Education

Pathways for Patients

“Who should I see?” 

“Where do I start?” 

“It’s all so overwhelming!”

These are very common questions/comments I receive from prospective patients, and with good reason – there is SO much information about expansion, airway, tongue ties, etc. available online and via social media nowadays.  It can truly make a person’s head spin trying to sort it all out and determine the right things to do and when.

This is why I am here – to help those of you who are also trying to discern the best next steps in helping your children or yourself with identified or suspected issues related to breathing, sleeping, orofacial growth, development, possible tongue/lip ties, orthodontic needs, etc., particularly with regards to which types of providers to see, and in what order/when to see each one.   

As each person and his/her situation are so unique, it unfortunately is not possible to provide a “cookie cutter” course of care that would suit everyone’s needs, especially without getting to know what those needs are first.

Having said that, I would love to help you get on the right pathway for healing!  Please contact me for a complimentary phone consult and, if appropriate, an in-person therapy assessment so I can more appropriately help with prioritizing your individualized needs within an interdisciplinary plan of care.  

How do I do this?  I screen for all other disciplines – ENT, airway focused dentist and/or orthodontist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, other specialized practitioners – during my phone consults and initial assessments, as well as ongoing throughout the course of therapy treatments.  I also communicate and collaborate with other providers involved in my patients’ care, per patient consent, to finetune our interdisciplinary approach and optimize outcomes. 

Mouth Matters Therapy IS a good fit for you if:

  • You understand that it’s truly “all connected.”
  • You are looking for individualized and highly specialized treatment.
  • You are looking for a long-term wellness solution.
  • You are personally committed to doing what it takes to improve.
  • You are okay with paying out of pocket for quality care. 
  • You would prefer an integrative healthcare strategy.

Mouth Matters Therapy is STILL a good fit for you, EVEN if:

  • You don’t understand how the tongue could possibly affect so much but you are willing to learn.
  • You previously had a tongue tie release procedure.
  • You have received orofacial myofunctional treatment elsewhere in the past.
  • You are currently undergoing orthodontic expansion or braces.
  • You are unable to attend in-person sessions regularly but are committed to putting in the work at home. 
  • Another provider has told you that “you’ll just have to live with {symptom}.”
  • Your life is busy but you’re willing to prioritize your health.

Mouth Matters Therapy is NOT a good fit for you if:

  • You believe that “it’s just a tongue.”
  • You are looking for a quick fix for your symptoms.
  • You would prefer to find an isolated treatment approach.
  • You are okay with a “cookie cutter” plan of care.
  • You are seeking a provider who will bill your insurance. 
  • You don’t want to make time for regularly scheduled appointments or consistent home program activities.