What to bring to your evaluation
The initial evaluation takes approximately one to two hours. To make the most of that time, bring any records that may be relevant to your care:
Medical & dental history
Any records related to breathing, sleep, allergies, ENT treatments, tonsil/adenoid history, or previous orthodontic work.
Referral notes
If you were referred by an orthodontist, dentist, ENT, or speech therapist, bring any notes or documentation they sent along.
A support person
For children, a parent or guardian should attend all sessions. Older children and teens should be prepared to take ownership of their home exercises.
What happens at your first appointment
Kathleen conducts a comprehensive evaluation that looks at the whole picture — not just the primary complaint, but all of the underlying muscle patterns and behaviors that connect to it.
History review
Kathleen reviews your medical and dental history in detail — including breathing patterns, sleep quality, feeding history (for infants), allergies, surgeries, and prior orthodontic treatment.
Functional assessment
A hands-on evaluation of oral muscle tone, tongue posture and function, swallowing pattern, lip seal, jaw position, and nasal breathing. Postural habits and primitive reflex retention may also be assessed.
Treatment plan
Kathleen reviews her findings with you and outlines a personalized treatment plan. You'll leave knowing exactly what the goals are, what the exercises will involve, and what to expect over the course of therapy.
What to expect over the course of treatment
Home exercises
Therapy success depends on daily practice. Exercises take approximately 15–20 minutes and are done 1–2 times per day. Kathleen provides clear instructions and demonstrates each exercise in session before you leave.
Session frequency
Patients are seen initially at 1–2 week intervals, then progress to 3-week intervals to check progress, advance exercises, and address any challenges. The number of total sessions varies by patient and goals.
Telehealth option
Kathleen's preference is in-office therapy, but telehealth appointments are available for distance patients.
Maintenance
Once therapy goals are met, Kathleen schedules periodic maintenance visits to verify that correct muscle patterns have become automatic — often around orthodontic treatment milestones.
Practical information
Appointment times
After-school and evening appointments are available to accommodate school and work schedules. Saturday appointments are available by request.
Fees
Digits & Spots is a self-pay practice. Fees are discussed at or before your evaluation. HSA and FSA funds are accepted.
Insurance
OMT is generally not covered by dental or medical insurance. Kathleen can provide itemized superbills for you to submit to your carrier for possible out-of-network reimbursement.