Adult Tongue Tie
While ideally tongue or lip ties are addressed as early as possible in life , some individuals make it to adulthood with these conditions. Adults with tongue or lip-ties can struggle with speech, obstructive sleep apnea, orthodontic issues and other symptoms since they were kids. At NL Tongue Tie Center, we offer a fast and minimally-invasive solution to fix tongue and lip-ties in adults. We offer tongue-tie surgery for adults using a dental laser at our clinic in Paradise.
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual and the extent of the restriction.. Many adults with tongue or lip ties may have developed their own ways of compensating to some degree, and often have come to accept this as their “normal”. By collaborating with other supportive allied health care providers on an individualized basis, both before and after surgery, they are often very surprised to experience for themselves the improved quality of life that can be possible by restoring a more natural freedom of movement to these areas .
Common symptoms often associated with a tongue tie:
Speech difficulties, especially with certain sounds like "t", "d", "z", "s", "th", "r", "l"
Swallowing problems, and difficulty eating/drinking
Dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and gaps between teeth
TMJ (jaw joint) dysfunction and jaw pain or clicking
Sleep apnea and snoring
Mouth breathing and fatigue from lack of restful sleep
Chronic tension /pain in jaw, neck, shoulders and throughout the body
Fatigue and irritability
Forward head posture , causing compromised posture for the whole body
Nervous system dysregulation ( contributes to chronic “fight or flight” stress response )
Difficulty with mental focus/ concentration
Loss of self-confidence in social situations, eating out, kissing, relationships
The next steps…
If you are experiencing several of the symptoms mentioned, the next step is to schedule a functional assessment. This one-hour evaluation will assess both anatomical restrictions and any functional limitations or impairments , to determine if you have a tongue or lip tie and whether treatment is recommended. This is a crucial step in gaining a better understanding of your condition, and we are here to support you throughout the process. Your comfort and clear understanding of the findings nd recommendations are our top priorities. And we ALWAYS respect the fact that the decision to accept or decline treatment is entirely up to you.
Taking the first step towards improved oral function can also mean reaching out to a myofunctional therapist for treatment. These professionals provide essential support, whether in person or via teletherapy, to prepare your orofacial musculature for a successful release. They guide you in developing proper tongue and lip posture, encouraging nasal breathing, and establishing correct swallowing techniques. At Quinte Tongue Tie, we are thrilled to have an “in-house” orofacial myofunctional therapist, Mrs Jenni Bridger, as part of our team. Jenni brings a wealth of passion and experience to the care of her patients .
Without the foundational work provided by myofunctional therapy, the benefits of any release may be limited. Think of it like knee surgery: without physical therapy, the initial improvements may fade as old habits resurface. To ensure lasting change and progress, addressing these long-standing compensating patterns is key.
Embracing myofunctional therapy is an investment in your long-term health. It's about building a stronger foundation for your oral function and overall well-being. So, if you’re considering this journey, remember that support is available, and the right guidance can lead to lasting positive outcomes!
We perform a frenuloplasty (tongue or lip tie release) using a state-of-the-art CO2 laser to release tongue-tie. This is a functional procedure to selectively remove and reshape the soft tissue restricting tongue or lip mobility, unlike a simple “clip”, which can be far more susceptible to relapse. With routine use of local anesthetic (“freezing “) discomfort during the procedure is typically very mild . and usually post- operative discomfort , when present, only lasts a few days and is manageable with over-the -counter pain medications such as Advil, Tylenol., or holistic compounds. Many adults notice improvements in neck tension and sleep quality within days. Our primary marker of success is a measurably significant improved ability to raise your lip or tongue without tension. Beyond that primary objective , patients can experience a wide range of highly individualized full body health benefits . Working with a myofunctional therapist pre- and post-surgically consistently enhances outcomes.
If you’d like to learn more about a tongue or lip tie release in adults, just reach out to our office by calling us at (613)-392-4757 or sending us a message.
Dr Bunt is a certified functional frenuloplasty provider trained under Dr Zaghi at the Breathe Institute. .
