About Me
Amanda Jeffrey
Specializing in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
About Me
With over 20 years of experience in the dental field, my professional journey has been defined by a deep fascination with oral health and a relentless passion for patient education. For two decades, I sat chairside as a dental hygienist, listening to countless patients describe the same frustrations: crooked teeth, worn enamel from grinding, chronic snoring, and persistent TMJ pain.
Early in my career, I noticed a troubling pattern. Traditional treatment plans almost exclusively focus on relieving these symptoms—providing a night guard for grinding or braces for crowding—without ever asking why these issues were occurring in the first place. I realized there was a massive community of people searching for root causes but failing to find the guidance they deserved. This realization transformed my career from traditional hygiene into the specialized world of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.
My Educational Foundation
Science is an ever-evolving field, and I have always been driven to seek out the most current research to better serve my patients. My academic path began at East Carolina University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology. This background in systemic body function provided a unique perspective when I went on to earn my Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene.
To bridge the gap between dental health and whole-body wellness, I have pursued rigorous specialized training, including:
- 3-Month Myofunctional Therapy Intensive Course
- Certification Preparation (International Association of Orofacial Myology – IAOM)
- Private Clinical Mentorship
- Certified Myo Munchee Practitioner
- Tongue-Tied Academy LITE Course Graduate
The Connection: Breathing, Posture, and Muscle
Through this advanced education, the intricate “domino effect” of the human body became clear. I learned how breathing, posture, and muscle function are inextricably linked. When these systems are out of balance—often due to poor tongue posture or restricted oral tissues—the results are far-reaching.
An imbalance doesn’t just stay in the mouth; it manifests as physical tension, restless sleep, difficulty regulating emotions, and a dysregulated nervous system. If a patient is stuck in a state of “fight or flight” because they aren’t breathing functionally, their body cannot truly heal or benefit from other therapies. Restorative sleep is the foundation of health, yet it is often the most overlooked component.
A Personal Mission
My dedication to this field is not just professional; it is deeply personal. I know exactly what it feels like to know, instinctively, that something is “just not right” with your health or your child’s development, only to be told everything is “fine.”
My path took a meaningful turn when I discovered that my own children had undiagnosed tethered oral tissues (tongue-ties) and oral dysfunction. These issues contributed to a variety of common symptoms that were repeatedly dismissed by various providers. We consulted with numerous physicians and tried various therapies. While many helped to a degree, I realized that functional breathing was the “missing link.” Whether the cause is a tongue-tie, enlarged tonsils, or a narrow airway, sleep-disordered breathing can lead to grinding, bedwetting, headaches, and even hyperactivity.
My Commitment to You
Navigating my family’s journey exposed a critical gap in early identification and intervention. Today, I dedicate my practice to closing that gap. I am here to validate parents’ concerns, empower families with knowledge, and advocate for early intervention. My goal is to help both children and adults stop “managing” symptoms and start thriving through optimal oral function and airway health.
Ready to Find the Root Cause?
If you or your child are struggling with restless sleep, mouth breathing, or chronic dental tension, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Your concerns deserve to be heard, and your health deserves a functional approach.
Let’s work together to restore balance and improve your quality of life.
Midlo Myo Orofacial Myofunctional Specialties is located in Midlothian for in person assessments and therapy sessions. If you are traveling, I also offer virtual therapy sessions for your convenience.
