Laser Tongue & Lip Tie

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Laser Tongue & Lip Tie

What Exactly is a Tongue or Lip Tie?

It is a congenital abnormality, which decreases the mobility of the tongue or lip. The frenum (the bit that causes the tie) is a normal part of anatomy, but it can be too thick, too short, or attached in the wrong place. Defective frenums lead to a restriction in the range of motion of the tongue or lip.

What are Common Symptoms of Tongue and Lip Ties?

There are many symptoms which you might be surprised to learn are related to this problem. Symptoms are not just evident during early infancy and childhood. Our tongue functions throughout life and so some symptoms can continue in the long term. The wheel below shows the most common related symptoms. Please note that a tongue tie can affect the individual throughout life. Good tongue function is not just for breastfeeding in infancy. Other symptoms can range from malocclusion, to snoring to getting tired during speaking and eating

How is Tongue and Lip Tie Diagnosed?

Tongue or lip ties present in many different shapes and forms. It is essential that whoever is diagnosing the tie has been well trained in looking for them. Clinical experience is key. A thorough visual examination as well as complete investigation of the functional challenges, and symptoms; together with manual palpation and examination of the mouth are all necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. It is not possible to diagnose the problem accurately from a photograph, or by having a quick visual inspection.

How is it corrected at mYofocUs?

A tongue or lip tie release, sometimes called a frenectomy is performed using a medical laser. If the patient is a baby, diagnosis is done in conjunction with a lactation consultant, or mid-wife who will usually be present on the same day as the appointment. It is a quick procedure, performed in the dental chair. However, there is an extensive consultation prior to the procedure. At MyoFocus, we aim to treat as comprehensively as possible. We work closely with local body workers, such as chiropractors, and osteopaths in order to help release tension in the head and neck region, before and after the surgery. This inter-disciplinary approach helps to ensure that a whole body approach is taken. The tongue and lip muscles are not isolated structures, and so dysfunction within them leads to compensatory actions elsewhere in the head and neck region.

How successful is the treatment?

Providing there is thorough removal of the restrictive attachment, many of the challenges with proper feeding (for infants) can be reduced in the vast majority of cases, providing our post operative instructions are fully adhered to. These instructions include:

seeing a body worker (chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist)

post-operative stretches to help reduce chances of re-attachment-myofunctional exercises before and after the procedure (for children and adults)

keeping in close contact with a lactation consultant (for infants)

Research suggests that releasing the tongue tie can improve muscle function.
Download frenulectomy and muscle activity

Further research indicates that tongue tie adversely affects breastfeeding and that release of the restriction can help with breastfeeding
Tongue Tie and Breastfeeding Difficulty

Tongue Tie Release Can Help Breastfeeding

How does the laser remove the restriction?

Laser surgery allows a layer by layer, thorough removal of the attachment of lip and/or tongue tie. It is a relatively quick and straightforward process, not requiring general anaesthetics, sutures or oral medications.

Lasers are an excellent alternative to scissors or a scalpel as a means to alter soft tissue. In laser terms the tissue is “ablated”. Light energy is used to remove tissue rather than cutting with scissors or scalpels.