Patients & referrals

Who can benefit from OMT?

Early identification is ideal — but orofacial myofunctional therapy helps patients of all ages, from nursing infants through adults.

OMT helps at every stage of life

From nursing infants to grandparents, orofacial myofunctional therapy meets patients wherever they are — and the whole family often benefits along the way.

A mom and her two children playfully sticking their tongues out

Infants & toddlers

Self-referred, or referred by a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or ENT

Breastfeeding difficulties or poor latch caused by tongue posture issues
Tongue-tie, lip-tie, or buccal (cheek) tie (tethered oral tissues)
Colic, reflux, or excessive gas
Noisy breathing or snoring
Prolonged pacifier use
Non-integrated primitive reflexes

Children & teens

Self-referred, or referred by a dentist, orthodontist, or pediatrician

Persistent thumb or finger sucking past age 4
Mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep
Open bite, overjet, or crowded teeth
Lisp or articulation errors
Pre- or post-orthodontic muscle correction
ADHD-like behaviors or poor focus

Adults

Self-referred, or referred by an orthodontist, ENT, or sleep physician

Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
TMJ pain, jaw clenching, or bruxism
Chronic mouth breathing or dry mouth
Post-orthodontic relapse prevention
Tongue-tie revision
Swallowing dysfunction

Kathleen welcomes referrals

She works as part of a collaborative team with orthodontists, pediatric dentists, ENTs, allergists, functional airway specialists, sleep physicians, speech-language pathologists, chiropractors, TMJ specialists, physical therapists, doulas, and lactation consultants — communicating findings and coordinating care. Patients are also welcome to self-refer.

Orthodontists & dentists

OMT is essential for stable orthodontic outcomes. Kathleen addresses the muscle imbalances that cause relapse, and provides pre- and post-treatment muscle re-education.

ENTs & allergists

Kathleen collaborates on airway and breathing concerns, providing nasal breathing strategies and complementary muscle work that supports surgical or medical interventions.

Speech-language pathologists

OMT addresses the underlying muscle tone and posture issues that affect articulation — complementing speech therapy for lasting results.

Sleep physicians

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is an evidence-based component of sleep-disordered breathing treatment, including mild-to-moderate OSA management.