At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we understand that deciding to pursue frenectomy treatment involves careful consideration. While improvements in feeding or speech are often the primary motivation, treating lip and tongue ties may support broader aspects of development. Results vary between patients.

Frenectomy procedures are provided by Dr Hany Aziz (DEN0000989492), Registered Dentist.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. We will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes during your consultation.

Some patients may experience improvements in feeding following treatment:

• Latch: Some infants may achieve a more effective latch during breastfeeding
• Nursing Comfort: Some mothers report reduced discomfort during breastfeeding
• Feeding Efficiency: More effective feeding may support weight gain in some infants
• Reduced Symptoms: Some infants experience fewer symptoms of colic, reflux, or air intake during feeding

Following treatment, we encourage breastfeeding to begin establishing new patterns. We recommend consultation with a lactation specialist who can provide guidance on technique and support during the transition.

Treating lip and tongue ties may support development in several areas. Individual outcomes vary.

Jaw Development

Untreated tongue tie may cause the tongue to rest lower in the mouth than usual, which can:

• Contribute to a more V-shaped lower jaw rather than a U-shape
• Contribute to crowded teeth that may require orthodontic treatment
• Affect alignment between upper and lower jaws
• Affect swallowing patterns

Frenectomy treatment aims to support proper tongue positioning, which may contribute to natural jaw development.

Breathing Patterns

Untreated tongue tie may contribute to less efficient breathing patterns:

• In infants, it may affect coordination of breathing and feeding
• Some children develop a pattern of mouth breathing due to tongue positioning
• Mouth breathing may contribute to tonsil issues and affect respiratory efficiency

By supporting correct tongue positioning, frenectomy may help establish nasal breathing patterns.

Postural Development

The impact of tongue tie may extend beyond the mouth:

• Low tongue posture may affect head and neck alignment
• Proper tongue position may support cervical spine development
• Improved oral function may contribute to overall posture

Treatment aims to support proper oral posture.

Speech Clarity

Tongue tie can affect speech development:

• Difficulty with sounds requiring tongue-to-palate contact (such as “t,” “d,” “l,” “n”)
• Challenges with sounds requiring tongue movement (such as “r”)
• Limitations with certain sounds (such as “s,” “z”)

Frenectomy treatment addresses these restrictions, which may support clearer articulation. Speech therapy is often recommended to help develop new movement patterns.

Sleep Quality

Restricted oral tissues may affect sleep quality:

• Increased likelihood of snoring
• Potential for sleep-disordered breathing
• Disrupted sleep patterns

By supporting proper tongue positioning and breathing patterns, treatment may contribute to improved sleep. Results vary between patients.

Other Potential Benefits

Beyond these areas, treating lip and tongue ties may contribute to:

• Comfort: Reduced tension in oral and facial muscles for some patients
• Eating: More comfortable eating for some patients
• Prevention: May reduce the risk of some future complications related to breathing, sleep, and dental issues

Earlier intervention may provide benefits, but improvements may be seen at various ages. If you or your child experience challenges with feeding, speech, breathing, sleep, or oral comfort, a consultation to evaluate for lip or tongue tie may be helpful.

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, our approach addresses not just the physical restriction but provides support for establishing proper function following treatment. Our team works with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and other health professionals to support your treatment outcomes.

Call our North Mackay office today at (07) 3062 7662 to learn more about how lip and tongue tie treatment may benefit you or your child.