tongue ties
tongue ties in Greensboro, NC
Tongue Ties
Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is the restriction of tongue movement as a result of fusion or adherence of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A tongue-tie is therefore caused by a frenum that is abnormally short or attached too close to the tip of the tongue.
Tongue ties can lead to airway constriction by preventing the tongue from resting properly against the palate, which is essential for jaw and airway development. In both children and adults, untreated tongue ties may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing, mouth breathing, and TMJ issues.
When Do I Need to Treat a Tongue-Tie?
Dr. Dand recommends treatment when a tongue tie interferes with essential functions or development. In infants, signs include difficulty breastfeeding, poor latch, or slow weight gain. In children, speech delays, dental crowding, or sleep issues may indicate a need for intervention. Adults with tongue ties may experience snoring, sleep apnea, or jaw pain. A comprehensive airway assessment, including tongue tie screening and myofunctional evaluation, helps determine if treatment is necessary.
Infants
An infant frenectomy is a quick procedure (often under 60 seconds) using a CO2 laser to vaporizes the frenum under the tongue or upper lip to allow for better range of motion. It improves tongue mobility, aiding breastfeeding, sleep, and jaw development. Post-procedure, infants are encouraged to feed immediately, and therapy may be recommended to ensure proper tongue function and body tension release.
- Ideal latch for breastfeeding efficiency
- Normal speech development
- Ability to self-cleanse the mouth while eating
- Adequate swallowing patterns
- Proper facial growth and development
- Allows for fun things like eating ice cream, kissing, or sticking your tongue out to catch raindrops
Myomunchee
The MyoMunchee is an oral appliance used to promote healthy chewing and tongue function in infants and young children. It encourages proper jaw growth and supports airway development by stimulating bone growth through active chewing.
Children
Early intervention in children focuses on guiding jaw and airway development to prevent long-term issues. Dr. Dand uses appliances to promote wider, forward-growing jaws, ensuring adequate tongue space and airway size.
Clear aligners, along with expansion appliances, guide the growth of dental arches in children with baby and adult teeth. This non-invasive approach helps correct narrow palates and support healthy airway development.
The MyoBrace is an oral appliance that promotes proper tongue positioning, swallowing, and nasal breathing. It helps correct malocclusion and supports jaw growth, improving airway function and reducing sleep-related issues.
ADULTS
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a non-surgical technique used to widen the adult palates, creating more space for the tongue and improving nasal breathing. This helps alleviate sleep apnea and other airway-related issues.
Airway orthodontics in adults focuses on aligning teeth and jaws to optimize airway function. Techniques like 3D-printed ceramic brackets and wires address malocclusion and support better breathing and sleep.
Your Journey to Wellness Starts Here
Reach out to our team at 336-288-4499 or by sending a message and we’ll get your appointment scheduled. We’ll keep your smile healthy and thriving.
