Functional Frenuloplasty + Myofunctional Therapy

A Chonological Timeline

The success of our tongue posture, swallowing education, closed mouth posture / nasal breathing portion of our practice is based on our ability to provide a complete and effective release of tethered oral tissue by incorporating a multidisciplinary protocol that integrates myofunctional therapy (and sometimes physical therapy, osteopathy, chiropractic) before, during, and after surgery.

Our tongue-tie release procedure is based on precision: releasing the appropriate extent of tissues for maximal relief; not to much, and not to little. The tongue is one of the most critical organs in our bodies as it has the ability to regulate and shape the orofacial structure and musculature. The un-tetherd mobility of the tongue is required for optimal breathing, swallowing, chewing, speech and oral hygiene functions, as well as for the development of the skeletal structures of the jaw and the airway. Because the tongue plays such an important role in so many functions, restricted mobility of the tongue may lead to compensatory behaviors that may negatively  affect nasal breathing and cause snoring due to low tongue posture, or contribute to chronic stress on the other muscles of the head and neck. The tongue also has connections to the whole body through a system of connective tissue know as fascia, and a restrictive tongue may place tension on the fascia networks causing neck tension, pain, and postural disfunction. Our functional frenuloplasty approach honors the changes that occur during a tongue-tie release and prepares the body for acceptance and optimal healing post-treatment.

Functional Evaluation:

Tongue Mobility and Compensation Patterns associated with:

1. Tension on attached gingiva

2. Floor of mouth elevation

3. Cervical neck engagement

4. Incomplete lingual palatal suction

5. Cannot elevate posterior tongue

6. Weak / Low tongue strength

7. Poor Endurance

8. Fasciculation

9. Tongue-Jaw dependency