Frenectomy in Boulder, CO

What is Lip & Tongue Tie?

In simple terms, a lip or tongue tie happens when the pieces of skin (called frenulum) that attach the upper lip to the gum or the tongue to the floor of the mouth are shorter, tighter, or thicker than usual. This can restrict movement, leading to a bunch of potential issues. Some patients might find they have one or both ties.

Symptoms of Lip & Tongue Tie

For both the young ones and the grown-ups, symptoms can vary:

• Trouble breastfeeding for infants: When their tongues can’t stick out enough, they might struggle to properly latch.
• Difficulty speaking clearly: Certain sounds may be difficult to form when the tongue doesn’t have a full range of motion.
• Issues with oral hygiene: Due to restricted tongue movement, it won’t be able to slide around the teeth and gums to clear debris.
• Challenges with certain activities: Some hobbies like playing wind instruments or fun meals like licking an ice cream cone can become a struggle.

Orthodontic issues over time: With the tongue being held so tightly to the floor of the mouth, it can prevent the lower jaw from developing properly, keeping it from growing outward and crowding the teeth. The sooner a tongue tie is fixed, the sooner you can get your bite realigned and have a healthier, stronger smile.