The Function-First Model is a two-part approach to diagnosis and treatment of patients with tethered oral tissues, aka TOTS, from birth through adulthood. The first component is a comprehensive team approach to treatment, and the second is a diagnostic component that emphasizes the importance of a functional diagnosis. In our opinion, utilizing this model leads to more accurate diagnoses and more predictable outcomes for all ages.
Our comprehensive team consists of the family, primary care provider, functional provider, and release provider. All of these team members work together to support the patient before and during the frenectomy procedure process. Unfortunately, in most cases, simply performing a frenectomy does not instantly lead to optimal function. Therefore, it is important to collaborate with other specialists to bring the function up to speed and to support the patient during the process.
Functional providers are those that can identify specific functional deficits. Depending on the presenting symptoms, one or a few of these providers may be needed, as they each specialize in a different area of function. For example, lactation specialists and speech language pathologists are adept at evaluating tongue function, whereas a chiropractor can identify alignment issues. Other specialists include physical therapists, occupational therapists and craniosacral therapists.
Our in-house team of functional providers includes:
Speech and language development is a crucial part of communication during early childhood. We’ve chosen to offer speech support in-house to provide convenient collaboration between our team members. We make speech lessons enjoyable with our interactive exercises and friendly, caring environment.
Myofunctional therapy is “physical therapy” for the tongue and mouth muscles. It is needed sometimes to optimize oral function. Having a myofunctional therapist in-house allows us to look at oral function as a whole rather than just focusing on teeth.
Proper feeding during infancy lays the groundwork for proper oral function in the future. In-house board-certified lactation support is available to families with breast and bottle-fed babies. Consultations and follow-ups are performed in a calm and quiet nursing room.
Speech and language development is a crucial part of communication during early childhood. We’ve chosen to offer speech support in-house to provide convenient collaboration between our team members. We make speech lessons enjoyable with our interactive exercises and friendly, caring environment.
Myofunctional therapy is “physical therapy” for the tongue and mouth muscles. It is needed sometimes to optimize oral function. Having a myofunctional therapist in-house allows us to look at oral function as a whole rather than just focusing on teeth.
Proper feeding during infancy lays the groundwork for proper oral function in the future. In-house board-certified lactation support is available to families with breast and bottle-fed babies. Consultations and follow-ups are performed in a calm and quiet nursing room.
Release providers are well-trained in accurate diagnosis, release and post-operative management of release procedures (frenectomy / frenotomy / frenuloplasty). Keep in mind that each individual will need a different team of people for their comprehensive team depending on the functional deficit. This model should be used as a guide for both parents and practitioners to ensure that there is comprehensive and cohesive care.
4130 BELLAIRE BLVD, SUITE 214
HOUSTON, TX 77025
(832)767-2227
INFO@WESTUPEDIATRICDENTISTRY.COM
4130 BELLAIRE BLVD, SUITE 214
HOUSTON, TX 77025
(832)767-2227
INFO@WESTUPEDIATRICDENTISTRY.COM
