What are Tongue Tie and Lip Tie?
Frenectomy is the procedure performed when the mucous membrane (frenulum) is too tight. If the frenulum under the tongue restricts motion, it causes a tongue tie. If the frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gum is too tight, it leads to a lip tie. This type of treatment is part of comprehensive dental care in Kansas City, helping patients improve oral function and comfort. In many cases, we also recommend myofunctional therapy to retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, and mouth before or after treatment, helping patients achieve more predictable, long-term results.
Tongue Tie Symptoms in Infants
Parents can look for signs of tongue-tie as soon as their children are born. If your infant exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent future problems from occurring.
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Acting fussy during feeding
- Feeds for long periods with only short periods of rest in between
- Acts hungry regularly
- Not gaining weight
- Clicking sounds when feeding
- Chews instead of sucks
- Tongue can’t move from side to side, to the roof of the mouth, or out past the gums
Tongue Tie Symptoms in Older Children & Adults
Tongue and lip tie symptoms don’t just happen during infancy and go away, the symptoms change as the person ages. If you notice any of these symptoms in your older child or yourself, make sure to seek care as soon as possible.
- Tongue looks notched or makes a heart shape when stuck out
- Tongue can’t extend past the lower front teeth, side to side, or the roof of the mouth
- Speech problems like speaking with a lisp
- Tongue makes eating, speaking difficult
- TMJ
- Sleep apnea
- Crowded or gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Poor oral health
Frenectomy Procedure
A frenectomy is a procedure where a doctor uses either a Fotona Lightwalker laser, or a non-cutting laser to release tight, restrictive intraoral tissues (tongue tie or lip tie).
When using the C02 laser, the tissues are gently detached by severing very thin layers, giving the tissues a chance to stretch, yet heal well. When using a non-cutting laser (photobiostimulation) the heat that is felt, coupled with instructed stretching, aids the fibrous tissue in distending and releasing the intraoral restrictions.
Myofunctional therapy is often recommended before and after a frenectomy to help patients achieve the best possible outcome. While a frenectomy releases restrictive tissue, it does not automatically retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, and mouth. Our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist provides personalized exercises and stretching techniques to help restore healthy tongue posture, improve oral muscle function, support healing, and encourage long-term success after treatment.
How A Frenectomy Can Support Your Overall Health
One of the primary goals of a frenectomy is to restore healthy tongue mobility and support proper function of the tongue, lips, and jaw. When combined with orofacial myofunctional therapy, patients can also develop healthier breathing, swallowing, and tongue posture habits that support long-term oral function. Improved tongue mobility may also help support patients experiencing TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, snoring, forward head posture, or chronic head and neck tension.
When appropriate, our dentists collaborate with our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist before and after a frenectomy to help patients develop healthy tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and breathing habits that support long-term success.
Many patients notice improved comfort following treatment, particularly after a lingual frenectomy. Restoring proper tongue function can help reduce muscle tension, improve oral function, and support healthier breathing patterns during both the day and night.
If you or your child may have a tongue tie or lip tie, our team can determine whether a frenectomy is the right solution for your needs. Contact Dr. Larry Pribyl or Dr. Jim Kleoppel to schedule a consultation or call (816) 795-1000 today.
