What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial Myofuntional Therapy (OMT) can go by several names, including myofunctional therapy, tongue thrust therapy, tongue-tie therapy, oral and facial exercises, or oral and facial therapy. The goal is to correct the improper function of the tongue and facial muscles by using targeted exercises for oral posture retraining. Strengthening the tongue and orofacial muscles makes it easier to keep the tongue on the roof of the mouth, stop the tongue from resting on the teeth, keep lips closed, eliminate a tongue thrust, and breathe through the nose.
Conditions that Myo therapy addresses:
☐ Mouth Breathing
☐ Snoring
☐ Sleep Apnea
☐ TMJ Pain
☐ Oral Habits
☐ Grinding/Clenching
☐ Bed Wetting
☐ Chronic Congestion
☐ Dark Circles Under Eyes
☐ Enlarged Tonsils
☐ Scalloped Tongue
☐ Underbite/Overbite
☐ Tooth Crowding
☐ Orthodontic Relapse
☐ Forward Head Posture
Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy works for all ages. Your body is always changing and remodeling itself—and orofacial myofunctional therapy capitalizes on the fact that your jawbones are among the most dynamic bones in the entire body. That means they’re more receptive to the forces released when performing therapeutic exercises.
Appointment Information
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Guidance Call
Conducted via phone or telehealth, this session will help answer questions to see if Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is right for you. This is a quick, introductory session lasting 15-20 minutes. It's designed to help us get to know each other, discuss your goals, and provide an overview of what myofunctional therapy involves. We can also address any immediate questions you may have, so you can feel confident moving forward. It's a relaxed chat to see if this approach supports your priorities and goals.
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Consultation
This one-hour telehealth consultation provides a deeper look into your medical history, lifestyle, and current symptoms.
Prior to the appointment, you’ll send required forms and photos so we can make the most of our time together. During this session, we’ll explore how your concerns connect to oral function and airway health, discuss the potential benefits of myofunctional therapy, and review initial recommendations tailored to your unique needs. This is a thorough, informative step designed to help you understand your path forward with clarity and confidence.
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Functional Evaluation
Following the consultation, an in-person Functional Evaluation is completed to assess how your muscles work together during breathing, chewing, swallowing, and resting posture.
This one-hour session includes a series of structured assessments to identify any dysfunctions or compensations affecting your oral function and airway. The findings from this visit allow us to outline a personalized plan of action, ensuring your therapy is tailored to your specific needs and goals as you move forward.
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Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions at Buffalo Myo can be completed either in person or virtually—your choice.
These 30-45 minute appointments are typically scheduled every two to four weeks and follow a personalized treatment plan designed to improve breathing, tongue posture, swallowing, and overall oral function. Each session builds on your progress with targeted exercises and education tailored to your goals. When appropriate, I collaborate with your dental, medical, and wellness providers to ensure a coordinated, effective approach, supporting long-term health and lasting results.
Myofunctional therapy for Adults and Children
Breathing, sleeping, and eating are three of the most essential functions for a healthy, happy life. Yet when the tongue, lips, or soft palate aren’t working as they should, these everyday actions can become a challenge.
At Buffalo Myo, our mission is to support children and adults who are affected by these oral muscular dysfunctions through compassionate, professional myofunctional therapy. We take a whole-person approach—helping you understand the “why” behind the concerns while guiding you toward steady, meaningful progress.
At Buffalo Myo, we use therapeutic exercises to improve nasal breathing, strengthen and retrain facial and tongue muscles, and enhance overall function. Our goal is to work with you to uncover the root cause of your concerns so you or your child can move toward whole-body wellness, one steady step at a time.
If you or your child are experiencing challenges with breathing, sleep, or oral habits, We’re here to help you breathe with ease, sleep more soundly, and thrive with confidence.
Testimonials
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Lori is incredible. We’ve been working with her roughly twice a month for nearly a year now to help with my 5 year old’s tongue tie. Not only does she have a huge amount of knowledge within her field, but she’s also just a very kind, patient, and caring person. We’ve noticed substantial differences in my son’s eating/swallowing/breathing thanks to her. She also brought several things to our attention that we never would have known about otherwise.
Rachel R
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We’ve been working with Lori for myofunctional therapy for my 8 year old son for almost a year now, and I can’t recommend her enough! My son had a severe level 4 tongue tie, along with a lip tie, and she has been incredible throughout the entire process. She worked closely with our Orthodontist and was even present during his tongue and lip tie release—she truly goes the extra mile for her clients. She is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything in a way that’s easy for both parents and kids to understand. Even through virtual sessions, she’s fun, engaging, and keeps my son motivated. She sends all the materials we need for each session, and my son actually thinks they’re pretty fun! She's also flexible and accommodating with scheduling. If you're looking for a dedicated, skilled, and supportive myofunctional therapist, she is outstanding.
Jamie B.
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Lori is extremely knowledgeable and helpful in all areas of oral and facial therapy. Her toolbox of exercises and tips is never ending! She scaffolds the therapy sessions to build strength, function, and skills at each appointment. Lori is kind and patient. I highly recommend Buffalo Myo!
Rebekah L.
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Lori is wonderful! I contacted her after my daughter had her tongue tie release and was able to get a quick appointment. She sent educational materials the same day as our initial conversation. My daughter looked forward to her appointments because Lori makes them fun! Lori is extremely knowledgeable, takes a thorough exam and monitors progress carefully. She listened to my concerns as a mom and my daughters concerns. I really appreciated her recommendations on pain relief during early healing stages as well as other recommendations for symptoms associated with my daughters issues, all while taking a natural approach. While I was given a few providers to receive this therapy for my daughter, I am grateful and appreciative for contacting Lori first.
Rosemarie I.
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My daughter worked with Lori for the last year for sleep apnea, TMJ and headaches. We have seen significant improvement in my daughter’s ability to focus in school. She is a more confident student! She no longer has pain from TMJ and headaches have improved. Lori collaborated well with our sleep medicine specialist and Orthodontist. She is very knowledgeable and kept my daughter engaged with fun exercises. We are so happy we found Buffalo Myo!
Beth T.
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My first question for Lori: Am I too old for myofacial therapy? Over 60 years old, with a newly discovered tongue-tie and borderline sleep apnea, I needed her assurance.
The answer: Absolutely not! Because of your age your muscle tone will be reduced, meaning you will have to work harder to achieve lasting results. She carefully explained her program of apointments and exercises, and fee schedule. Trusting her advice, I found out Lori is an excellent therapist, friendly yet retaining professional dignity. All her communications are prompt. She provided adept assessments, personalizing all exercises to my current ability. Always encouraging, providing clear directions, she continued to motivate me to keep plugging away. She is conscientious, competent and systematic. After nine months applying her methods I assure you that her program is effective!
Her help has been invaluable--I am sleeping so much better because now I can breathe properly. Oustanding results!
Pam M.