Achieve balance with personalized
myofunctional therapy.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
9296 Vintage Park Drive #100, Sacramento, California 95829
Jackie DeBella, AOMT-C Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist 916-572-7144 jackie@facialharmonyomt.com
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 |
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