Tongue Tie and Lip Release Treatment Near You
IMPROVING ORAL FUNCTION
What is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin band of tissue beneath the tongue, called the lingual frenulum, is shorter or tighter than normal. This can limit tongue movement and affect normal oral function throughout different stages of life.
For infants, tongue tie may contribute to feeding difficulties or challenges with latching. Children may experience concerns related to speech development, swallowing, or oral habits, while adults may notice limitations affecting speech, eating, oral hygiene, or overall tongue mobility.
Early assessment allows appropriate treatment planning and can help improve oral function, comfort, and quality of life.
Signs in Infants and Children
- Difficulty latching during feeding.
- Feeding challenges or poor weight gain.
- Limited tongue movement.
- Speech development concerns.
- Difficulty moving food while eating.
- Persistent oral habits.
Signs in Adults
- Difficulty moving the tongue freely.
- Speech concerns.
- Difficulty cleaning around the teeth.
- Challenges with eating or swallowing.
- Jaw muscle fatigue.
- Limited tongue mobility affecting daily function.
Treatment Options
Treatment recommendations are based on each patient's age, symptoms, and overall oral function. Depending on your needs, treatment may include one or more approaches to improve tongue mobility and long term oral function.
Laser Tongue Tie Release
A tongue tie release is a conservative procedure that frees the restricted tissue beneath the tongue to improve movement and function. Treatment recommendations are based on a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment planning.
Frenotomy and Frenectomy
A frenotomy is a simple procedure that releases the restrictive tissue, while a frenectomy involves removing a greater portion of the frenulum when additional correction is required. Your dentist will determine which option is most appropriate based on your specific condition.
Myofunctional Therapy and Speech Support
In some cases, exercises designed to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face may be recommended before or after treatment. These exercises can help improve oral function and support long term treatment outcomes.
Why Choose Westmount Dental Office
At Westmount Dental Office, patient comfort and personalized care remain our highest priorities. Our team carefully evaluates every patient to determine the most appropriate treatment approach while taking the time to answer questions and explain every step of the process.
We focus on providing individualized treatment planning in a welcoming environment where patients and families feel informed and supported throughout their care.
Diagnosis and Personalized Care
Every patient receives a comprehensive assessment to evaluate tongue mobility, oral function, and overall treatment needs. Based on this evaluation, our dentists develop a personalized treatment plan that supports healthy oral function and long term outcomes.
Benefits of Tongue Tie Treatment
Treatment may help improve tongue mobility, oral function, feeding, speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene, depending on the patient's individual condition. By addressing restricted tongue movement, treatment can support greater comfort and improved function during everyday activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tongue tie?
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the band of tissue beneath the tongue is shorter or tighter than normal, limiting tongue movement. Depending on its severity, it may affect feeding, speech, swallowing, oral hygiene, or overall oral function. A comprehensive evaluation at Westmount Dental Office can determine whether treatment may be beneficial.
How do I know if I or my child needs treatment?
Signs of a tongue tie vary depending on age and severity. Infants may experience feeding or latching difficulties, while older children and adults may notice speech concerns, restricted tongue movement, difficulty swallowing, or challenges maintaining good oral hygiene. Our dentists will perform a thorough assessment and discuss whether treatment is appropriate for your individual needs.
Is tongue tie treatment painful?
Tongue tie treatment is generally well tolerated and is performed with your comfort in mind. Your dentist will explain the procedure beforehand and discuss the most appropriate treatment approach based on your individual situation. Most patients experience only mild discomfort during recovery and are able to resume normal daily activities shortly after treatment.
Can tongue tie treatment improve oral function?
Yes. When a restricted tongue is affecting normal movement, treatment may help improve tongue mobility, feeding, swallowing, speech, oral hygiene, and overall oral function. Every patient is different, so the expected benefits will depend on the severity of the tongue tie and your individual treatment goals.
Will I need exercises after tongue tie treatment?
Depending on your individual treatment plan, your dentist may recommend exercises or additional therapy following treatment to help improve tongue mobility and support proper healing. These exercises are designed to encourage healthy muscle function and may contribute to long term treatment success. Your dentist will provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
