Our Mission
At Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy of Southeastern Connecticut, our mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based myofunctional therapy that addresses the root causes of orofacial dysfunction - not just the symptoms. By retraining how the muscles of the mouth, face, and airway function, we help children and adults improve breathing, sleep, swallowing and overall wellness.
Our approach is intentional, collaborative, and education driven. We empower patients and families with the knowledge and tools needed to build healthy oral habits that support proper development and long-term health.
Because oral function is not just about the mouth - it's the foundation for lifelong well-being.
About Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy of SECT
What Is OMT?
What Is OMT?
What Is OMT?
The neuromuscular re-education or re-patterning of the oral and facial muscles. Therapy includes facial and tongue exercises and behavior modification techniques to promote proper/optimal tongue position, improved breathing, chewing and swallowing. Also known as Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) or Orofacial Myology.
AOMT (Academy of
The neuromuscular re-education or re-patterning of the oral and facial muscles. Therapy includes facial and tongue exercises and behavior modification techniques to promote proper/optimal tongue position, improved breathing, chewing and swallowing. Also known as Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) or Orofacial Myology.
AOMT (Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy)
Issues, past or present, that could be linked to improper oral muscle patterns include:
- Noxious Oral Habits (thumb/finger, nail biting, prolonged pacifier habits)
- snoring
- open mouth breathing
- open mouth chewing
- tongue thrust
- improper swallowing patterns (also linked to GERD)
- speech problems
- sleep apnea
- tongue tie/lip tie
- history of orthodontics
- high narrow palate
- periodontal disease
- ADHD
- forward head and neck posture
- clenching and/or grinding/TMJ pain
- chronic congestion
- Asthma
- anxiety
- low tongue posture
About Me
What Is OMT?
What Is OMT?
Crystal Sarrica BS, RDH, OMT
Crystal Sarrica is the owner of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy of Southeastern Connecticut. She is a licensed Dental Hygienist and Certified Orofacial Myologist, earning her degree from the University of New Haven in 2010 and completing advanced training in myofunctional therapy through Airway Health Solution
Crystal Sarrica BS, RDH, OMT
Crystal Sarrica is the owner of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy of Southeastern Connecticut. She is a licensed Dental Hygienist and Certified Orofacial Myologist, earning her degree from the University of New Haven in 2010 and completing advanced training in myofunctional therapy through Airway Health Solutions.
Crystal is dedicated to improving her patients’ overall quality of life. She believes strongly in the power of myofunctional therapy to support healthier breathing, oral function, and long‑term wellness. Known for her compassionate, patient‑centered approach, Crystal will advocate for her patients at every stage of care and ensures they always feel supported.
Committed to clinical excellence, she continually expands her knowledge through ongoing education, current literature, and evidence‑based best practices. Crystal collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive, well‑coordinated care.
Outside the office, Crystal enjoys spending time with her husband, Thomas, and their two children, Matthew and Olive.
Our services
What Is OMT?
Our services
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy of SECT provides both in‑person and virtual treatment plans for patients of all ages. Our programs are designed to optimize the function of the orofacial muscles, support dominant nasal breathing, and gently eliminate noxious oral habits.
Each treatment plan is individualized, blending targeted exercises wit
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy of SECT provides both in‑person and virtual treatment plans for patients of all ages. Our programs are designed to optimize the function of the orofacial muscles, support dominant nasal breathing, and gently eliminate noxious oral habits.
Each treatment plan is individualized, blending targeted exercises with mindful behavior‑modification techniques to help stabilize orthodontic, surgical, and dental results — guiding you or your child toward healthier, more harmonious oral function.
We take a fully holistic approach, honoring the connection between breath, posture, muscle balance, and overall wellness. It’s truly remarkable what can happen when the orofacial muscles work seamlessly together.
Our Goals of Therapy Include:
- Gently eliminate excessive or dysfunctional oral habits to create a healthier foundation
- Encourage nasal breathing as the body’s natural, primary pathway
- Support a relaxed, consistent lip seal and maintain comfortable freeway space
- Guide the tongue to rest softly against the palate, where it can support growth and stability
- Promote an efficient, coordinated swallowing pattern that feels natural and effortless
- Foster proper chewing and mindful drinking habits for everyday wellness