ABOUT FUNCTIONAL FRENECTOMIES
Need a frenectomy, NYC? Better known as tongue-tie release, we offer functional frenectomies with a laser for optimal patient comfort. If the small band of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth significantly reduces tongue movement, you may be a candidate for a frenectomy.
WHAT PROBLEMS DOES TONGUE-TIE CAUSE?
If the tongue can’t move freely in the mouth, it can result in limited jaw and palate growth during childhood. Ultimately, a smaller jaw means less room for adult teeth to grow in, which is what we see as “crowding” requiring orthodontic intervention and palatal expansion.
Caregivers may notice their child struggling with speech development, or having difficulty eating certain foods, or snoring and having trouble sleeping still at night. Kids are often labeled as being “picky eaters” when they avoid foods that are difficult to manage with a functionally restricted tongue.
Excessive frenum attachment of the tongue and lips will frequently negatively impact the growth and development of a child and is often first noted during difficulty with breastfeeding. A properly positioned tongue acts as a scaffolding for the palate. Lips that are free from restriction hold the teeth in place preventing flaring. Frenum restrictions can lead to the following problems throughout our lifetime:
- Altered/restricted development of the dental arches and jaws
- Crowded teeth or severely flared teeth
- Limited orofacial muscle movement
- Improper swallowing and difficulty swallowing
- Messy eating
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Gum problems
- Inadequate lip seal/open mouth resting posture
- Open bite, deep bite, cross bite
- Altered head and neck posture
- Neck and back muscle pain
- Nasal sinus congestion
- Airway obstruction disorders: Snoring, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, Sleep Apnea
The good news is that this is a very quick and relatively painless issue to correct. Dr. Lena and her team work with those who have tongue-tie before the frenectomy to ensure a smooth transition after the procedure.
“We have our tongue-tie patients work with a myofunctional therapist to create optimal muscle strength before we do the frenectomy,” she says. “We want them to have a chance to practice knowing where to lift their tongue, where it will naturally sit, and make sure those muscles are set up to function properly. The frenectomy and the myofunctional therapy work together to create the best possible outcome.”
