talks down to him.
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