Frequently Asked Questions

At Oral-Facial Advantage, we understand that starting something new often comes with questions. Our FAQ section is here to help you feel informed and confident. Whether you're wondering about our programs, insurance, scheduling, or what Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy actually involves—we’ve got you covered. More question? We are happy to answer.


Last updated: June 2025

1. Getting Started

What is the first step to get started?

We recommend booking our free 45-minute consultation. This session is a conversation—not a physical exam—and is designed to help you understand how Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy works and whether it’s a good fit for you or your child’s needs. We’ll discuss your concerns, explain what we look for in our assessments, and walk through what a treatment plan might look like. There’s no obligation to commit at this stage.

Does my child need to be present at the Free first consultation?

Many parents prefer to come alone first to gather information and ask questions before involving their child. There’s no physical examination at this stage, so it’s completely up to you.

Is a referral needed?

No referral is needed to begin. You can book directly with us through our website, by email, or by phone. We're happy to work alongside your ENT, dentist, orthodontist or other healthcare providers if needed. We work with many specialists in Ottawa as OMT deals with a wide cross-section of airway related specialties. If you're not already connected with a specialist, we can also guide you to trusted professionals in the Ottawa area as part of your care plan.

2. Myofunctional Therapy Basics

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

It’s a specialized therapy that trains the muscles of the face, mouth, and neck to function in harmony. Think of it like physical therapy for the oral-facial system. It helps improve resting posture (tongue, lips, jaw), corrects breathing and swallowing patterns, and supports facial development, sleep, and digestion. It’s particularly helpful for those with mouth breathing, chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, sleep-disordered breathing / apnea, and oral habits like tongue thrust, thumb sucking, nail biting, clenching, and grinding.

Who do you work with?

We treat patients of all ages—young children, teens, adults, seniors. Some patients come to us with facial pain or TMJ issues. Others struggle with breathing, sleep quality, oral habits, digestive discomfort, or orthodontic relapse. Many have never been taught how to breathe, chew, or swallow properly. Our job is to help restore these foundational functions subconsciously.

What results can I expect?

Results vary based on each person’s condition and practice consistency, but many patients report relief from jaw tension, better sleep, improved breathing, and even better focus and digestion. Therapy can reduce strain in the facial muscles, improve posture, and support long-term dental, airway, and overall health. Oral habits, clenching, and tongue thrusts can be eliminated. We’ll help you gently replace old oral habits with healthier, natural patterns that support better breathing, sleep, and long-term comfort

How soon will I notice results?

Some patients notice changes within the first few weeks—like easier nasal breathing or reduced jaw tension. More complex patterns take time, but we'll track your progress together.

Can you help with clenching or grinding at night?

Yes. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy often helps reduce nighttime clenching and grinding by retraining jaw muscles, improving nasal breathing, and correcting tongue posture during sleep.

Can this help with anxiety or ADHD symptoms?

In some cases, yes. When we improve breathing and sleep quality, many patients report better focus, mood, and energy. We’re happy to explore this with you during your assessment.

What if I have braces or Invisalign?

That’s okay! Myofunctional Therapy can actually support your orthodontic treatment. We’ll adjust exercises around your appliances and ensure safe, comfortable movement.

Can I do therapy even if I’ve had orthodontics before?

Yes! In fact, many adults come to us after braces or Invisalign to address underlying habits like tongue thrust, clenching, or mouth breathing that may have contributed to orthodontic relapse.

Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy only for kids?

Not at all. We work with adults of all ages, including those with jaw pain, sleep issues, or oral habits they’ve had for years. Many people come to us later in life and get excellent results.

Is my child too young for myofunctional therapy?

We work with children as young as 3 if they’re able to follow simple instructions. If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a free consultation—we'll help you decide if now is the right time or if it's better to wait.

What makes your clinic different?

We focus exclusively on Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, and we combine clinical skill with personal coaching. Our team takes time to understand your goals and helps you make changes that stick.

3. Treatment Programs

What do the sessions involve?

Each session is guided step-by-step and includes coaching, progress checks, and personalized exercises that evolve with you. You’ll always know what to do next—and why. These exercises may target the tongue, lips, jaw, cheeks, neck, breathing patterns, and swallowing function. We also address posture, sleep habits, and oral behaviors such as clenching, mouth breathing, or thumb sucking. To support your progress, we provide a custom toolkit for specific exercises, along with a binder to help you stay organized. You’ll get access to simple, follow-along videos so you can review exercises anytime at home.

Do you treat tongue ties?

