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Frequently asked questions
General
A: I offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions to accommodate your needs.
From Monday to Thursday, in-person sessions are conducted at 231 Bayview Dr., Unit 205, Barrie, ON, located inside Total Balance Acupuncture.
On most Fridays, sessions take place at 222 Mapleview Dr., Barrie, ON, within Dr. Wong Dentistry.
I prefer to conduct the initial visit in person if possible, but I can do it virtually as needed.
Serving all of Simcoe County and the surrounding areas, including the GTA.
A myofunctional therapy program is designed to improve the strength, coordination, and function of the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. Expected outcomes include better breathing patterns, improved swallowing and chewing efficiency, decreased muscle tension, enhanced speech clarity, reduction of habits like tongue thrusting or mouth breathing, and overall improvement in oral posture. These changes contribute to better dental health, sleep quality, and facial development.
A: At Charm Myofunctional, myofunctional therapy primarily focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat through guided exercises and behavioral techniques rather than hands-on or physical manipulation. The non-invasive therapy itself relies on active patient participation with targeted exercises rather than manual physical treatment. This approach ensures effective muscle re-education aimed at improving breathing, swallowing, posture, and oral function.
A myofunctional therapy program generally consists of 10 to 12 biweekly sessions conducted over approximately six months. This timeframe allows for proper habituation of new muscle patterns, ensuring long-term results and the development of lifelong healthy oral habits. My goal is for you to not need me anymore once our sessions are complete! The exact duration may vary depending on each client’s individual progress and specific needs.
A: No, at Charm Myofunctional, each client receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. There is no cookie-cutter approach because myofunctional therapy requires assessing individual muscle function, movement patterns, and goals. Successful outcomes depend on active participation and commitment from the client, ensuring exercises and techniques are customized and adjusted throughout the process to achieve optimal results.
A: If exercises are not done regularly, the progress achieved during sessions may slow down or halt entirely, reducing the effectiveness of treatment. Since there is no hands-on treatment, your results depend entirely on your commitment to the program. To ensure optimal results, performing prescribed exercises consistently helps reinforce new muscle patterns and supports lasting functional improvements.
A: Choosing Charm Myofunctional ensures you receive specialized, progressive myofunctional therapy exercises that are carefully tailored to your unique needs. Unlike generic online exercises, our approach focuses on preventing compensations in the neck and jaw, which are common issues when exercises are performed incorrectly. We assess your individual muscle function and movement patterns, creating a customized plan that evolves with your progress to maximize effectiveness and safety. Myofunctional therapy also may not be the first puzzle piece that needs to be addressed for best results. We sometimes require a team approach. This personalized guidance reduces the risk of injury and promotes optimal long-term outcomes.
A: Yes, myofunctional therapy is evidence-based, supported by clinical research demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing orofacial muscle dysfunctions that impact breathing, swallowing, speech, and dental alignment. At Charm Myofunctional, we utilize scientifically validated assessment and treatment protocols to tailor individualized therapy plans. Our approach integrates evidence-based techniques to retrain tongue posture, improve muscle coordination, and promote proper oral function, ultimately enhancing overall health and quality of life. By combining rigorous clinical standards with personalized care, Charm Myofunctional ensures that every client receives therapy grounded in proven outcomes.
A: We incorporate interactive techniques, positive reinforcement, and family involvement to encourage participation. If your child struggles, we adjust the pacing and provide clear, age-appropriate explanations to build confidence. Our goal is to create a supportive environment that promotes consistent practice and progress, ensuring that therapy is both effective and positively received by your child. We can pause the therapy if participation is not ideal. I often will incorporate the Myo Munchee even if a child is not tolerating exercises to start moving things in the right direction.
A: Myofunctional therapy is covered by some insurance plans, but not all. Coverage varies depending on your individual insurance provider and policy. To help you determine your benefits before beginning therapy, I can provide a dental predetermination form that you can submit to your insurance company for verification. Please note that my services are billed under dental hygiene codes. Contact us to request the predetermination form or to discuss your specific insurance questions in detail.
A: As an independent dental provider using JANE software, I am currently unable to offer direct billing to insurance companies. After your appointment, you will receive a detailed dental claim form which you can submit through your online insurance account for reimbursement. If you encounter any difficulties submitting your claim, I am happy to assist by mailing the claim form directly to your insurance company on your behalf.
A: Andie Foerster is a registered dental hygienist since 2019 and has been certified in myofunctional therapy since 2023. She maintains registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) and is committed to ongoing professional development through continued education each year. This ensures that clients receive expert, up-to-date care tailored to their myofunctional therapy needs.
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