The habit elimination program is a structured intervention designed to help clients break harmful oral habits that can negatively impact dental and overall health. The program is particularly beneficial for children who may develop persistent habits that interfere with normal oral function. Common habits targeted include thumb or blanket sucking, nail biting and/or lip licking. Such habits can negativity impact jaw development, teeth position, tongue placement, breathing and speech.

Effective habit elimination involves a combination of education, behavioral interventions, and, in some cases, physical aids such as a munchee. This therapy program offers guidance to help clients give up addicting habits in a positive and rewarding manner. Therapy may begin as early as the age of three, and the number of sessions varies based on habit severity.

Commencement of  treatment will ONLY happen if the child is ready and willing to try elimination of their habit. This program requires total partnership between the child, the family and me for success.

Habit Elimination Program

Mini Myo sessions are designed for children aged 3 to 6 with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). These shorter, playful therapy sessions target early signs of oral and facial muscle issues like mouth breathing, habit cessation, and tongue restrictions. The goal is to intervene early to improve muscle function for optimal oral, facial, and airway development, along with better speech articulation. Therapy involves ten to twelve bi-monthly sessions, each lasting 20-30 minutes, depending on the severity of the OMD and compliance. Success relies heavily on the child's adherence to daily exercises and parental support at home.

Myofunctional Therapy plays a crucial role in both the preparation and recovery phases of a frenectomy; surgical removal or release of the frenulum (the small fold of tissue that restricts movement of the tongue or lip.

Prior to the procedure, Myofunctional Therapy stretches and strengthens tissues to help clients manage postoperative needs. Tongue and lip exercises are crucial, starting 4-6 weeks or up to 3 months before surgery. This preparation smooths the surgery and shortens recovery time.

Postoperative Myofunctional Therapy is equally important. After the frenectomy, it is essential to maintain the new range of motion and prevent the reattachment of the released tissues. Through targeted exercises, Myofunctional Therapy helps in promoting proper healing and ensuring that the tongue, lips, and jaw retain their improved mobility and strength. This ongoing therapy supports the client in establishing a normal oral rest posture, which is crucial for effective breathing, speaking, and overall oral health.

Postoperative Myofunctional Therapy is crucial. After a frenectomy, therapy helps prevents reattachment and maintain new range of motion. Targeted exercises promote healing and improve tongue, lip, and jaw mobility and strength. This therapy helps establish proper oral rest posture, essential for breathing, speaking, and overall oral health. It ensures that the benefits of the surgery are maximized and sustained over the long term for the client.

Pre and Post Frenectomy