Terms of Use

OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM

 

Please read the Terms of Use for the Program carefully and in their entirety before purchasing or using information on this website or using a personalized orofacial myofunctional therapy exercise program provided by The Tongue & Body Connection, LLC or any of our contractors (hereinafter referred to as the “Program”). The Program and its content are owned by Heather Blanchard and The Tongue & Body Connection, LLC.

 

1. Definitions:

“Company”, “We”, “I”, “Our”, or “Us” means Heather Blanchard on behalf of The Tongue & Body Connection, LLC.

“Participation”, “Participating”, “Using”, or “Use” means reading, implementing, trying, or otherwise engaging in the Program.

“You” “User” “the Client” or “Your” means the purchaser and person using the Program.

“Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy” “OMT” “Myofunctional Therapy” or “Orofacial Myology” means the wellness and exercise modality that attempts to optimize oral rest posture through exercises.

“Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist” “Myofunctional Therapist” or “Orofacial Myologist” means a person who teaches exercises that attempt to achieve or optimize oral rest posture.

“Proper Oral Rest Posture” means at rest, the lips are sealed together, the teeth are slightly parted and the tongue is lightly suctioned on the roof of the mouth.

“Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder” means the abnormal patterns involving oral and orofacial musculature that interfere with the normal growth, development or function of orofacial structures.

 2. Acceptance of Terms:

  • By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our website or services.

3. Services:

  • The Tongue & Body Connection, LLC provides Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy services through virtual appointments. These services are intended for individuals seeking professional guidance for orofacial and myofunctional concerns.

  • The objective of the myofunctional therapy program with The Tongue & Body Connection is to use exercises to promote proper oral rest posture. While this may help alleviate symptoms of certain conditions, it is not a diagnostic treatment for issues beyond improper oral rest posture.

  • The therapy involves virtual sessions where exercises are instructed and demonstrated by an orofacial myologist, but these sessions are not a substitute for in-person evaluation. Procedures include a consultation, a comprehensive evaluation, a customized therapy plan, regular virtual sessions, home practice and progress monitoring. However, the client may possibly only receive an assessment and instructional care.

  • Exercises will target various muscles involved in breathing, chewing, and swallowing. Elements of Buteyko breathing may be included. The client is responsible for obtaining any required supplies not provided by The Tongue & Body Connection and the client is responsible for replacing lost or damaged items that were provided by The Tongue & Body Connection at the client’s own expense.

  • The client will be provided with exercises to practice at home, which are essential for the success of the program. If you have trouble with your home exercise program you must discuss it with your provider.

  • Outcomes vary based on the issue's nature, client compliance, and other factors.

  • Accurate health information is crucial for effective treatment planning. The orofacial myologist is not actively taking a role as a dental hygienist, dentist, physician, nurse practitioner, lactation consultant, speech, feeding or occupational therapist. The client may be referred out if needs exceed the scope of myofunctional therapy.

  • The orofacial myologist will not diagnose an illness or disease, and myofunctional therapy is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis.

  • Myofunctional therapy without a referral will be based on the orofacial myologist's evaluation of the client’s current condition which may result in identification of movement and mobility dysfunction.

4. Telehealth/Virtual Appointments

  • Appointments will be conducted via secure virtual platforms (Doxy.me). It is the client’s responsibility to ensure a reliable internet connection and suitable environment for the virtual session. The client understands that technical issues may arise during your session, and you will work with The Tongue & Body Connection to resolve any connectivity or communication problems to the best of your ability. If reconnection is not possible within 5 minutes, the Company can be reached at the business phone number or email.

  • Telehealth includes the practice of consultation, comprehensive assessment/evaluation, treatment, transfer of protected health information, and education using synchronous or asynchronous audio, video, or data communications. The client understands that the myofunctional therapy provider, through the Company (“The Tongue & Body Connection”) wishes the client to engage in virtual appointments with the Company. This means that you, or a designee, will, through an interactive video connection, or via telephone means be able to consult about your condition, complete a comprehensive evaluation and/or participate in myofunctional therapy exercise sessions with a designated myofunctional therapist.

