Tongue Tie /
Myofunctional Therapy
Personalized Treatment
Our approach to tongue ties is holistic and comprehensive. We will be doing a thorough evaluation, encompassing a full oral anatomical and functional assessment, along with a detailed review of medical and dental history.
Everyone has a frenum (the string under your tongue). If the frenum restricts the tongue function or affects the rest of your body, the tongue is “tied” or “tethered”. Not every tethered tongue needs surgical intervention. Myofunctional therapy as well as bodywork are key players to figuring out if the tissue is tied or just tight. We do not treat tongue ties without treating the fascia and function as well.
We understand that each individual's situation is unique, which is why we prioritize creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Our team is committed to providing expert guidance and support throughout the entire process, from evaluation to treatment and beyond.
In cases where additional support is needed, we collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals and facilitate referrals as necessary. Managing tongue tie is a multifaceted issue, and we recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We are dedicated to finding the best approach for you and your family.
Possible Signs of a Tongue Tie
- Unable to longer than an hour between feedings
- Slips off the nipple
- Falls asleep during feedings
- Clicking during feedings
- Never satisfied after feedings
- Slow/low weight gain
- Leaking at the breast/bottle
- Low tongue posture while crying
- Painful latching/damaged nipples
Child or Adult
- Poor tongue range of motion
- Chocking on food/water
- Difficulty with certain foods/textures
- Open mouth breathing
- Teeth clenching/grinding
- Narrow palate
- Failed orthodontia
- Tonsillectomy
- Tongue scalloping
- Low tongue posture
- Sleep apnea
Myofunctional therapy
Myofunctional therapy isn't a sprint; it's a marathon to retrain those muscles that have been putting in overtime for ages. When it comes to tackling a tongue tie, myofunctional therapy is the secret sauce. Just as you need physical therapy after hip surgery, you need myofunctional therapy after tongue tie surgery full body homiostasis and wellness.
There are four goals of myofunctional therapy:
-
Nasal breathing
-
Lips sealed while breathing and at rest
-
Correct tongue posture
-
Correct swallowing
Our Services
Tongue tie/Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation
12 months - 4 years 30 minutes - $75
Full oral and functional evaluation with medical and dental history. Please bring any images/diagnostic study findings with you, (i.e. CBCT, swallow study, x-rays, sleep study). Personalized treatment schedule and plan. Note: kids 12 months-3 years are difficult to assess and treat. Treatment plans for this age may include waiting, referrals for expansion, use of myofunctional tools, and surgery.
5 and older 30 minutes - $75
Full oral and functional evaluation with medical and dental history. Please bring any images/diagnostic study findings with you. Treatment may include referral for myofunctional therapy, bodywork, referral to airway specialist, referral for sleep studies, and surgery.
Myofunctional Therapy Services
12-15 treatment sessions - $1800
Once you have been evaluated and recommended for therapy, your first session is in the office and lasts about an hour. This will include a detailed medical/dental history, pictures taken as well as measurements and you will be given your myo kit. Once you have completed the initial in person appointment therapy may be done virtually.
Payment must be paid up front. This is like ortho treatment and you pay prior to treatment. If more treatment sessions are needed after completion of our program, $75/30 min.
We offer advanced care card payment options.
Tongue Tie Surgery
$450 - self pay only
This service includes a consultation prior to the surgery, the surgical intervention-all release sites included (lingual,labial,buccal), a bodywork adjustment pre/post release and a follow up wound check. For infants: follow up group therapy session that includes wound/weight checks.
Surgical procedure done by a pediatric dentist using a CO2 LightScalpel™ laser. He will perform an evaluation and diagnosis prior to procedure.
Discover our gentle and functional approach to tongue tie surgery, aimed at providing effective relief while prioritizing you and your child’s well-being. Our team understands the significance of addressing tongue tie with care and precision. Through our approach, we focus not only on correcting the physical restriction but also on optimizing oral function for improved feeding and overall health and wellness. We prioritize minimal intervention and utilize advanced techniques to maximize your results. Rest assured, you and your child's comfort and functional outcomes are at the forefront of our approach. Schedule with us for a compassionate and effective solution to tongue ties.
FAQ
The timeframe for seeing results in myofunctional therapy can vary based on individual factors and the specific issues being addressed. However, noticeable improvements are often observed within a few weeks to a few months with consistent practice and adherence to the therapy plan. It's essential to work closely with a qualified myofunctional therapist to monitor progress and adjust the therapy approach as needed.
Yes! Full tongue range of motion is essential at any age. Adults have been compensating longer and so therapy may need to take longer. Myofunctional therapy helps to strengthen and tone the tongue, lips and cheeks which has numerous benefits.
As with any surgery there is always risk. Possible complications include, but are not limited to: 1. Post surgical infection 2. Bleeding, local swelling, pain 3. Bruising on chin or cheek from the assistant holding child mouth open 4. Indentation around eyes from protective goggles 5. Allergic reaction to topical anesthetic 6. Transient numbness of the lips or tongue 7. Injury to the base of the tongue or the salivary gland openings below the tongue 8. Reattachment and scar formation.
