Orofacial myofunctional therapy · Fletcher NSW 2287
The way you breathe, swallow and rest your tongue can affect your teeth, your jaws and your comfort every day. At MS Dental Fletcher, we provide orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) for children and adults who have patterns such as mouth breathing, tongue thrust or a low tongue resting position.
Our Fletcher clinic is the only MS Dental location that offers OMT, and all OMT patients are seen by Principal Dentist Dr Monika Shah. Therapy begins with a thorough assessment, followed by a personalised exercise program and regular reviews to track progress.
9 Churnwood Drive
Fletcher NSW 2287
Dr Monika Shah
Principal Dentist
8 weeks of visits
then 6–12 months
The basics
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a program of targeted exercises for the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks and face. It aims to retrain the way these muscles work at rest and during swallowing, chewing and breathing.
The tongue, lips and cheeks work together as a system. When they are in balance, the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth, the lips close comfortably and breathing happens through the nose. When this balance is disrupted, the muscles can adapt in ways that place unwanted pressure on the teeth and jaws.
OMT uses simple, painless exercises that are practised daily at home. Over time, these exercises help the muscles learn a new resting posture and a healthier swallowing pattern. Consistency is important, and progress is usually greatest when patients and families commit to the daily routine.
An orofacial myofunctional disorder is a pattern in which the muscles of the mouth and face do not function as they should. Common examples include a tongue that rests low in the mouth, a tongue that pushes forward when swallowing, lips that remain apart at rest and habitual mouth breathing.
Signs to look for
The following signs may suggest that an OMT assessment would be helpful. Having one or more of these does not always mean therapy is needed, which is why we start with an assessment.
Breathing through the mouth during the day or while sleeping, or lips that are often apart at rest.
The tongue pushing forward against or between the front teeth when swallowing or speaking.
The tongue resting low in the mouth or against the lower teeth instead of against the roof of the mouth.
Visible tightening of the lips, cheeks or chin when swallowing, or messy eating and drinking in children.
Difficulty keeping the lips together comfortably, or habits such as thumb sucking that continue beyond the toddler years.
Tongue posture
When the tongue rests low, it no longer supports the upper jaw and can press against the teeth for many hours each day. Because this pressure is constant, the resting position of the tongue can have a greater effect on the teeth than swallowing alone.
Signs can include the tongue showing between the teeth when swallowing, front teeth that do not meet when biting together, and some speech sounds that are difficult to make.
Your program will include exercises that strengthen the tongue and teach it to rest in the correct position. As your tongue learns the new pattern, the exercises progress to support a healthier swallow.
Breathing and swallowing
People who breathe through their mouth may snore, wake with a dry mouth, or have lips that are apart for much of the day. In children, parents may notice open-mouth posture while watching television or sleeping.
Most people swallow hundreds of times a day. When the tongue pushes forward instead of upward, this repeated pressure can contribute to changes in the position of the teeth over time.
OMT focuses on nasal breathing, lip seal and correct tongue position. Where mouth breathing may be linked to another cause, such as blocked airways or allergies, we may recommend you see another health professional, such as your GP or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Every age
Children's faces and jaws are still growing, so identifying muscle patterns early can be helpful. Dr Monika explains each exercise in a way that suits your child's age and shows parents how to support practice at home.
For younger children, therapy is often combined with other care. For example, OMT may be recommended before or after a tongue tie release at our Fletcher clinic to help the tongue learn its new range of movement.
Adults can also benefit from OMT. It may be recommended for adults with tongue thrust, mouth breathing habits, or to help support the stability of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Your program
Your first appointment with Dr Monika includes a detailed assessment of your tongue, lips, cheeks, breathing and swallowing. We will discuss your concerns and explain what we find in plain language.
If therapy is recommended, we will create a personalised plan. This usually begins with a concentrated program of around eight weeks, with weekly or fortnightly visits, followed by a longer maintenance program over approximately six to twelve months. The length of treatment varies from patient to patient.
You will be shown each exercise in the clinic and given a routine to practise at home every day. Short daily practice is more effective than occasional longer sessions.
Regular reviews allow us to check your progress, adjust your exercises and add new ones as your muscles strengthen. Where needed, we may suggest referral to other health professionals as part of your care.
Find us
Serving Fletcher, Maryland, Minmi, Wallsend, Elermore Vale, Rankin Park, Cameron Park and surrounding suburbs
Our Fletcher clinic at 9 Churnwood Drive is the only MS Dental clinic that provides orofacial myofunctional therapy. Patients from our Cardiff and Mayfield clinics are welcome to book their OMT appointments at Fletcher.
We are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and welcome patients from Fletcher, Maryland, Minmi, Wallsend, Elermore Vale, Rankin Park, Cameron Park and the surrounding suburbs.
Principal DentistYour OMT clinician
Principal Dentist and Founder · Leads Cardiff, Fletcher & Mayfield · Sees patients at Fletcher only
Dr Monika completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India in 2006 and moved to Australia in February 2007, where she completed her Australian Dental Council examinations. She founded MS Dental in 2016 and today leads the clinical team across our Cardiff, Fletcher and Mayfield clinics. Dr Monika sees patients at our Fletcher clinic only.
All OMT assessments and therapy sessions are with Dr Monika Shah at our Fletcher clinic. At Fletcher, Dr Monika also provides tongue tie and lip tie treatment, which is often coordinated with OMT for children.
Registered with the Dental Board of Australia through AHPRA · DEN0001406036
Read Dr Shah’s Full ProfileQuestions
Next step
If you have noticed mouth breathing, tongue thrust or other signs in yourself or your child, an assessment with Dr Monika is a good first step. Call our Fletcher team on (02) 4953 8614 or book online.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is not covered by private health funds, so there is no health fund rebate for OMT assessments or therapy sessions. We accept EFTPOS and cash.
Fletcher clinic · our team will contact you to arrange a time
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