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  • What is OMT?
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  • Benefits of OMT
  • The Science
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    • Home
    • What is OMT?
    • Evaluation Appointments
    • Benefits of OMT
    • The Science
    • Contact Me
  • Home
  • What is OMT?
  • Evaluation Appointments
  • Benefits of OMT
  • The Science
  • Contact Me
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Facial Harmony OMT

Facial Harmony OMTFacial Harmony OMTFacial Harmony OMT

Achieve balance with personalized

myofunctional therapy.

Jackie DeBella, the business owner, sitting at her desk.

About Me...

 

Hi, I'm Jackie! With 20 years of experience as a dental hygienist in Sacramento, I’ve developed a deep understanding of oral health and the anatomy of the head and neck. Over time, I noticed some patients needed more than just dental care, leading me to explore myofunctional therapy. After completing training with the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, I became passionate about helping children and adults improve oral and facial muscle function. My goal is to enhance your oral health, breathing, sleep, and overall quality of life through personalized therapy. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, sewing, yoga, and Pilates.

An icon indicating that the business owner is an Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Certifie
A logo indicating the business owner is a member of the International Association of Airway Hygienis

What is OMT?

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a therapeutic approach that involves exercises and techniques designed to improve the function and coordination of the facial, oral, and throat muscles. This therapy addresses improper muscle function and movement patterns in these areas known as Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). OMDs include oral breathing, tongue ties, tongue thrusting, low tongue posture, sleep disorders, clenching and grinding the teeth, and damaging oral habits. Untreated, these can lead to improper development of the teeth and jaw, orthodontic relapse, sleep apnea, and facial/TMJ pain. I can identify which OMDs are present, collaborate with other professionals when necessary, and prescribe simple exercises and techniques to create a new path for long-term success. Think of me as a personal trainer for your face and mouth! 

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What to expect during your evaluation...

I will assess your orofacial muscles, breathing patterns, and oral habits (e.g., thumb-sucking, nail-biting). We'll discuss your medical and dental history, any concerns about oral function or facial appearance, and any previous treatments. I'll use photos and videos to evaluate your tongue’s movement, lip, cheek, and jaw coordination, and whether you breathe through your nose or mouth. Posture, including head, neck, and shoulder alignment, will also be considered, as it affects oral function. Based on my findings, I'll create a personalized therapy plan with exercises, habit modifications, and potential collaboration with other healthcare providers. 

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The many benefits of OMT include...

A child sucking his fingers.

Habit Elimination

The first goal of therapy will be to eliminate any habits that contribute to OMDs, most commonly thumb or finger sucking. I will work with you and your child to implement a fun 30-day program to help them end these habits for good!  

A smiling man with braces on his teeth.

Stable Orthodontic Results

Myofunctional therapy supports orthodontic treatment by retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to function properly.  This approach can reduce treatment time and stabilize results, ensuring effective and long-lasting changes. 

A child sleeping with her mouth open.

Childhood Breathing and Sleeping Disorders

 OMDs in children can cause teeth and jaw misalignment, mouth breathing, and dark circles under the eyes. If your child snores or sleeps with an open mouth, it's important to address the underlying issue. Poor sleep from OMDs can lead to symptoms like difficulty focusing, bedwetting, irritability, and anxiety. I will work with your child’s healthcare team to promote proper nasal breathing and oral posture for better sleep and overall health.

A woman covers her ears with a pillow while the man in bed next to her snores.

Sleep Apnea/Snoring

 Improper tongue posture can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to snoring or breathing interruptions. Contributing factors include tongue tie, low tongue posture, and oral breathing. Sleep apnea requires a multidisciplinary approach, including a sleep specialist. I can help by recommending exercises to strengthen the oral and throat muscles and improve tongue posture.

A child sticking his tongue out.

Tongue Ties

 A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum is tight, limiting tongue movement and causing various issues. I will guide you through exercises to strengthen and stretch the tongue, improving its ability to reach the roof of the mouth, support proper airway function, and enhance oral health. If symptoms persist, I will refer you for a tissue release procedure. 

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Evidence-based research supporting OMT

Tongue Ties

Short Lingual Frenulum and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pre-Pubertal Children

Children with Sleep Disordered Breathing

Can myofunctional therapy increase tongue tone and reduce symptoms in children with sleep-disordered breathing?
Snoring Tots More Likely to Turn into Troubled Kids
Snoring, mouth-breathing tots more likely to develop behavioral problems

Sleep Apnea

Efficacy of oral myofunctional therapy in middle-aged to elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnoea treated with continuous positive airway pressure
Myofunctional therapy improves adherence to continuous positive airway pressure treatment

Snoring

Effects of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Snoring: A Randomized Trial

Tongue Thrust

Relapse of anterior open bites treated with orthodontic appliances with and without orofacial myofunctional therapy
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Drop me a line!

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Facial Harmony Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

9296 Vintage Park Drive #100, Sacramento, California 95829

Jackie DeBella, AOMT-C Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist 916-572-7144 jackie@facialharmonyomt.com

Hours

Mon

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Tue

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Wed

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Thu

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Fri

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Sat

By Appointment

Sun

Closed

Copyright © 2025 Facial Harmony Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy - All Rights Reserved.


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