OUR
MYOFUNCTIONAL
THERAPIST
Taylor Kerkman has been a practicing Registered Dental Hygienist for 11 years in private practice. In addition to her Dental Hygiene license, she also currently holds licenses for administering local anesthetic and Public Health in Dental Hygiene. In 2013, she received her Associates of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Central Community College-Hastings and most recently received her Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy certification from the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.
As a Myofunctional Therapist and healthcare professional, Taylor is always looking for ways to improve her patients’ quality of life. She believes myofunctional therapy is a huge aid in attaining those goals. Taylor advocates for her patients every step of the way and will make sure her patients are heard. Taylor is always looking to expand her knowledge and skills by taking courses and keeping up to date on current literature and best industry practices. She works collaboratively with fascial release dentists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, otolaryngologists (ENTs), and other local health care professionals.
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When she is not wearing her ‘Myo’ hat, you can find her spending time with her husband Kyle, and her two boys, Knox and Jude. They are a quality-time family that loves all things outdoors, like golfing and skiing, cheering on the beloved Huskers and home team Ashland-Greenwood Bluejays, and spending time with their family and friends.
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In addition to her licensures and certification with the AOMT, she is a member of the International Association of Airway Hygienists, the American Dental Hygiene Association, and an Infant Frenectomy Protocol Alum. Additionally, she has completed further training be to certified in prescribing MyoMuchnee and Froggymouth appliances as a part of therapy. She is able to further provide therapeutic modalities for her patients to improve airway, breathing, swallowing, and sleep related disorders.
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Please reach out with any questions if Myofunctional Therapy could be right for you and if we can help navigate your health journey!
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is an interdisciplinary practice that assists in neurological re-education exercises with the muscles of the lips, tongue, teeth, cheeks and face and their related functions, such as breathing, sucking, chewing, swallowing, and some aspects of speech. It acts in the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of people who may have these functions compromised or altered.
-Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences
What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, sleep breathing disorders, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics, and more.
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Most OMDs originate with insufficient habitual nasal breathing or with oral breathing. The subsequent adaptation of the muscles and the orofacial functions to a disordered breathing pattern creates many OMDs. OMDs may impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area.
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OMDs issues are noted as:​​
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What are the goals of Myofunctional Therapy?
Every patient has their own individual set of goals and we customize therapy to successfully reach those. Overall, myofunctional therapy aims to:
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establish nasal breathing as primary function​​
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promote a lip seal and normalize teeth freeway space
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promote a proper, palatal tongue rest position
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promote an optimal swallowing pattern
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promote proper chewing and drinking function
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correct excessive dysfunctional habits
Therapy Pricing
How much does Myofunctional therapy cost?
Cost of therapy can vary based on therapist/provider and region.
Omaha Myo Therapy does have a consultation fee of $100-$160 (fee determined by age). Sessions are generally charged per visit or as a full myofunctional therapy program consisting of a number of prescribed sessions. Individual sessions can range from $90-$250/session. Myofunctional Therapy Programs can range from $1400-$3000. Additional fees may be accrued by other specialists or appliances if referral is necessary.
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Do you take insurance?
We are a fee for service provider and we do not bill medical or dental insurance. However, we do accept cash, check, and credit card payments. HSA and FSA plans are accepted (may differ per individual plan).
FAQ
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How does Myofunctional therapy work / How many sessions will I need?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a holistic based therapy. I teach my patients oral and facial exercises and behavior medication techniques that promote proper/optimal tongue position, improved breathing, chewing, and swallowing. I teach my patients to rest their tongue in the roof of their mouth, breathe dominantly through the nose, and back teeth together swallow. My patients become so aware of their oral and facial muscles, and the way they function independently and harmoniously. Generally for comprehensive cases, the therapy will take 16 to 18 weeks of half-hour appointments with follow-up appointments at necessary intervals to make sure habituation is achieved.
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What is tongue-tie?
Tongue-tie is when the lingual frenum is tethered to the floor of the mouth. The frenum can be too short, thick, or taut restricting the movement and function of the tongue. Age should not be a deterrent from getting a release of a tethered oral tissue.
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What is tongue thrust?
A tongue thrust may be caught by your dentist, orthodontist, or speech pathologist. During the swallowing process, the tongue comes forward, also known as an anterior tongue thrust. A posterior tongue thrust can also be present, on one side or both (uni-lateral or bi-lateral). This is when the tongue thrusts, or pushes out toward the sides. A tongue thrust can be a sign of an airway issue.
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Why is mouth breathing bad for my health?
Mouth breathing affects your overall health, including, but not limited to:
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Dry mouth/xerostomia, bad breath/halitosis
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Narrow palate, underdeveloped jaws
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TMJ pain
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Orthodontic and dental treatment relapse
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Dry/cracked lip
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Drooling day/night time
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Infected tonsils, enlarged tonsils/adenoids
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Sleep disordered breathing, umbrella term
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Symptoms paralleling ADD/ADHD
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Fatigued/foggy brain
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Long face, changes to facial appearance
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Digestive issues
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What age should therapy begin?
At Omaha Myo Therapy, we proudly see patients/clients of all ages. Children, beginning at age 4 of 5, can be enrolled in a mini myo program or specific habit elimination program. Toddlers may be receiving a tethered oral tissues release and require myofunctional therapy pre and post release. Older children, teenagers, and adults of all ages are great candidates for orofacial myofunctional therapy programs. They can attain, long lasting and stable results.
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Do I need Myofunctional therapy before my tongue-tie release?
YES! For an optimal release of a tethered oral tissue, pre and post op therapy are KEY.
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Pre-Therapy: Myofunctional therapy prior to the release prepares the muscles for what's to come. Just because your tongue will have this new range of motion does not mean your tongue will automatically start functioning on full, or know what to do or where to go. The pre-therapy allows us to begin re-education of the muscles for the newly gained range of motion and to move functionally.
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Post-Therapy
1. Active Wound Management: Active wound management reduces the risk of possible scarring. If sutures are not being placed, active wound management becomes even more essential. We must ensure proper healing by secondary intention.
2. Neuromuscular Re-education: The goals of myofunctional therapy include obtaining a proper oral rest posture which includes tongue resting in the roof of the mouth, lip competence, and exclusive nasal breathing, and optimal chewing and swallowing patterns.
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How much does Myofunctional therapy cost?
Cost of therapy can vary based on therapist/provider and region.
Omaha Myo Therapy does have a consultation fee of $100-$160 (fee determined by age). Sessions are generally charged per visit or as a full myofunctional therapy program consisting of a number of prescribed sessions. Individual sessions can range from $90-$250/session. Myofunctional Therapy Programs can range from $1400-$3000. Additional fees may be accrued by other specialists or appliances if referral is necessary.
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Do you take insurance?
We are a fee for service provider and we do not bill medical or dental insurance. However, we do accept cash, check, and credit card payments. HSA and FSA plans are accepted (may differ per individual plan).
Accredidations and Affiliations
