Approximately 10 percent of babies are born with tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. or lip tie (sometimes both) which affects a tongue’s range of motion and can hinder an infant’s nursing ability and, later, speech development. “Tongue-tie can also affect the way a child eats, speaks and swallows.  Sometimes tongue-tie may not cause problems. Some cases may require a simple surgical procedure for correction,” reports the Mayo Clinic.

Types of Frenectomy – Tongue/Lip Tie Correction

There are several frenums (two bands of tissue called frenums that are located in and around the teeth and gums) in the human body, but the two we will address today are issues with the labial frenums and the lingual frenums:

Labial Frenectomy (upper lip): A labial frenectomy most often involves the frenum attaching the upper lip to the upper jaw, usually in children as their teeth and gums develop. If the frenum is too short or tight, the ligament tissue can extend toward the two upper front teeth and cause a diastema, or gap in the teeth. It can also limit the movement of the lip and prevent the mouth from properly sealing. This leads to open mouth breathing, which in children impairs the development of nose breathing and by extension proper airway and jaw development. It can also cause gum recession, reports Frenectomy.net.

Labial Frenectomy (lower lip): The lower lip frenectomy is done for similar reasons as the upper lip, generally to stop periodontal problems and gum recession. But it is also performed in older adults who are being fitted for dentures. When the lips move, the frenum can pull the dentures loose, leading to improper fit.

Lingual Frenectomy (under tongue): The lingual frenum is the tight cord underneath the tongue that tethers the tongue in its resting position. In most people, there’s sufficient flexibility that the tongue can move around and perform its functions for speaking and eating. But if it’s too tight/short it restrains the tongue too low. This is commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied.”

“If the tongue is held too low, in young children it will hinder correct growth of the jaw and cause long-term orthodontic problems and sometimes sleep apnea. Second, it can keep the tongue from pressing properly against the upper palate during swallowing, pressing it instead between the teeth and preventing the bite from closing all the way over time. Finally, being tongue-tied is a common culprit for lisping,” writes Frenectomy.net.

The Frenectomy Procedure

Some children will have only one attachment, but it is possible for a child to have a tongue attachment and one or both of the lips attached. Infants can only receive some forms of anesthesia, such as an Orajel-type cream. Sometimes young children will be administered laughing gas to calm them. The area is numbed and Dr. Bockrath will make precise incisions to free the attachment. Depending on how much of frenum is severed or removed, there may be sutures to reposition the tissue. Expect some bleeding, some discomfort and possibly dental stitches that will dissolve over time. The procedure only takes a few minutes with mild discomfort only lasting a couple days. The site will usually heal in a couple of weeks time, or sooner.

How Do You Know if Your Infant Needs Tongue Tie Correction?

To determine if your child has a tongue-or lip-tie, you will have to observe your infant’s mouth. Is there an attachment underneath either the top or bottom lip. If so, how large is the attachment? Everyone should have a small attachment in these areas just inside the upper and lower lips. However, that attachment should be minimal. If you notice that it’s difficult to pull either of the lips outward or the tongue doesn’t move around much, then there could be an attachment. You will have to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bockrath (or for your child’s primary care physician) to be sure.

The Benefits of Tongue or Lip Tie Correction

Patients that need tongue tie correction are advised to seek treatment because of the immediate and positive benefits treatment offers. Long-term periodontal improvements and problems with nursing and be solved with the procedure. In the case of a lingual frenectomy, it can be a much simpler procedure if done early on rather than waiting until later in childhood or adolescence.

Call for a Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Correction Evaluation

If you want to know more about the advantages of Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Correction call our office today. Mountain Aire Dentistry, located in Broomfield, CO, is a general and family dentistry practice. We are passionate about helping you and your children achieve and maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful smile! We focus on prevention, tooth preservation, and awareness and make every effort to treat our patients the way we treat members of our own family. We offer comprehensive care for your dental needs in a relaxed and efficient atmosphere.  We look forward to meeting you and your family! Call us today at (303) 731-7755 to make an appointment.