Tongue up. Lips closed. Breathing through the nose.

Personalised support for tongue ties, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, crowded teeth and dummy weaning.

We're the perfect fit if...

  • Your child is mouth breathing, snoring, or sleeping like a rotisserie chicken.

  • A dummy or thumb sucking habit has overstayed its welcome.

  • Your child's baby teeth don't have gaps between them (i.e. they're already crowding).

  • You’ve been recommended an ENT referral, but you’re not quite sure it’s the whole answer.

  • You're overwhelmed by the conflicting advice about tongue, lip and cheek ties.

  • Something about the way your child chews or swallows doesn’t seem quite right.

  • You've noticed your child plays, rests or sleeps with their mouth open.

Here's the help you need.

Choose your level of support.

Graphic icon for children’s oral function consultation service, featuring the words “Oral Function” on three overlapping green circles.

Ages 1 to 17

Oral Function Deep Dive

90 minutes | $257

This is the thorough, big-picture consultation.

We look at what’s going on beneath the surface and how things like breathing, habits, sleep, and oral function are all connected.

Best for:

  • Multiple concerns showing up at once

  • A comprehensive review and a personalised plan

  • Establishing a foundation for ongoing therapy

You’ll leave with:

  • A solid understanding of your child's oral function

  • Practical next steps you can start at home

Ongoing Care service graphic representing return oral health consultations for children, shown as three overlapping green circles with the text “Ongoing Care.”

Ages 1 to 17

Advice Consult

30 minutes | $89

For when your brain is full and you just need to talk it through with someone who actually knows what's going on.

Best for:

  • A sanity check when you're overwhelmed by information

  • If you keep going back and forth on whether something’s “normal” or not

You’ll leave with:

  • A clearer understanding of what you’re seeing

  • And a few less tabs open in your brain

Been here before? Welcome back!

oral function therapist working online consultation for children mouth breathing and sleep support

Have we met?

Hey, I'm Mel Van Schelven

Reformed mouth breather. Health detective. Not a fan of the "wait and see" approach.

I’ve helped families who were…

  • Chasing referrals and not getting answers, finally get the right support in place.

  • Being told to “wait and see”, find non-surgical strategies for mouth breathing.

  • Running on broken sleep, get more consistent, restful nights.

  • Worried about how their child is coping, see improvements in energy, focus, and school.

  • Dealing with thumb sucking and dummy habits that felt impossible to shift, finally start to move past them.

Sound familiar? Get started today.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if I’m not sure which appointment to book?

If you’re feeling unsure, the easiest place to start is with a free discovery call. We can talk through what’s been going on and figure out which option (if any) feels like the right fit.

Book a free discovery call

Does my child need to attend their telehealth appointment?

Not always. Many families choose to attend without their child, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. Older children and teens are welcome to join if you feel it would support their understanding and participation.

Can I book one appointment for more than one child?

Consultations involve a detailed look at one child’s individual needs, development and oral function concerns. For this reason, appointments are for one child only.

Are there Medicare or health fund rebates available?

Currently, there are no Medicare or private health rebates available for 'Teledentistry' or Orofacial Myology services in Australia. The full service fee will apply.

Do you offer Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT/Myo)?

Yes, but only if it's the right fit.

Careful screening is important to make sure your child is ready for a formal program. Many children make great progress with simple strategies, education, and the right referrals before jumping into therapy.

OMT is also not suitable for children under 5.

Can you help with mouth breathing or snoring?

Yes. Many families book to understand whether mouth breathing, snoring or open-mouth posture is affecting their child’s oral health, sleep or dental development. I can help you identify contributing factors and guide you on appropriate next steps or referrals.

Do you support thumb sucking or dummy use?

Absolutely. Thumb sucking, finger habits and dummy use are common concerns in toddler and preschool years. We’ll look at how the habit is impacting oral function and development, and go through practical, gentle ways to move forward.

Can you help me understand if my child needs braces?

Yes, this comes up a lot. While I don’t provide orthodontic treatment, I can help you understand early signs, growth patterns, and what questions to ask when seeing an orthodontist. Families often find this clarity invaluable before committing to treatment.

What if my baby has feeding or tongue concerns?

For babies under 1, it’s best to work with an IBCLC (lactation consultant) trained in orofacial myology.

The Face Place also offers digital resources for parents on this topic:

Masterclass: https://www.thefaceplaceofm.com.au/oral-ties-masterclass-for-babies

Podcast series: https://www.thefaceplaceofm.com.au/oral-ties-expert-guest-series

Do you provide written summaries after the appointment?

If you book a Deep Dive consultation, yes.

You’ll receive a written summary with key points, recommendations, and next steps — so you don’t have to remember everything we talk through.

For Advice Sessions, this is a verbal, discussion-based appointment, so no written summary is provided.

Resources for you...

  • Free

Nasal Breathing For Kids

  • Download
  • 1 file

Nasal Breathing for Kids is a parent-friendly guide to help you understand why nose breathing matters for your child’s health. Learn the four foundations of healthy breathing, simple at-home strategies, and when to seek extra support.

  • $29

Foundations for Growing Faces Masterclass

  • Course
  • 5 Lessons
  • 90-day access

For parents of toddlers aged 1–4, focused on understanding oral function and early facial growth. Topics covered include breathing, sleep, chewing, and products. You will gain practical guidance for home support and clarity around what’s normal, what’s worth monitoring, and when further support may help.

Let’s train the tongue, tackle the mouth breathing, and get your sanity back.

Less guessing. More answers. Better sleep for everyone.