Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Release: How It Can Help Speech, Feeding, and Oral Health
For infants, children, and even adults, tongue tie and lip tie can cause challenges that go beyond appearance. These conditions may interfere with feeding, speech, and overall oral development. Many parents first notice the issue when their baby struggles with breastfeeding, while others only recognize it later in life when speech problems or dental concerns appear.
Thankfully, modern orthodontic and dental care offers effective solutions through tongue tie and lip tie release. In this blog, we’ll explore what these conditions are, how treatment works, and the ways release procedures can improve speech, feeding, and long-term oral health for patients in El Paso.
What Are Tongue Tie and Lip Tie?
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and lip tie occur when the tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth is too tight or restrictive.
Tongue Tie
- Caused by a short or thick band of tissue (lingual frenulum) under the tongue.
- Can limit tongue movement, affecting feeding and speech.
Lip Tie
- Caused by an overly tight band of tissue (labial frenulum) between the upper lip and gums.
- Can prevent a proper latch during feeding or cause spacing between teeth.
Both conditions can be mild or severe, and symptoms vary depending on the patient’s age.
How Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Affect Health
The impact of these conditions depends on when they are identified and treated.
In Infants
- Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- Poor latch, leading to frustration for both baby and parent
- Insufficient weight gain due to feeding challenges
In Children
- Speech difficulties, especially pronouncing sounds like “t,” “d,” “r,” and “l”
- Trouble licking, swallowing, or clearing food from the mouth
- Dental crowding or improper oral development
In Adults
- Persistent speech difficulties
- Limited tongue mobility affecting oral hygiene
- Gum recession or gaps between teeth from lip tie tension
How Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Release Works
Modern orthodontic and dental practices often use lasers to perform quick, comfortable release procedures.
The Process Step by Step
- Evaluation: The orthodontist examines the mouth, tongue, and lip for restriction severity.
- Anesthesia: A numbing agent is applied for comfort, especially in children and adults.
- Laser Release: A soft tissue laser gently removes or loosens the restrictive frenulum.
- Immediate Improvement: Infants often feed more effectively right after the procedure. Children and adults notice improved tongue mobility.
- Recovery: Minimal bleeding and discomfort; healing usually occurs within days. Exercises may be recommended to support long-term results.
Benefits of Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Release
Choosing this procedure can provide a wide range of improvements in daily life and health.
- Better Feeding: Infants can latch properly, reducing frustration for both baby and mother.
- Improved Speech: Children and adults often experience clearer pronunciation and articulation.
- Enhanced Oral Health: Proper tongue function aids swallowing, breathing, and cleaning the mouth naturally.
- Facilitated Orthodontics: Removing restrictions supports proper jaw and dental development.
- Increased Comfort: Eliminates tension caused by restricted tissue and improves oral function overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients report little to no pain. For infants, the procedure is quick and requires minimal anesthesia. Adults and children may feel mild discomfort but recover quickly.
How long is recovery?
Healing usually takes a few days. Stretching or oral exercises may be recommended to prevent reattachment.
Will releasing a tongue tie improve my child’s speech immediately?
Speech often improves, but some children may benefit from speech therapy to retrain muscle patterns.
Can adults benefit from tongue tie release?
Yes. Adults who have lived with speech or oral restrictions often notice significant improvement in comfort, clarity of speech, and oral hygiene.
Are laser procedures safe for babies?
Yes. Laser frenectomy is precise, minimally invasive, and widely considered safe for infants.
Conclusion
Tongue tie and lip tie release can transform feeding, speech, and oral health for patients of all ages. By addressing these conditions early, parents can prevent long-term complications, while older patients can enjoy improved comfort and function.
At
Hansen Orthodontics in El Paso, our team uses advanced laser technology to perform quick, comfortable, and effective releases. Whether for a newborn struggling to feed or an adult seeking better oral health, we provide compassionate care and personalized treatment to help every patient thrive.
