Orofacial Myology & Breathing Therapy in Canberra
Supporting better breathing, oral function and healthy development
Happy Faces is a dedicated Orofacial Myology and Breathing Therapy clinic in Fraser, Canberra. We provide personalised Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, Integrative Breathing Therapy and oral habit support for children, teenagers and adults.
We work with concerns involving breathing, oral function, tongue posture, swallowing, chewing and oral habits, with therapy tailored to each individual's needs and goals.
Breathing and oral function are closely connected
Breathing patterns can influence oral posture and function, while the way the tongue, lips, jaw and facial muscles work can also influence breathing. Concerns such as mouth breathing, dysfunctional breathing, tongue posture, swallowing and oral habits may therefore be connected.
At Happy Faces, we consider breathing and oral function together rather than viewing them in isolation. Depending on your individual needs, therapy may focus on:
Breathing
Supporting more efficient and comfortable breathing patterns, including nasal breathing and addressing dysfunctional breathing habits.
Oral function
Improving tongue posture and movement, lip function, chewing, swallowing and coordination of the muscles of the mouth and face.
Sleep
Addressing oral and breathing patterns that may contribute to snoring or sleep-related concerns, alongside appropriate medical care.
Growth & development
Supporting healthy oral function during childhood and working alongside dental, orthodontic and medical professionals where needed.
Oral habits
Helping children transition away from prolonged habits such as thumb, finger or dummy sucking and supporting healthy oral function as habits are discontinued.
Two complementary approaches, tailored to you
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and Integrative Breathing Therapy can be used individually or combined, depending on your assessment findings, needs
and goals.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy focuses on the function and coordination of the muscles of the mouth and face.
It may address patterns involving tongue posture, lip seal, chewing, swallowing and oral habits, with therapy designed to help these patterns become more functional and habitual.
Learn about Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy →
Integrative Breathing Therapy
Integrative Breathing Therapy focuses on how you breathe, including breathing patterns, mechanics and habits that may be contributing to symptoms or reduced breathing efficiency.
Therapy may involve education, assessment and practical strategies to help develop more efficient, functional and comfortable breathing patterns.
Learn about Breathing Therapy →
Meet Jaimee
Happy Faces Orofacial Myology is owned and operated by Jaimee Stakelum, a Registered Dental Hygienist, Orofacial Myologist and Integrative Breathing Therapist based in Fraser, Canberra.
Jaimee has extensive experience in orthodontics, having worked in a specialist orthodontic practice for 12 years. This experience developed her particular interest in the relationship between oral function, breathing, dental development and facial growth.
Since discovering Orofacial Myology, Jaimee has undertaken extensive postgraduate training in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, Integrative Breathing Therapy, oral habit management and related areas of oral and airway function.
Jaimee is also the author of There’s a Balloon in My Belly, a children's book designed to help children learn and practise diaphragmatic breathing in a fun and engaging way.
Jaimee takes a practical, individualised and fun approach to therapy, adapting activities to suit each client's age, needs and goals. Jaimee's goal is to help children and adults understand the factors affecting their oral function and breathing, and give them practical strategies to improve their function, comfort and quality of life.
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