Tongue Tie and Lip Release

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the thin band of tissue under the tongue called the lingual frenulum is too short or tight. This limits how freely the tongue can move, which can cause challenges at any age.

For infants, this often means difficulty latching, painful breastfeeding for mom, or slow weight gain. For children, it can lead to speech delays or sleep issues. And for adults, tongue tie may cause ongoing problems with speech, eating, oral hygiene, and even breathing.

The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, these challenges can often be resolved improving comfort, function, and overall quality of life.

Tongue Tie in Infants and Children

Many parents notice tongue tie early in life. Common signs in babies and children include:

• Trouble latching or painful breastfeeding
• Slow weight gain due to feeding difficulties
• Clicking sounds while nursing
• Gassiness or reflux linked to poor feeding
• Speech delays as the child grows
• Mouth breathing or snoring during sleep

At Blue Heron Dental Centre, Dr. Alena Yurchuk has extensive experience diagnosing and treating infants and children with tongue tie. She works closely with parents to make the process safe, gentle, and effective.

Tongue Tie in Adults

For adults, tongue tie can affect:

• Speech clarity and articulation
• Comfort while eating or swallowing
• Oral hygiene (increased risk of gum disease)
• Breathing and sleep quality (including sleep apnea)
• Chronic tension in the tongue, jaw, or neck

Our Treatment Approach

Surgical Treatment:

Unlike traditional surgical procedures, we use advanced dental laser technology for tongue tie release:

• Minimally invasive – No stitches, very little bleeding
• Less painful – Reduced discomfort during and after treatment
• Faster healing – Most patients (infants and adults) notice rapid recovery
• Precise – The laser allows accurate, controlled treatment for better outcomes

There are two common types for this condition:

• Frenotomy: A minor procedure that involves snipping the frenulum to release the tongue. It is quick, often done without general anesthesia, and has minimal recovery time.
• Frenectomy or Frenuloplasty: These procedures are more extensive, involving the removal or modification of the frenulum using surgical tools or lasers. These treatments are typically done under general anesthesia, ensuring precise and controlled results.

This makes laser tongue tie release especially effective for infants, since healing is quick and feeding often improves immediately after treatment.

Myofunctional Therapy:

This involves exercises to strengthen the tongue and surrounding muscles, improving overall oral function. It is particularly effective in conjunction with surgical treatments. To learn more about it, please refer to our Myofunctional Therapy service page.

Speech Therapy:

Speech-language pathologists can help improve tongue mobility and speech clarity through targeted exercises, beneficial for those with compensatory speech patterns due to tongue tie. We will refer you to a Speech-language pathologist if we determine that this will benefit your case.

Combination Therapy:

For optimal outcomes, combining surgical and therapeutic approaches ensures structural correction and functional improvement.

How We Diagnose This Condition

If you suspect you have a tongue tie, a thorough examination by a qualified dentist is essential. At Blue Heron Dental Centre, Dr. Alena Yurchuk specializes in diagnosing and treating tongue tie. Dr. Yurchuk will perform a visual inspection (at our dental office in London, Ontario) and palpation of the frenulum, assess tongue mobility, and possibly recommend imaging techniques for detailed analysis.

Benefits of Tongue Tie Release

The benefits of undergoing tongue tie release include:

• Enhanced speech and articulation.
• Improved ability to eat and swallow comfortably.
• Better oral hygiene and reduced risk of dental issues.
• Relief from breathing difficulties and improved sleep quality.
• Reduced chronic pain and muscle tension in the facial and neck areas.

Why Choose Blue Heron Dental Centre?

At Blue Heron Dental Centre in London, Ontario, your comfort and well-being come first. Dr. Alena Yurchuk has helped many infants, children, and adults overcome the challenges of tongue tie with safe, effective treatment. Whether your baby is struggling to feed, your child is experiencing speech delays, or you as an adult are dealing with discomfort or sleep issues, we are here to help.

Using advanced laser technology, our team provides gentle procedures with less pain, faster healing, and better long-term results compared to traditional surgery. From your first consultation to recovery, we’ll guide you every step of the way and ensure you feel supported and confident in your care.

If you’re ready to improve feeding, speech, comfort, or sleep, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yurchuk. Together, we’ll find the treatment option that’s right for you or your child.

Contact Us

For more information about our Tongue Tie Release services or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office directly. At Blue Heron Dental Centre, your health and well-being are our top priorities.

• Phone: 226-884-0993
• Online Booking
• Address: 9 Southdale Rd East #6, London, ON N6C 6B4