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TONGUE AND LIP TIES
Tongue Tie
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) restricts the tongue's range of motion, particularly its ability to move forward and elevate. This limitation becomes especially problematic when a child is lying down or sleeping, often leading to compensatory mouth breathing. Chronic mouth breathing is not ideal and can contribute to secondary complications such as inflamed adenoids and tonsils, further exacerbating airway obstruction.
Proper tongue posture—resting against the roof of the mouth—plays a critical role in craniofacial development. The tongue provides the necessary pressure to guide the forward and lateral growth of the maxilla (midface). Since the roof of the mouth also forms the floor of the nasal cavity, optimal maxillary development simultaneously expands the nasal passages, facilitating easier and more efficient nasal breathing.
Beyond its role in skeletal development, appropriate tongue function is essential for effective breastfeeding, the formation of a healthy airway, proper dental arch spacing, optimal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) alignment, and balanced facial growth. Impaired facial development is not merely a cosmetic concern—it is functionally significant. A reduced airway volume is increasingly linked to various pediatric health conditions, including sleep-disordered breathing.
Emerging research suggests a connection between untreated tongue-ties and the development of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, which may persist into adulthood. As the child grows, a compromised airway can increase the risk of asthma, allergies, and diminished athletic performance. Therefore, allowing the tongue to move and function freely is not only critical for facial and dental development, but also foundational for healthy nasal breathing and long-term airway health.
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure designed to release a restrictive band of fibrous tissue known as the frenum, which may limit the mobility of oral structures such as the tongue or upper lip. This condition, often referred to as Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS), can impair function and development if left untreated.
The procedure is commonly performed using a soft tissue laser, which precisely removes the targeted tissue while minimizing bleeding and discomfort. Laser technology promotes faster healing by stimulating bio-regenerative processes, making recovery more efficient compared to traditional surgical methods.
Frenectomies can provide significant benefits across all age groups—including infants, children, and adults. Improvements may include enhanced speech articulation, better airway function, optimized craniofacial development, improved digestion (especially in infants), reduced periodontal risk, and more effective orthodontic outcomes.
Signs & Symptoms
CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS:
- Trouble with speech sounds, difficulty being understood by others, mumbling or speech delay
- Slow/picky/messy eater
- Difficulty chewing food
- Choking or gagging on foods or liquids
- Crooked, crowded teeth or narrow, high arched palate
- Thumb/finger sucking habit or prolonged pacifier use
- Restless sleep (kicking or moving)
- Grinding teeth during sleep
- Sleeps with mouth open, snoring, or noisy breathing
- TMJ issues (popping, clicking, or pain)
- Frequent headaches or neck, back, and shoulder tension or pain
- Mouth breathing during the day
- Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids
- Frequent ear/sinus/upper respiratory infections
- Hyperactivity or inattentions
- Oral hygiene issues
INFANTS:
- Struggling to nurse or take a bottle
- Leaks mild from mouth during feeding
- Loses weight or exhibits slow or poor weight gain
- Makes clicking or smacking noises when eating
- Displays excessive gassiness, irritability or fussiness during or after a feeding
- Reflux or colic symptoms
- Cracked or blistered lips
benefits of a frenectomy
Improved Breathing
Improved Oral Health
Improved Breathing
Intervention can be beneficial for individuals of all ages—infants, children, and adults—who may experience compromised breathing due to restricted tongue mobility. Improved tongue function supports more effective nasal breathing, which in turn can enhance sleep quality, oxygenation, and overall respiratory health.
Clearer Speech
Improved Oral Health
Improved Breathing
Tongue ties, in particular, may restrict the tongue’s range of motion, interfering with proper articulation and the ability to produce certain speech sounds. This can lead to delays or difficulties in speech development and pronunciation.
Releasing these tethered oral tissues can enhance tongue mobility, supporting more accurate articulation and improved speech patterns. As a result, individuals—especially children—may experience more effective communication, enhanced language development, and increased confidence in verbal expression.
Improved Oral Health
Improved Oral Health
Successful Orthodontics
Tongue and lip tie releases can contribute to improved oral hygiene by eliminating anatomical restrictions that hinder effective cleaning. Tethered oral tissues may create tight or inaccessible areas between the teeth and gums, making it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene practices.
By releasing these ties, access to all areas of the mouth becomes easier, facilitating more thorough brushing and flossing. This can help reduce the risk of common dental issues such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, supporting long-term oral health.
Successful Orthodontics
Successful Orthodontics
Successful Orthodontics
Tethered oral tissues may contribute to dental misalignments, spacing issues, or impede the effectiveness of orthodontic appliances such as braces or aligners by creating undue tension within the oral musculature.
Releasing these restrictions allows for improved mobility and balance of the oral structures, facilitating more efficient and predictable tooth movement.
TMJ Pain Relief
Successful Orthodontics
Improved Breastfeeding
Restricted oral tissues may contribute to improper jaw alignment and increased muscle tension, both of which are associated with TMJ disorders and related symptoms such as pain, clicking, or limited jaw mobility.
By releasing these tethered tissues, the oral and facial musculature can function more harmoniously, promoting improved jaw alignment and reducing strain on the TMJ. This can lead to a decrease in pain and an overall enhancement in jaw mobility and function.
Improved Breastfeeding
Successful Orthodontics
Improved Breastfeeding
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS) can interfere with an infant's ability to achieve a proper latch and effectively extract milk during breastfeeding. These restrictions often result in feeding challenges, including poor weight gain, prolonged nursing sessions, and discomfort for both the infant and the mother.
Releasing tongue or lip ties can significantly improve latch quality and feeding efficiency. This not only supports optimal nutrition and growth for the infant but also enhances maternal comfort and promotes a more positive breastfeeding experience, fostering healthy bonding between mother and child.
treatment process
- Anesthesia Administration
The procedure begins with the application of a topical anesthetic gel to numb the targeted area. This ensures that the patient remains comfortable and experiences minimal discomfort throughout the treatment. - Laser Tissue Release
Once the area is adequately anesthetized, a soft tissue laser is used to precisely release the frenulum. The laser technique minimizes bleeding, reduces the risk of infection, and supports faster healing through its bio-stimulatory effects. - Post-Operative Instructions
Following the procedure, the patient will receive detailed post-operative care instructions, including guidance on wound management, oral exercises (if indicated), and recommendations to support optimal healing and functional recovery.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is recommended before and/or after a frenectomy to help patients adapt to the improved range of motion of the tongue. This specialized therapy focuses on strengthening the tongue and orofacial muscles, retraining functional patterns such as swallowing, breathing, and speech.
By incorporating myofunctional therapy into the treatment plan, patients can achieve more effective and lasting outcomes. It supports optimal post-procedural recovery, enhances speech clarity, and promotes proper oral function following the release of tethered oral tissues.
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