Frequently asked questions

What is a Myo Munchee®?

The Myo Munchee® is a soft, medical-grade silicone therapy device used as part of an individualised myofunctional therapy program. Through gentle, active chewing, it helps encourage healthy oral muscle function, including lip seal, nasal breathing, chewing and tongue coordination. It is designed to complement myofunctional therapy by reinforcing healthy oral habits and movement patterns, with each treatment plan tailored to the individual needs of the client.

For more information on the Myo Munchee® please visit their website https://myomunchee.com/

Can I claim with Private Health, NDIS or Medicare?

Bendigo Myofunctional Therapy services are not currently eligible for Medicare or private health insurance rebates. In addition, myofunctional therapy delivered by an Oral Health Therapist is not currently recognised as an eligible support under the NDIS. As a result, appointments cannot be claimed through Medicare, private health insurance or the NDIS.

What can Myofunctional Therapy help with?

Myofunctional therapy can support infants, children, adolescents and adults experiencing a wide range of oral and airway-related functional concerns. These may include mouth breathing, incorrect tongue resting posture, tongue thrust, dysfunctional swallowing patterns, restricted oral function, feeding and chewing difficulties, oral habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use, teeth grinding and clenching, temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), jaw muscle dysfunction and concerns related to oral ties. Myofunctional therapy may also support individuals before and after orthodontic treatment or oral tie release, as well as those experiencing airway-related dysfunction, snoring or other functional concerns associated with sleep-disordered breathing. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual following a comprehensive assessment and, where appropriate, care is provided collaboratively with your dentist, orthodontist, GP, ENT specialist, lactation consultant, speech pathologist or other healthcare professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes.

How long does it take to work?

Every client is unique, and the length of therapy varies depending on individual goals, the complexity of the oral dysfunction and commitment to the home program. While many clients begin to notice improvements within the first few weeks, developing lasting functional changes takes time, consistency and regular practice.

For most clients, the initial treatment program provides the foundation for establishing healthy breathing, oral posture, chewing and swallowing patterns. Most individuals benefit from ongoing or periodic Maintenance & Progress Reviews to reinforce healthy habits and support long-term treatment success.

What is involved?

Successful myofunctional therapy relies on two essential elements: commitment and consistency. Like any form of rehabilitation, lasting improvements are achieved through regular practice and active participation both during appointments and at home. Myofunctional therapy devices, including the Myo Munchee®, are most effective when used as prescribed and combined with a personalised home program. Consistent daily practice helps establish healthy movement patterns, supporting long-term improvements in breathing, chewing, swallowing and oral function.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial myofunctional therapy aims to restore healthy oral function by retraining the muscles of the face, lips, tongue and jaw to work in harmony. Rather than simply managing symptoms, therapy focuses on identifying the underlying functional patterns that may be contributing to oral dysfunction. Through targeted neuromuscular retraining, education and personalised home practice, the goal is to establish efficient breathing, oral resting posture, chewing and swallowing patterns that support lifelong oral health, facial development and overall wellbeing.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to access myofunctional therapy services at Bendigo Myofunctional Therapy. Clients of all ages are welcome to self-refer for an assessment if they have concerns about breathing, oral function, feeding, chewing, swallowing or other orofacial myofunctional concerns. Referrals from dentists, orthodontists, GPs, ENT specialists, lactation consultants, speech pathologists and other healthcare professionals are also welcomed, with collaborative care provided where appropriate to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Where are you located?

Bendigo Myofunctional Therapy operates from a purpose-designed private home clinic in Golden Gully, conveniently located just 5 minutes from the Bendigo CBD. The clinic has been thoughtfully designed to provide a calm, welcoming and comfortable environment where clients of all ages can feel relaxed during their assessment and therapy sessions.

Is the Myo Munchee an orthodontic appliance?

Myo Munchee® is not an orthodontic appliance and is not designed to move teeth through orthodontic force. Instead, the combination of myofunctional therapy and the Myo Munchee® focuses on improving the function of the muscles of the face, lips, tongue and jaw. By promoting healthy oral muscle function, nasal breathing, tongue posture and swallowing patterns, therapy aims to create a functional environment that supports normal craniofacial growth and development.

OMT

Qualified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist