https://youtu.be/KYvm_cvgUcg

This is a physical limitation that affects tongue mobility, function and rest posture. Tongue ties are detrimental to dental and facial growth and development. Patients with a restricted frenum attachment often times display mouth breathing, open mouth posture, and a tongue thrust swallowing pattern. Infants may display this with having trouble breastfeeding due to trouble latching. The infant may have trouble gaining weight as a result. Children with a tongue tie can present with difficulty with speech and articulation. Chewing and swallowing may be difficult, also leading to a picky or messy eater. Mouth breathing and open mouth posture generally is present with forward head posture and sleep disordered breathing. With healthy tongue function, the tip of the tongue should be able to rest comfortably against the roof of the mouth (the palate).

We currently describe ‘tongue tie’ or ‘tongue restriction’ in 5 dimensions
- how far you can stick out the tongue*
- how far you lift the tongue up to the incisive papilla (just behind the upper back teeth with mouth open)*
- how far you can open your mouth while your tongue is fully suctioned to the roof of your mouth*
- how much the floor of the mouth, neck and other muscles help you to suction your tongue or lift your
tongue to the spot
- muscle tension caused by the first three

* these first three are well documented in the scientific literature, research is still ongoing to quantify the 4th & 5th dimensions of tongue restriction, we know they are related but researchers are still working to define how they are measured reliably.

When I meet with you part of the comprehensive exam will be to take several measurements of your tongue range of motion and discuss the restrictions you have. If a tongue tie release is recommended, I will refer you to a highly qualified surgeon who has taken additional training in tongue tie assessment and treatment to release the tissues that are holding you back from normal function.
The tongue tie release will be done mid-therapy after you have developed muscle tone and coordination with the muscles around the frenulum. Once the release is completed we will work together to develop the tone, coordination and function of the newly released tongue and work towards optimal oral muscle function.

Below are peer reviewed research studies, systemic reviews, meta studies/analysis, medical reviews, case reports, and research papers pertaining to Orofacial Myofuntional Therapy (OMT) and treatment/relation to the following:

Lingual Frenuloplasty With Myofunctional Therapy: Exploring Safety and Efficacy in 348 Cases
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.297?campaign=Bestof19&fbclid=IwAR3PZxPZ1CcukKNJDhSu9ScTiItSsAy-cnmiwT127YXRC_RmqQ3sPDKPBrM

A description of a ‘functional release’ combining myofunctional therapy with a tongue tie release
https://www.lightscalpel.com/publications/tongue-tie-functional-release/

Below are peer reviewed research studies, systemic reviews, meta studies/analysis, medical reviews, case reports, and research papers pertaining to Orofacial Myofuntional Therapy (OMT) and treatment/relation to the following:

Relapse of anterior open bites treated with orthodontic appliances with and without orofacial myofunctional therapy
https://www.ajodo.org/article/S0889-5406(09)01331-6/fulltext

Ankyloglossia as a risk factor for maxillary hypoplasia and soft palate elongation: A functional – morphological study
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bbf6664f4755a71f307059f/t/5f9c926a00c8e0323add3b6d/1604096630168/anklyoglossia+evidence+zhaghi.pdf

Why Every Dentist and Orthodontist Should Have an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist on Their Team
https://dentalsleeppractice.com/ce-articles/why-every-dentist-and-orthodontist-should-have-an-orofacial-myofunctional-therapist-on-their-team/