Sandy Zepeda, R.D.H, O.M.T
Registered Dental Hygienist
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist
Emaill: sandyzomt@hotmail.com
Located in the
South Texas Pelvic Health Bldg.
1045 Airline Rd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
361.317.1530
To schedule an appointment click link below
www.southtexaspelvichealth.com
Hello, I'm Sandy, a Myofunctional Therapist. With over 20 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I have thoroughly enjoyed my career. I've expanded my expertise by training in Myofunctional Therapy. This transition has been wonderful, and I am eager to serve the South Texas community.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a physical therapy program that corrects the dysfunction of the tongue and facial muscles. It addresses Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) such as tongue thrusts, breathing problems, mouth breathing, open mouth posture, thumb and finger sucking, teeth clenching and grinding, TMJ pain, and neck and shoulder tension, Sleep Apnea and so much more!
How do you know if you are a candidate for Myofunctional Therapy?
If you exhibit any of these, you may be a candidate for Myofunctional Therapy. Habitual Mouth Breathing - Vaulted Palate - Tongue Thrusting - Tongue Tied
How do you know if you are a candidate for Myofunctional Therapy?
If you exhibit any of these, you may be a candidate for Myofunctional Therapy. Habitual Mouth Breathing - Vaulted Palate - Tongue Thrusting - Tongue Tied
Children and Myofunctional Therapy
Signs & Symptoms
Children and Myofunctional Therapy
Signs & Symptoms
Children may struggle to communicate issues they are experiencing. Here are some indicators to look for:
1. Snoring or pediatric apnea
2. Tongue thrusting
3. Thumb sucking
4. Open mouth breathing
5. Trouble or messy eating, drinking, sucking, or swallowing
6. Mouth open when in a relaxed state
7. Misaligned or crowded teeth
-open bite, underbite, overbite, crossbite
I can create a customized exercise program that caters to the specific needs of the patient. It's worth noting that most programs require around 12 to 15 sessions, which can be conducted in person or virtually. If the patient is a child, the parent(s) must be fully committed to the program, as this will lead to better results.
The exercises will enhance the strength, control, and coordination of facial and tongue muscles, thereby correcting orofacial dysfunctions.
Adults and Myofunctional Therapy
Signs & Symptoms
Adults and Myofunctional Therapy
Signs & Symptoms
Orofacial dysfunction is a common issue among adults, presenting in various forms:
1. Teeth clenching and grinding
2. Low tongue posture or open mouth
3. Chronic fatigue
4. Sleep that is not restful
5. Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
6. Snoring or sleep apnea
7. Anxiety or depression
8. Persistent headaches
9. Tension in the shoulders and neck
Myofunctional Therapy is highly beneficial for both children and adults. When patients are fully committed to the program, this treatment can play an instrumental role in retraining the facial muscles and tongue, which may have been dysfunctional for years. By restoring normal function to these muscles, the overall health and well-being of the patient can be significantly improved.
This therapy is used to manage a variety of disorders including:
- Tongue tie
- Tongue thrust
- Low tongue posture
- Open mouth posture
- Anterior open bite
- Grinding and clenching
- TMJ pain
- Snoring/sleep apnea
- Chronic headaches
- Neck and Shoulder tension
- Habit elimination- thumb sucking/nail biting
- Chronic fatigue
These dysfunctions can have a severe impact on various aspects of our lives such as sleep quality, dentition, chewing, swallowing, speech, and physical and mental health. Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help individuals of all ages in retraining the muscles of the face and tongue that may have been dysfunctional for years.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy:
- Improved airway health
- Reduced clenching/grinding
- Reduced TMJ pain and headaches
- Prevention of orthodontic relapse (teeth moving after braces are removed)
- Increasing tone of facial and oral muscles
Schedule an appointment or a FREE 15 minute discovery call
You will be directed to the South Texas Pelvic Health website to schedule