We do not perform surgical tie releases / frenectomy, but we help your body prepare before the release and recover after, so you get the best long-term results possible. For children over 4 and adults, we typically recommend some therapy before and after release to train the muscles and prevent regression, for a better prognosis. For children under 4, shorter pre- and post-therapy windows are used. We’ll guide you through this process and can work closely with your surgical provider if a release is needed.

How long are your programs?

Program length varies by age and goals. Some patients complete their core therapy in as little as 3 months, while others benefit from longer-term coaching. We’ll explain what’s appropriate for you during your free consultation. This isn’t a bandaid solution— it’s a structured period of retraining muscle function and habits to create long-term change. Progress depends on commitment and regular home practice, but we’ll guide you step-by-step and adjust the plan as needed. Our therapists are trained in proven techniques for breaking old habits and building new subconscious habits. They are experienced therapists who serve as teachers and coaches and gently help you replace old habits with new ones that support better breathing, posture, and function—without stress.


What programs do you offer?

- Habit Breaking-Repatterning Program

- Sleep & Airway Support Program

- Jaw, Facial Tension, & Chronic Headaches Relief Program

- Frenectomy Pre- & Post-Procedure Care (Tongue & Lip Ties)

- Digestive Aerophagia Elimination Program

- Myo-Munchee Fitting & Integration


In most cases, a patient’s therapy plan will cover two or more of these focus areas, depending on their needs and goals. 

Do I need to buy anything for therapy?

We provide you with all/most the core tools you'll need depending on your plan. Everything is explained clearly, and there are no surprise costs.


Are the exercises hard to do?

Most exercises are simple once you learn them. We demonstrate everything step-by-step, and you’ll have video access to help you practice. We also adjust difficulty based on your progress.

4. Appointments & Scheduling

What happens during the free 45-minute consultation?

This session is a relaxed conversation—not a physical exam. It’s your chance to ask questions, share your concerns, and learn whether Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is right for you or your child. We’ll explain what we look for during assessments, how our programs work, and what kind of results are possible. There’s no pressure to commit—just helpful information to help you make an informed decision.

What happens during the first in-person appointment?

We start with a detailed two-hour assessment (1.5 hours for kids) where we examine/measure your breathing, oral posture, tongue function, facial symmetry, and more. From there, we build a personalized therapy plan just for you.

How frequent are the therapy sessions?

Most patients are seen every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on their needs, goals, and consistency with exercises. Appointments are typically about 45 minutes long and include coaching, progress checks, and new exercises. We’ll recommend a schedule that fits your lifestyle during your free consultation. Everything is tailored—we move at a pace that supports lasting subconscious results without overwhelm. We are open 6 days per week with some early mornings and later evening hours, online or in-person.

Can I ask questions between appointments?

Yes. You're welcome to email us anytime if you're unsure about an exercise or want to share how things are going. Our team is here to support you between visits too.

5. Insurance Benefit Plans & Payments

Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy covered by insurance?

Some insurance plans offer partial/full reimbursement for our services. Coverage varies widely depending on your provider and plan. If you're not covered yet, we’ll give you everything you need to ask your provider or employer. Many patients have had success advocating for coverage over time.

What codes do you bill under?

Our therapy is billed under dental/dental hygiene codes and delivered by professionals with advanced training in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. After your free consultation, we’ll provide the exact codes and paperwork you need to submit to your insurance provider.

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Yes—most Health Spending Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) will accept our therapy invoices. These accounts are a great option if traditional insurance does not reimburse for therapy sessions.


6. Contact Questions

How do I book an appointment?

You can book directly through our website by selecting a free consultation on our online booking calendar page. If you’re unsure how to, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help you get started.

What if I miss a session?

We understand that life happens. If you need to reschedule, we appreciate 72 hours’ notice to avoid a cancellation fee and ensure fairness to all patients.

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Yes! Many parts of the program can be completed virtually. We offer secure video-telehealth sessions for consultations, follow-ups, and exercise check-ins. Some appointments—such as the New Patient Exam, Myo-Munchee Fittings, and Re-Evaluations—are conducted in person to allow for proper assessment of tongue mobility, muscle tone, and oral function. Exercise tool kits will be provided to support your at-home exercise programs.


How can I contact customer service?

You can reach our Admin team by emailing connect@oralfacialadvantage.ca or by calling 613-323-0643

What are your business hours?

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

8 am - 4 pm

10 am - 6 pm

10 am - 6 pm

9 am - 5 pm

9 am - 5 pm

9 am - 5 pm

How can I provide feedback?

We welcome and value your feedback! You can leave us a message through our contact page on our website, or email us.

Where are you located?

Oral-Facial Advantage which is located inside the:

East Ottawa Dental Clinic

1193 St. Laurent Blvd

Ottawa, ON

K1K 3B7

Canada