Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties
Advanced Dentistry of Amarillo is proud to be the one of the only offices in the panhandle that regularly performs tongue and lip-tie releases (frenectomies) with the use of a CO2 laser (LightScalpel). The LightScalpel is the premier surgical laser for tongue and lip tie procedures. This procedure is commonly performed on infants 0-12 months of age to help with trouble breastfeeding and to facilitate proper oral posture and development. It is often indicated on adults as well. Having a frenectomy procedure as an adult helps with proper oral posture, myofunctional therapy, and can even improve sleep apnea due to helping the tongue rest elevated in the roof of the mouth like it should while sleeping, instead of falling back into the throat/airway. If this treatment is recommended, we will guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible!
Dr. Miller is highly trained in myofunctional therapy and tongue/lip tie release procedures. He has been trained by the leaders in the field – Dr. Soroush Zaghi and Dr. Gregory Lane. As a Zhagi method release center, Advanced Dentistry of Amarillo is a certified Breathe Institute Ambassador practice. Dr. Miller regularly releases tongue & lip ties for all ages, from infants to adults.
What Is a Tongue-tie or Lip-tie?
Before we are born, cords of tissue form to guide the development of the mouth, called “frenums.” These frenums are supposed to recede and thin by birth, but in about 5-10% of children, this does not occur for the tongue and/or lip. This leaves the tongue and/or lips “tied down.”
Tongue-tie (or ankyloglossia) is a condition that limits the use of the tongue. Lip-tie is a condition where the upper or lower lip cannot be curled or moved normally. For adults with gummy smiles, releasing the upper lip frenum can reduce the gummy smile as well.
The tongue and lips are moved by a complex group of muscles and are important for all oral functions and proper facial and dental growth. For this reason, having a tongue-tie or a lip-tie early in life can lead to nursing, feeding, and bite problems, speech problems, and even TMJ and breathing issues later on in life. Problems from an untreated tie can persist into adulthood with migraines, neck pain, and shoulder pain.
If your baby experiences any of these symptoms, please give us a call!
No latch or poor latch
Prolonged feeding
Frequent feeding
Baby seems unsatisfied despite long feeding and adequate milk supply
Baby falls asleep on the breast
Colic and/or reflux symptoms
Baby gums or bites the nipple rather than sucking
Poor weight gain
Inability to hold the pacifier
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your child evaluated for tongue or lip-tie. The sooner the tongue is released the better off the child will be.
Dr. Miller also knows that a proper tongue tie release is a process, not just a procedure. We assess feeding, postural stability, and refer to bodyworkers, myofunctional therapists, IBCLCs, and chiropractors as needed. Dr. Miller is also trained in myofunctional therapy himself.
We also provide adjunctive treatments as needed to improve tie release outcomes, including The Breathe Institute Serrapeptase protocol, Kenalog-10, and specialized myofunctional therapy exercises.