About Us
Primal Air is a premier practice specializing in orofacial myofunctional therapy, led by the esteemed speaker and trainer, Shirley Gutkowski.
With a focus on optimizing oral and facial muscle function, Primal Air offers cutting-edge treatments designed to enhance breathing, oral phase swallowing, and overall health.
Renowned for their personalized approach and expert care, the practice is dedicated to improving patients' quality of life through innovative therapeutic techniques.
At Primal Air, Shirley Gutkowski and her team are committed to delivering exceptional service and outstanding results in the field of orofacial myofunctional therapy.
You may have seen us around the Sun Prairie area for over 30 years now, and we have a good idea about who you are too.
A little about us, first of all, we are a mother/son team that wants to help the community to breathe better through facial exercises, called Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy or (OMT).
Darwinian Dentists have identified a huge decrease in the size of the sinuses (airway) over the last 125 years.
Primal Air, OMT, and Breathing Retraining focus on regaining that lost ground.
My name is Shirley Gutkowski. I’m a nationally known author and international speaker.
As America’s Dental Hygienist, my passion for prevention is practically legendary.
Good candidates for OMT or breathing retraining are identified by a good intake at your practice.
Those who exhibit anxiety, sighing, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or vague symptoms of pain or apprehensiveness are candidates.
Dental patients with a high vaulted maxilla, sleep apnea, mouth breathing, or habits like digit sucking, are also good candidates.
Using OMT and Buteyko techniques will habituate the tongue to the roof of the mouth as a natural landing spot.
In children, the use of the tongue in this way applies pressure to the maxilla to naturally increase its size.
In adults, OMT can improve the quality of life by improving breathing and swallowing.
Poor tongue placement or use can interfere with sinus development and nasal breathing.
The floor of the sinus is also the roof of the mouth.
Enlargement of lymphoid tissue may actually be a consequence as opposed to a cause of these initial dysfunctions.
Who's Behind Primal Air?
Shirley Gutkowski
Shirley Gutkowski is a practicing orofacial myofunctional therapist and Buteyko breathing educator practicing in Sun Prairie, WI. Since she was taught by world-renowned (OMT) expert Joy Moeller and breathing retraining based on Buteyko Breathing Retraining techniques taught by world-renowned Buteyko expert Patrick McKeown. She is nationally known as an author and international speaker. As America's Dental Hygienist her passion for prevention is practically legendary. She is seeing referral patients in her specialty practice on OMT and breathing retraining.
Diane Romary
Diane Romary has 40+ years of dental hygiene experience, in addition to her 30 years of experience working directly with students K-8 grade as nurse’s assistant in the health oice. She observed compromised airways when looking at sore throats, as well as numerous tongue ties in these young children, when placing the thermometer under their tongue.
Her interest in orofacial myofunctional therapy launched her own OMT journey. At the age of 70 she personally used OMT prior and post functional frenuloplasty (Tongue Tie release).
She can testify to the connection between a tongue tie with sleep apnea, resulting in low energy. She can also personally share the reduction in sleep apnea, the increase in energy when the tongue tie has been released.
If you know someone who snores or mouth breathes, please refer them to a Primal Air for an OMT assessment to learn about the root cause and what specific things can be implemented. If left untreated, these items can contribute to high blood pressure, blood glucose resistance, headaches from oxygen deprivation and other illnesses.
Elizabeth Dooher-Anthony
Beth has been a clinical Hygienist for 35 years, an OMT since 2018, and lives in Rochester, NY. She has experience working in general practice, periodontics, pedodontics and nursing homes. She is one of the first therapists to join Shirley at Primal Air, providing online therapy for patients around the world. She is also passionate about changing how practitioners approach difficult patients so everyone has a better experience. Her education in OMT made her realize dental fear is based in the inability to breathe. Many troublesome patient behaviors arise from protecting the airway.
David Gutkowski
David Gutkowski is our artist in residence. He is an accomplished artist and tattooist. He has won awards for typography and his tattoos.
Currently his murals can be found on buildings across the
country from advertising to urban art beautifying neighborhoods. He is the creator of the Primal Air logo, and the art on the walls of the world headquarters in Sun Prairie, WI.
As we work to be on top of our game with a primal perspective, Dave will be helping us stand out in the crowd of airway
practitioners.
Cheri Meyer
For more than 20 years, I worked as a Dental Hygienist. Often patients would have symptoms that the dental and medical professionals could not explain. So, I went looking for answers and found orofacial myofunctional therapy.
I have chosen my profession because I feel drawn toward helping those in need. I truly believe that the desire to help people through myofunctional therapy is my calling. My mission is to provide nonjudgmental care regardless of race, spiritual beliefs, life choices, financial status, or disability.
Cindy Archilles
As a clinical Dental Hygienist for 36 years I have wrestled countless curious tongues, protective lips, and gag reflexes while stopping multiple times during an appointment for patients to swallow, breathe, rest, and regroup. Some people are just like that I thought. Oh was i wrong! Once I trained in orofacial myology I recognized that these behaviors result from perioral muscle dysfunction stemming from a root cause or causes. In addition, the same root causes can be linked to sleep apnea, malocclusion, disordered breathing, stunted facial development AND airway, and so much more. WOW! What an eye opener.
As a Primal Air Therapist my passion is to guide clients from their initial assessment to habituated functionality, collaborating with other providers along the way as needed. In other words, to go from surviving to THRIVING!
This Atlanta native looks forward to working with you locally or online.
Deb Connell
Deb Connell has over 35 years of corporate and private sector experience. Her administrative, managerial and communication skills have aorded her a well-rounded administrative skill set. She is responsible for coordinating, prioritizing and executing administrative duties to ensure the Primal Air office runs smoothly. Deb is an empathetic team member who strives to provide excellent customer service for Primal Air and enjoys being able to help and assist clients, therapists and business partners.
Testimonials
FAQS
What exactly is orofacial myofunctional therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a treatment program that focuses on correcting improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. It involves exercises and techniques to retrain these muscles, promoting proper oral rest posture, swallowing patterns, and breathing habits.
Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy can benefit people of all ages with various issues, including:
Mouth breathing
Tongue thrust
Sleep apnea and snoring
Speech difficulties
TMJ disorders
Orthodontic relapse
How long does myofunctional therapy typically take?
The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual and their specific needs. Generally, a course of treatment lasts between 6 to 12 months, with sessions occurring weekly or bi-weekly. Consistent practice of exercises at home is crucial for success.
Can myofunctional therapy replace the need for orthodontic treatment?
While myofunctional therapy can complement orthodontic treatment, it usually doesn't replace it entirely. However, addressing myofunctional issues before or during orthodontic treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is generally considered safe with minimal risks. Some patients may experience temporary muscle soreness from the exercises. It's important to work with a qualified therapist who can tailor the program to your specific needs and monitor your progress.
Primal Air is a premier a practice specializing in orofacial myofunctional therapy, breathing, chewing, sleep, and overall health, led by the esteemed author, speaker and trainer, Shirley Gutkowski. With a focus on optimizing oral and facial muscle function, Primal Air offers cutting-edge treatments designed to enhance breathing, swallowing, and overall dental health.
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1266 W Main St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
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Primal Air OMT . All rights reserved
Primal Air is a premier practice specializing in orofacial myofunctional therapy, breathing, chewing, sleep, and overall health, led by the esteemed author, speaker and trainer, Shirley Gutkowski. With a focus on optimizing oral and facial muscle function, Primal Air offers cutting-edge treatments designed to enhance breathing, swallowing, and overall dental health.
