Tongue & Lip Tie Screening for Teens & Adults
Screening teens and adults for a tongue or lip tie typically involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Here are some steps that may be involved in the screening process.
Medical History: Your teen or your medical history, including any previous concerns related to feeding, speech, dental or orthodontic issues, or other symptoms associated with tongue tie or lip tie are important to determining whether or not a frenectomy is recommended.
Visual Inspection:
For Tongue Tie Visual Examination: Conduct a thorough oral examination to assess the appearance and function of the tongue. Look for signs such as a heart-shaped or notched appearance of the tongue tip, limited range of motion, or any visible signs of a tight or short lingual frenulum (the band of tissue under the tongue).
Medical History: Your teen or your medical history, including any previous concerns related to feeding, speech, dental or orthodontic issues, or other symptoms associated with tongue tie or lip tie are important to determining whether or not a frenectomy is recommended.
Visual Inspection:
For Tongue Tie Visual Examination: Conduct a thorough oral examination to assess the appearance and function of the tongue. Look for signs such as a heart-shaped or notched appearance of the tongue tip, limited range of motion, or any visible signs of a tight or short lingual frenulum (the band of tissue under the tongue).
For Lip Tie Visual Examination: Conduct a visual examination of the adolescent's upper lip while at rest. Look for any visible signs of a tight or restricted attachment of the upper lip to the upper gum. Signs may include a thick or tight band of tissue connecting the lip to the gum, limited upward movement of the lip, or a noticeable gap between the front teeth.
Functional Assessment: Assess the individual's ability to perform various tongue and lip movements. This may involve evaluating their range of motion, ability to touch the roof of the mouth, move the tongue from side to side, or flange the upper lip outward. Note any difficulties or restrictions in these movements.
Feeding or Speech Evaluation: If the individual experiences ongoing challenges with feeding, speech, or other related issues, a more detailed evaluation may be necessary. This could involve assessing their ability to eat, drink, speak clearly, or perform specific tasks related to tongue or lip function.
Collaboration with Specialists: Based on the findings and severity of the suspected tongue or lip tie, the healthcare professional may refer the individual to specialists such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), speech-language pathologist, or a myofunctional therapist.
Feeding or Speech Evaluation: If the individual experiences ongoing challenges with feeding, speech, or other related issues, a more detailed evaluation may be necessary. This could involve assessing their ability to eat, drink, speak clearly, or perform specific tasks related to tongue or lip function.
Collaboration with Specialists: Based on the findings and severity of the suspected tongue or lip tie, the healthcare professional may refer the individual to specialists such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), speech-language pathologist, or a myofunctional therapist.
What is a typical treatment plan for Teens and Adults after being evaluated?
- Reach out to a myofunctional therapist: Myofunctional therapy involves working with a professional who can assist in preparing the tongue muscles for a release. This can be done through in-person sessions or teletherapy. The therapist helps to promote proper tongue and lip posture, nasal breathing, and correct swallowing techniques. Addressing these habits and compensations is crucial for long-term progress.
- Tongue tie or lip tie release with a CO2 laser: The recommended procedure for teens & adults is a frenectomy using a state-of-the-art CO2 laser. This surgery removes the tongue tie or lip tie restriction and sutures it with dissolvable stitches. Compared to a simple clip or snip with scissors, using a CO2 laser for this procedure allows for a more comprehensive removal of connective tissue or fascia fibers that hinder normal mobility.
- Local anesthetic and recovery: The tongue or lip tie release procedure is typically performed using a local anesthetic, without the need for sedation. While the procedure itself is virtually painless, some soreness can be expected for a couple of days afterward. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Tylenol can help manage discomfort. Many adults experience improvements within the first few days, such as reduced neck tension and improved sleep quality.
- Collaboration with a myofunctional therapist: It is emphasized that the best results are achieved by combining the tongue or lip tie release procedure with the guidance of a myofunctional therapist. This collaboration ensures that the underlying habits and compensations are addressed and corrected, enhancing the overall outcome of the treatment.