According to the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals (IATP), a tongue tie can be defined as, “An embryological remnant of tissue in the midline between the undersurface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth that restricts normal tongue movement.”

A lip tie occurs when the piece of tissue that connects the lip to the gum is attached too close to the teeth or extends beyond the teeth into the hard palate.

Buccal Ties (or cheek ties) are abnormally tight frenula in the cheeks. This is the rarest type of restriction. Controversy around buccal ties exists among providers performing “tie” surgeries.

• Tongue tie is also known as ankyloglossia.

• Frenulum is a connective band of tissue in the mouth serving to support a part (such as the tongue).

• Frenum is another name for frenulum.

• Frenula is plural for frenulum.

• Frena is plural for frenum.

• Frenectomy is the common name given to tongue tie surgery when the frenulum is removed. A laser is typically used for this procedure.

• Release is a term used to refer to a frenectomy or lip/tongue tie procedure because the lip or tongue can move more freely once the frenulum is released.

• Release Provider is a name often used to refer to a provider performing a frenectomy.

• Restriction is a commonly used term to describe the decreased range of motion of the lip or tongue (or cheeks) due to a tight frenulum.

Contact us for a free phone consultation and we can discuss whether we believe you or your child could benefit from a functional evaluation that will address breathing, sleep, feeding, articulation, the structure/function of the orofacial complex, and overall well-being.

We use a holistic approach and will make appropriate recommendations and referrals as needed for each client. Members of a collaborative team could include one or a combination of the following: speech-language pathologist with specialty training, orofacial myologist/myofunctional therapist, lactation consultant, dentist with specialty training, ENT with specialty training, orthodontist, craniosacral therapist, chiropractor, occupational therapist, and/or a physical therapist.

Medical necessity for undergoing any kind of surgery is always dependent upon how a person (baby, child, adult) is functioning and to be discussed with a specialty trained release provider. Sometimes therapy alone can make major positive changes and surgery is able to be avoided altogether. The nervous system of the client and family dynamics/goals are always important factors to be discussed and considered with your care team before any decision is made.

Dentists and ENTs typically perform this type of procedure. It should be noted that not all providers are created equal. Our company will provide you with recommendations on trusted providers who have advanced specialty training to perform procedures and use optimal timing of release for best results.

While tongue ties are being more commonly talked about, the importance of a functional evaluation from a skilled therapist with advanced specialty training and optimal timing of release unfortunately are not.

In order for an infant, child, or adult to gain functional benefits from a frenectomy, a lot more is involved than just going through a tongue tie surgery and doing active wound management stretches.

Neuromuscular re-education and strengthening are necessary to teach the muscles in the mouth new motor plans for functional improvements.

Our therapist has advanced specialty training in tethered oral tissues, infant feeding, picky eating, and myofunctional therapy to help people across the lifespan get the best results for lasting outcomes.

Oral dysfunction can present as: orthodontia relapse, audible breathing/snoring during sleep, clenching/grinding, neck/facial pain, lisp when speaking, picky eating, and being prone to cavities with consistent brushing and flossing.

While early intervention is always best, it is never too late to improve your oral function, which will in turn improve your overall health and well-being.