Orofacial myofunctional therapy · Newcastle NSW
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) helps Newcastle children and adults retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips and face. It is used to address patterns such as mouth breathing, tongue thrust and a low tongue resting position, which can affect the teeth, the jaws and everyday comfort.
MS Dental is a locally owned family practice that has cared for Newcastle families for many years. Our OMT program combines a detailed assessment, personalised exercises and regular reviews, with appointments with Dr Monika Shah at our Fletcher clinic for patients from across the Newcastle region.
9 Churnwood Drive
Fletcher NSW 2287
Dr Monika Shah
Principal Dentist
8 weeks of visits
then 6–12 months
The basics
OMT is a structured exercise program that improves how the oral and facial muscles work at rest and during swallowing, chewing and breathing. It is gentle, non-invasive and practised mainly at home between appointments.
Orofacial myology is the study of the muscles of the mouth and face and how they function together. When these muscles are balanced, the tongue rests against the palate, the lips meet comfortably and breathing happens through the nose.
Through repetition, OMT exercises help the brain and muscles learn a new default pattern. Small, consistent daily practice is the key to lasting change, so we design routines that fit into family life.
An orofacial myofunctional disorder occurs when the muscles of the mouth and face adopt an unhelpful pattern. It often begins with habitual mouth breathing, after which the tongue and facial muscles adapt to that habit.
What it can help with
OMT can help build the habit of nasal breathing and comfortable lip closure.
Exercises train the tongue to move upward rather than forward when swallowing.
Therapy aims to teach the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth instead of against the teeth.
A correct swallow uses the tongue rather than straining the lips, cheeks and chin.
OMT may also support chewing, lip strength and the stability of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Breathing and posture
Newcastle parents often first notice mouth breathing when a child sleeps with their mouth open, snores, or wakes with a dry mouth. Adults may notice the same signs in themselves.
Correct resting posture means lips together, teeth slightly apart and the tongue resting on the palate. OMT works on each part of this posture step by step.
A tongue that rests in the right place supports the upper jaw and reduces pressure on the teeth. Where mouth breathing may have another cause, such as allergies or enlarged tonsils, we may suggest seeing your GP or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Swallowing
Tongue thrust is a pattern in which the tongue pushes against or between the front teeth during swallowing or speech. Over time, this pressure may contribute to gaps between the front teeth or an open bite.
Signs include tightening of the chin and lips when swallowing, the tongue appearing between the teeth, and noisy or messy eating.
Targeted exercises strengthen the tongue and retrain the swallow. For speech sounds, OMT can help balance the muscles, while a speech pathologist may be recommended to work on pronunciation itself.
For children
Because children are still growing, guiding healthy muscle patterns early can be helpful. For children who have a tongue tie, OMT may be recommended alongside a tongue tie release, which is also provided at our Fletcher clinic.
Dr Monika observes how your child breathes, swallows and rests their tongue and lips. The assessment is gentle and relaxed, and we explain our findings to you in plain language before discussing any next steps.
For adults
Adults may benefit from OMT if they have long-standing tongue thrust, mouth breathing habits, or if their dentist recommends it to help support teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Adult programs are tailored to your goals and daily routine, with clear instructions for each exercise. Many adults find it helpful to link their exercises to an existing habit, such as brushing their teeth or their morning coffee, so that daily practice becomes routine.
Regular reviews allow us to monitor progress and adjust your program as your muscles strengthen. If progress is slower than expected, we will talk through what may be getting in the way and whether input from another health professional could help.
Step by step
A detailed assessment of the tongue, lips, cheeks, breathing and swallowing.
A tailored plan that usually begins with an intensive program of around eight weeks, with weekly or fortnightly visits.
Daily exercises that you or your child practise at home between visits.
A maintenance phase over approximately six to twelve months, with reviews to keep progress on track. Treatment length varies for each patient.
Where
OMT patients from Wallsend, Maryland, Cardiff, Mayfield, Lambton, Charlestown and across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
We see OMT patients from across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, including Wallsend, Maryland, Cardiff, Mayfield, Lambton, Charlestown and the surrounding suburbs.
MS Dental has three clinics across Newcastle. Orofacial myofunctional therapy is provided at our Fletcher clinic only, so all OMT appointments are booked there with Dr Monika Shah.
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, she also provides tongue tie and lip tie treatment. Our wider team cares for Newcastle families across all three clinics.
Registered with the Dental Board of Australia through AHPRA · DEN0001406036
Read Dr Shah’s Full ProfileQuestions
Next step
All orofacial myofunctional therapy appointments for Newcastle patients take place with Dr Monika Shah at MS Dental Fletcher, 9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Call (02) 4953 8614 or book online to arrange your assessment.
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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