Tongue Tie: This condition occurs when the lingual frenulum (the tissue under the tongue) is unusually tight or short, limiting the tongue’s range of motion. This restriction can cause difficulties in breastfeeding, swallowing, and speech development.
Genetic Factors: There is evidence to suggest that tongue tie can be hereditary. If a parent or close family member had a tongue tie, it’s more likely that a baby may also develop the condition.
Developmental Variations: Sometimes, during fetal development, the frenulum does not thin out or recede as expected. This can lead to a tongue tie, though the exact reasons for this variation are not always clear.
Impact on Breastfeeding: Studies indicate that tongue tie is present in up to 25% of infants who experience breastfeeding difficulties. This has led to increased awareness and screening for the condition in newborns, especially when feeding issues are observed.
Genetic Factors: There is evidence to suggest that tongue tie can be hereditary. If a parent or close family member had a tongue tie, it’s more likely that a baby may also develop the condition.
Developmental Variations: Sometimes, during fetal development, the frenulum does not thin out or recede as expected. This can lead to a tongue tie, though the exact reasons for this variation are not always clear.
In Infants:
In Children:
In Adults:
In Infants:
In Children:
In Adults:
At Face Focused Orthodontics, we perform an evaluation to assess the range of motion and the impact on oral function.
Infants: If your baby has difficulty breastfeeding, such as trouble latching, poor weight gain, or frequent feeding sessions that are ineffective, a tongue or lip tie could be the cause. A release may be recommended to improve feeding efficiency and comfort for both the baby and the mother.
Older Children: If a child struggles with chewing or swallowing certain foods, or if meal times are consistently difficult, it might be due to a restrictive frenulum. In such cases, a release can help improve oral function.
Restricted Tongue Movement: A tongue tie restricts the tongue’s ability to rest properly against the roof of the mouth. This proper tongue posture is essential for maintaining a clear nasal airway and promoting nasal breathing. When the tongue can’t rest correctly, it often drops to the floor of the mouth, leading to mouth breathing.
Difficulty Swallowing: A tongue tie can make swallowing more challenging, causing individuals to adopt a mouth-breathing pattern, especially during sleep, which can exacerbate the enlargement of tonsils and adenoids.
Chronic Mouth Breathing: With a restricted tongue, individuals are more likely to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. Chronic mouth breathing dries out the mouth and throat, leading to irritation and inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids.
Increased Risk of Infections: Mouth breathing bypasses the nasal passages’ natural filtering system, allowing more bacteria and viruses to enter the airway, which can lead to frequent infections and, consequently, enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Children: If a child has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or shows signs of delayed speech development, a tongue tie may be interfering with their ability to articulate words clearly. Speech therapy in combination with a frenulum release can be effective in these situations.
Adults: Persistent speech issues, such as a lisp or difficulty with specific sounds, that are linked to a restricted tongue may benefit from a release, especially if these issues affect communication and quality of life.
Gum and Tooth Health: A lip tie can cause a gap between the front teeth or make it difficult to keep the gums and teeth clean, leading to cavities or gum disease. If these issues are present, a release might be recommended to improve oral hygiene and dental alignment.
Jaw Pain or Discomfort: For individuals experiencing jaw tension, discomfort, or pain related to restricted tongue or lip movement, a release may help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall oral function.
Mild Cases: If the tongue or lip tie is mild and not causing any significant issues with feeding, speech, or oral health, treatment may not be necessary. Monitoring the condition over time might be all that is needed.
No Functional Impact: If the restricted frenulum does not interfere with normal daily activities, a release may not be required.
If you suspect that you or your child may benefit from a tongue or lip tie release, it’s advisable to seek professional evaluation to make an informed decision about the best course of action.
Impact of Tongue and Lip Tie: A restricted tongue or lip tie can lead to improper development of the jaw and palate. For example, a tongue that is tethered to the floor of the mouth may not exert the necessary pressure on the palate during swallowing, leading to a narrow upper jaw or improper arch development.
Orthodontic Intervention: Jaw expansion techniques, such as palatal expanders, can be used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for the tongue and improving overall oral function. This expansion can also help in correcting crossbites or other bite issues that may arise due to restricted jaw development.
Tonsils and Adenoids: Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can contribute to airway obstruction, which may be further complicated by a tongue or lip tie. In some cases, removal of the tonsils and adenoids is necessary to clear the airway and improve breathing. After the removal of tonsils or adenoids, orthodontic treatment may still be needed to ensure that the jaw develops properly and that the airway remains open. Jaw expansion and alignment correction can help maximize the space in the airway, reducing the risk of sleep apnea and other breathing issues.
Orthodontic Considerations: Here at Face Focused Orthodontics, we advocate for a less invasive approach whenever possible. By promoting proper jaw development and enhancing nasal breathing, we aim to naturally reduce inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids. Nasal breathing helps filter and humidify the air, reducing exposure to irritants that cause swelling. Our goal is to improve the underlying structure to potentially avoid the need for tonsil and adenoid removal.
However, it’s important to note that while orthodontic treatment can be beneficial, it may not always eliminate the need for tonsil or adenoid removal, especially if other factors are involved.
We collaborate closely with a network of healthcare professionals and can recommend additional care when necessary to ensure a comprehensive approach to your or your child’s health.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Our office believe in collaboration and we work closely with other healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, ENT specialists, and speech therapists, to address the full spectrum of issues caused by tongue or lip ties. This approach ensures that all aspects of the condition, including airway health, jaw development, and speech, are appropriately managed.
Dental Alignment Issues: A tongue or lip tie can cause or worsen dental alignment problems, such as gaps between teeth, crowding, or improper bite alignment. For example, a lip tie might pull the upper gums down, leading to a gap between the front teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment: Braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances can be used to correct these alignment issues. Orthodontic treatment may be more effective after a tongue or lip tie release, as the teeth and jaws can then move into their proper positions without the interference of a restricted frenulum.
Early Intervention: Addressing tongue and lip ties early, particularly in conjunction with orthodontic treatments like jaw expansion, can prevent more serious complications later in life. Proper jaw and dental alignment not only improve oral function but also contribute to better overall health.
Comprehensive Care: Orthodontics is a critical part of a comprehensive approach to treating tongue and lip ties. By addressing both the structural and functional aspects of the condition, orthodontic care can help ensure that patients achieve optimal outcomes.
Treatment Overview: Tongue and lip ties are typically treated through a procedure called a frenectomy, where the restricted tissue (frenulum) is released to improve movement and function. This procedure is straightforward and usually performed in-office. The goal is to improve oral function, including feeding, speech, and overall oral health.
Infants: typically recover very quickly, often within a few days. Discomfort is
minimal, and feeding usually improves almost immediately.
Children: may experience discomfort for a few days, with full recovery usually within a week. They may need softer foods during the initial healing period.
Adults: may have a slightly longer recovery time, with discomfort lasting up to a week. Most adults can resume normal activities within a few days.
Yes, follow-up care is important to ensure the success of the treatment.
Myofunctional Therapy plays a crucial role in ensuring long-term stability. This therapy involves exercises designed to improve tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and overall oral function. By retraining the muscles, myofunctional therapy helps prevent issues like improper tongue placement, which can affect dental alignment and airway health.
Orthodontic Care may also be recommended to support proper jaw development and alignment, particularly if the tongue or lip tie has contributed to dental issues. Together, myofunctional therapy and orthodontics help ensure that the benefits of the frenectomy are maintained, promoting optimal oral health and function.
