Question 1

What is orofacial myofunctional therapy?

Accepted Answer

Orofacial myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles and movement patterns of the face and mouth: how the tongue rests, how you breathe, chew, and swallow. When those patterns are off, they show up as mouth breathing, tongue thrust, disrupted sleep, jaw tension, or speech and feeding issues. Therapy is a structured exercise program that corrects the patterns at the source.

Question 2

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Children and adults. Programs are tailored by age and goal, from young children with feeding or habit concerns to adults working on jaw tension, breathing, or sleep quality. Every program is delivered one-on-one.

Question 3

My dentist, orthodontist, or physician recommended myofunctional therapy. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Your provider noticed muscle patterns, like tongue thrust, low tongue rest posture, or mouth breathing, that can affect dental alignment, orthodontic results, breathing, or sleep. Myofunctional therapy retrains those patterns so the rest of your care holds. We coordinate directly with your referring provider and send written reports so everyone stays aligned.

Question 4

Do I need a referral to start?

Accepted Answer

No referral is needed. You can book a free 15-minute phone consultation directly, and we'll help you decide whether an evaluation is the right next step.

Question 5

Do I need an evaluation to begin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every plan starts with a comprehensive evaluation, without exception. It's your first appointment, where we assess what's going on and decide your treatment plan. No two plans are the same.

Question 6

How does the program work?

Accepted Answer

Every plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation, your first appointment. There we pinpoint what's going on and lay out your plan in a written report. From there, guided sessions retrain the muscle patterns, supported by practice at home. We set the frequency and spacing with you and adjust as you progress, tapering toward the end as the new patterns become automatic.

Question 7

Do I pay per session, or as a program?

Accepted Answer

Everyone starts with a program rather than one-off appointments, because the muscle work holds best as a structured course. Your evaluation comes first, booked on its own, and from there your program is built around your plan. If you need extra sessions along the way, or a check-in after you finish, we add them as needed. Our program page lays out how it fits together.

Question 8

How long are sessions, and how often?

Accepted Answer

Evaluations run about 60 minutes. Ongoing sessions are typically 30 minutes, and the frequency is set at your evaluation and tailored to your goals and preferences, rather than a fixed schedule, with the plan adjusting as you progress.

Question 9

How long is a typical program, and when will I see results?

Accepted Answer

Length depends on your goals and on what we find at the evaluation, so it varies from person to person. Myofunctional therapy is skill-based: we coach the technique, and your practice at home is what turns it into lasting habits. Every program works toward a clear endpoint, and we stay available for check-ins whenever you need one down the road.

Question 10

Where are sessions held?

Accepted Answer

In person at our Lincoln Park, Chicago office or via telehealth anywhere in Illinois.

Question 11

Is telehealth effective for this kind of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Myofunctional exercises coach well over video, and research supports telehealth delivery. Some clients combine in-person evaluations with telehealth sessions. We'll recommend the format that fits your goals and schedule.

Question 12

How does payment work? Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

chicagomyo is a private-pay practice, so we don't bill insurance directly, and rates are always shared before care begins. Payment is handled securely through our client portal, and we accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as HSA and FSA cards. Superbills are available on request, itemized receipts you can submit to your insurance plan for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We share the billing details up front, and we're glad to walk through reimbursement questions during your free 15-minute phone consultation.

Question 13

How much does therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Because every plan is built around what we find at your evaluation, we share exact rates during your free 15-minute phone consultation rather than listing them here, so the number you get reflects your actual plan. chicagomyo is private-pay, HSA and FSA cards are welcome, and superbills are available on request for out-of-network reimbursement. You'll know the cost of your evaluation and any recommended program before you commit to anything.

Question 14

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept HSA and FSA cards through our secure client portal, along with all major credit and debit cards. Whether a particular expense is eligible is ultimately set by your plan, and the superbill we can provide has everything you need to substantiate it.

Question 15

Can myofunctional therapy help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Airway muscle retraining supports deeper, quieter sleep for many people, and research supports its use alongside physician-directed care such as CPAP or oral appliances. Sleep apnea itself is a medical condition, so we work as part of the team with your sleep physician rather than in place of one.

Question 16

Do you work with tongue ties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare the muscles before a frenectomy and rehabilitate them afterward, coordinating timing and progress directly with the releasing provider. We also collaborate with trusted release providers across Chicago if you need a recommendation.

Question 17

How should I prepare for the first visit?

Accepted Answer

Bring any relevant records, such as prior evaluations, sleep studies, or notes from your dentist, orthodontist, or ENT, plus a list of your concerns and goals. For young children, a favorite comfort item helps them settle in.

Question 18

Do parents participate in sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parent involvement is a core part of pediatric programs. Daily home practice is what makes therapy stick, so we teach you the exercises, share updates after sessions, and welcome your questions throughout.

Question 19

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We ask for 24 hours of notice so the time can be offered to another client. Emergencies happen, and we handle those case by case.

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