Call me at: 281.409.3590
Experience the difference of personalized Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy!
Start your Myofunctional journey with me today! There is no time like the present to improve you or your loved one's health!
About me
My name is Juli (Amy) Keating. I am a wife to my wonderful husband, and the mother to our four wild, and wonderful children. They were a big part of my "why" for my starting this amazing journey into the world of Myofunctional Therapy.
As a Registered dental hygienist, I saw the impact of Myofunctional disorders on my patients, and in my own home. I saw so many issues that seemed to be pieces to a bigger puzzle.
Recognizing the lack of awareness, and understanding surrounding these disorders I decided to delve deeper into Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.
About Spero
What’s in a word?
What’s in a word?
What’s in a word?
“Spero" is a Latin word that means “hope”. This word resonates deeply with me, as it encapsulates the essence of perseverance. Inspired by the latin phrase, “Dum Spiro, Spero" - "While I breathe...I hope,” I strive to foster a sense of optimism, and determination in my clients, as we work together to restore hope for their improved overall health.
Expertise
What’s in a word?
What’s in a word?
I graduated from the Wharton Dental Hygiene school in 2001, and began working in General and Pediatric dentistry. I recieved my first Myofunctional therapist training through the International Association of Orofacial Myology(IAOM), and went on to graduate from Sarah K Hornsby's MyoMentor Program. My approach to Myfunctional therapy is we
I graduated from the Wharton Dental Hygiene school in 2001, and began working in General and Pediatric dentistry. I recieved my first Myofunctional therapist training through the International Association of Orofacial Myology(IAOM), and went on to graduate from Sarah K Hornsby's MyoMentor Program. My approach to Myfunctional therapy is well rounded after learning from both a Speech and language pathologist/Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist(OMT) and a Registered Dental Hygienist OMT.
I have attended, and continue to attend, hundreds of hours of continuing education courses in the field of Dentistry, Airway and Orofacial Myofunctional therapy. I have shadowed multiple leaders in the field of Holistic, Functional and Myofunctional Therapy(Tongue tie release providers/Airway Dentists/ENT’s/Integrative medicine doctors/Physical therapists/Speech and Language Pathologists/Chiropractors).
Approach
Appointments
Appointments
It is often said that it takes a village to raise children! It also takes a village of providers collaborating for your optimal care. Care is taken to see you as a whole person and work to optimize your quality of life through correcting dysfunctional habits while collaborating and referring to specialists as needed for a superior level of care.
Appointments
Appointments
Appointments
Your initial appointment is a comprehensive in-person evaluation to determine your specific needs. After reviewing the information gathered at your evaluation, your program will be created. Therapy sessions will be conducted through Telehealth video conferencing in the comfort of your home/office.
Common Myofunctional Disorders and symptoms
Bruxism
High vaulted palate
Malloclusion
Bruxism is clenching/grinding of your teeth. While it can be related to stress, it is also being linked to airway issues such as OSA. There isn't alway pain associated with bruxism but your dentist will be able to see increasing wear of your teeth at a more severe rate than would naturally occur with aging.
Malloclusion
High vaulted palate
Malloclusion
Improper tongue placement at rest can lead to the lack of proper teeth alignment. The tongue is the scaffolding for the upper dental arch and the base of the nose.
High vaulted palate
High vaulted palate
High vaulted palate
This is caused due to improper tongue placement as well. The tongue needs to rest in the roof of the mouth when not eating/singing/talking. Childhood illnesses and soft diet can lead to a narrow palate.
Gum disease
Messy eating
High vaulted palate
Gingivitis can be present due to poor dental hygiene, but mouth breathing can also dry out the gum tissue, and lead to inflammation, and bleeding as well. This is especially obvious in the areas around the front teeth.
Messy eating
Messy eating
Messy eating
If Myofunctional disorders such as poor tongue tone and tongue ties are present, proper movement of food can be challenging. Choking potential is also increased.
Drooling
Messy eating
Messy eating
Issues that cause a restricted movement of the tongue can lead to drooling past the age of 2. Slight spitting when talking can also be seen with tongue ties.
Tongue Ties
Noxious oral habits
Noxious oral habits
A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth where the thin piece of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is restrictive and limits the tongue's range of motion. Everyone has a tongue tie to some degree, but if it is exceptionally restrictive then the limitation of movement can affect various functions. Speaking, eating, chewing,swallowing, tightness in neck and shoulders and teeth crowding are a few ways a restrictive tongue tie can have negative effects.
Noxious oral habits
Noxious oral habits
Noxious oral habits
Noxious oral habits refer to behaviors that can be harmful to oral health and overall well-being. These habits often involve repetitive actions that may cause damage to the teeth, gums, or oral structures. Examples include using pacifiers past age 3, thumb sucking, nail biting, and lip biting.
Sleep Apnea
Noxious oral habits
Tongue thrusts
Sleep disordered breathing such as sleep apnea and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome can affect both adults and children.These sleep disorders are characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, teeth grinding, urge to pee in the middle of the night frequently, restless leg syndrome, restless sleeping and often times snoring. Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA)can lead to daytime fatigue/hyperactivity,ADHD type symptoms, bed wetting, dry mouth, moodiness and many health issues if left untreated.
Tongue thrusts
Mouth breathing
Tongue thrusts
A tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue pushes against, or between, the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or while at rest. There are many different causes including: digit sucking, tongue ties,and low tongue tone. Tongue thrusts can negatively affect speech, dental alignment, and over all oral health.
Ortho relapse
Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing
Orthodontic relapse is the gradual shifting or movement of teeth back towards their original positions after orthodontic treatment has been completed. This movement can occur due to various factors, including untreated myofunctional disorders. Orthodontic relapse can result in the need for further intervention, and financial investment.
Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing is not always obvious. Mouth breathing PREVENTS:
*Filtration of the air going into your lungs
*Nasal nitrous oxide production for improved lung function
*Optimal facial growth
Affiliations/Training