5. Eligibility:

  • Our services are available to individuals aged 18 and older. If you are under 18, you may use our services only with the involvement and consent of a parent or legal guardian.

6. Privacy:

  • Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and disclose information.

  • All electronic communications between you and the myofunctional therapist will be transmitted using reasonable measures to ensure confidentiality. You will be responsible to secure and protect the functionality, integrity, and privacy of your hardware, files, and communication. Password protection for accessing your hardware and files is recommended. If others will be accessing the same computer, be aware that programs exist that copy every keystroke you make. It is recommended that you schedule your sessions with the undersigned myofunctional therapist when and where you can ensure the greatest level of privacy for all communications. Be sure to fully exit all programs and hardware at the end of each session. You explicitly waive confidentiality if there is another individual at your distant site you are using Telehealth at.

7. Payment and Fees:

  • You understand that payment is required in advance to schedule all virtual services including consultations, initial evaluations, therapy sessions and session packages. This ensures your appointment is reserved and allows the schedule to be managed effectively.

  • The Tongue & Body Connection operates as a private pay practice, meaning we do not directly bill insurance companies for OMT services.

  • You are responsible for all fees associated with your therapy and must pay in full.

  • If applicable, you may inquire about payment plan options for therapy packages. Payment plans must be agreed upon by you and your myofunctional therapist in writing and honored according to the terms specified.

  • Orofacial myofunctional therapy services are not assigned Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes by The Tongue & Body Connection. Because of the nature of OMT services, they are typically not covered by dental insurance plans. For this reason, we do not provide CDT codes for the purpose of insurance reimbursement. You may choose to submit a claim to your medical or dental insurance independently, but The Tongue & Body Connection does not provide documentation for this, nor can we assist with insurance billing or coding.

  • The Tongue & Body Connection accepts the following payment methods via Square: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, HSA cards and will provide an invoice and/or receipts by email through Square.

  • All sales are final.

8. Cancellation and Rescheduling:

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice to avoid penalty or loss of payment.

  • Cancelling within 24 hours, or not showing for your appointment, has a serious impact on the clinic and prohibits another person from having the appointment. The appointment is considered a “no show” if the client has not arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled appointment time.

  • Clients are allowed one cancellation/no show with the ability to reschedule the appointment without forfeiting the session fee.

  • After two cancellations/no shows, clients will forfeit any future sessions related to that payment, and no refunds will be provided.

  • It is the client’s sole responsibility to schedule and attend all recommended therapy sessions. In order for myofunctional therapy to be effective, you must attend your scheduled appointments and arrive on time. Consistency is key to successful therapy and missing sessions can impact your progress.

  • If there is an extended gap between your scheduled therapy sessions that deviates from the recommended therapy schedule, additional sessions may be required to ensure effective treatment. These additional sessions will be at the client’s expense.

  • Clients are allowed to take short breaks from therapy for valid reasons, such a vacation, hospitalization, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, please note that these breaks do not entitle the client to any form of refund. Sessions included in any purchased package will not be refunded or extended beyond the original package terms.

9. Code of Conduct:

  • Respectful and appropriate behavior is expected during virtual appointments. The Tongue & Body Connection reserves the right to terminate services if a client engages in inappropriate conduct.

10. Limitation of Liability:

  • While we strive to provide high-quality services, The Tongue & Body Connection, LLC is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting from the use or inability to use our services.

11. Governing Law: - These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

12. Changes to Terms: - The Tongue & Body Connection, LLC reserves the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time without notice. Continued use of our website and services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

13. Choice of Law + Venue

​These Terms of Use shall be governed by the laws of the state of Texas. Any action brought by any party arising out of or from these Terms shall be brought within the County of Collin County, Texas.

Contact Information:
Heather Blanchard
heather@thetongueandbodyconnection.com

Thank you for choosing The Tongue & Body Connection's Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Services!

By purchasing and/or participating in the Program, you implicitly signify your agreement to all of the terms in these Terms of Use.

If you have any questions about the Terms of Use, please contact Heather Blanchard at heather@thetongueandbodyconnection.com.

Updated On: October 1, 2024.