While sucking on a thumb or finger is common in infants, it can quickly become a hard to break, detrimental habit. Whether you have tried everything or just want the right place to begin from the outset, Anne is ready to help with a family-centered, child-empowering approach. The program set up involves two introductory sessions and two to three follow-up sessions. Anne will gently guide your child through understanding their habit and making an informed decision on what to do about it. The approach is detailed and comprehensive. It includes materials and ongoing support. Anne has successfully helped approximately 300 children to overcome thumb and finger habits.

Tongue tie or ankyloglossia refers to a restrictive attachment of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A restrictive attachment can impact tongue range of motion which can, in turn, potentially impact sleep, feeding or speech. Moreover, if the tongue is unable to position itself against the palate, there can be changes in dentoskeletal growth. 

The Speech and Myofunctional Clinic of the Front Range can complete a comprehensive functional assessment to help determine whether your or your child’s tongue tie is problematic. If you are preparing for a tongue tie release, the Speech and Myofunctional Clinic of the Front Range is ready to assist you in preparing for the procedure and in completing the appropriate therapy afterwards. 

Airway problems can create an oral breathing habit which, in turn, can cause changes in dentoskeletal growth. This is the main reason why people with open mouth rest postures are referred for myofunctional therapy. However, it is important to be aware that habitual open mouth breathing results in changes to the oxygen to carbon dioxide ratio in the lungs and leads to lower oxygen absorption. It also makes other important changes like decreased sanitizing of air and drying of the mouth tissues leading to gingivitis. While there is a structural component to mouth breathing, the habitual muscle patterns must also be trained. These can be successfully addressed through myofunctional therapy.

“Tongue thrust” is a term used to refer to a manner of swallowing where the tongue moves forward against or in between the teeth. It is sometimes referred to as a “reverse swallow” or an “immature swallow.” While it is an immature muscle pattern, it does not have the power that incorrect oral rest posture has on the formation of the palate and the development of dental occlusion. If you have challenges with swallowing pills or messy eating, “tongue thrust” may be playing a role. Learning a correct swallowing pattern is  a part of a myofunctional therapy program.

Frustrated by the difficulty of stopping a long standing nail biting habit? Let Anne help you address this issue with an empowering, individualized approach. You will learn about correct oral rest posture and begin to access other techniques to calm the body instead of biting your nails.

Do you or your child struggle with restless or non-restorative sleep? Is there snoring, heavy breathing or a frequent, open mouth posture at night? Myofunctional therapy can be part of the solution. Anne will complete a comprehensive myofunctional evaluation and work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan including referrals to outside sources when needed. 

Pacifiers, blankets, shirts… these are often beloved objects for sucking or chewing. Extended pacifier use can make a significant impact on the shape of the palate which in turn impacts the upper airway system. Extended chewing of other objects can also present challenges for the growing child. What parents may not know is that extended chewing of other objects may also impact the resting posture of the tongue which, in turn, will impact the shape of the palate. Don’t wait to help your child find new solutions that promote optimal dentoskeletal growth!