Tongue Tie

Tongue tie is a condition where a tight band of tissue under the tongue limits its movement. This can affect speech, feeding, and oral function.

SCROLL

Understanding tongue restriction

What is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenum, the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is unusually tight or short. This can restrict the tongue’s movement. Limited tongue mobility may affect speech development, swallowing, or oral comfort.

When treatment may be recommended

When do you need treatment for Tongue Tie?

Treatment may be recommended when tongue movement is restricted enough to affect speech, feeding, or oral development. A simple procedure called a tongue-tie release can improve mobility and support normal function.

Benefits of Tongue Tie Treatment

Improve tongue mobility

Treatment for tongue tie helps release restricted tongue movement.

Support speech development

Improved tongue mobility can assist with speech clarity.

Improve oral function

Releasing tongue restriction may improve swallowing and oral movement.

20+

years of surgical experience

If something feels wrong in your mouth, don’t ignore it

Problems like missing teeth, bleeding gums, or ongoing pain rarely stay the same. An appointment helps you see what’s happening now and what to do before it gets worse.

16,000+

Complex cases treated

Tongue Tie Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the tongue restriction.

001

Tongue-Tie Release (Frenotomy)

A simple procedure that releases the restrictive tissue under the tongue.

Quick release

002

Laser Tongue-Tie Release

A minimally invasive laser procedure designed to release tongue restriction.

Laser treatment

003

Frenectomy Procedure

A more advanced release procedure when deeper tissue restriction is present.

Tissue release

Frequently asked questions about Tongue Tie

What are the signs of tongue tie?

Tongue tie may be recognised by several physical or functional signs. In infants, it can cause difficulty with breastfeeding, including poor latch, clicking sounds while feeding, or prolonged feeding times. In older children or adults, tongue tie may appear as limited tongue movement, difficulty sticking the tongue out, or a heart-shaped appearance at the tip of the tongue.

Some people may also notice challenges with certain tongue movements such as licking the lips or moving the tongue freely.

Can tongue tie affect speech?

Tongue tie can sometimes affect speech development, particularly when the tongue cannot move freely enough to form certain sounds. Sounds that require precise tongue movement, such as “t”, “d”, “s”, “th”, “n”, or “l”, may be more difficult to pronounce clearly in some cases. However, not every person with tongue tie experiences speech difficulties, and the impact can vary depending on the degree of restriction.

Does tongue tie always require treatment?

Tongue tie does not always require treatment. In mild cases, the condition may not cause any noticeable problems and may improve naturally as the mouth grows and develops. Treatment is usually considered only if tongue movement significantly affects feeding, speech, or oral function. A dentist or healthcare professional can assess the severity and determine whether intervention is necessary.

How is tongue tie treated?

When treatment is recommended, tongue tie can be corrected with a minor procedure called a frenotomy or fraenectomy. During this procedure, the tight band of tissue under the tongue is released to allow greater movement. The procedure is typically quick and straightforward, and in many cases healing occurs rapidly. Treatment decisions are usually based on symptoms, age, and how much the restriction affects normal oral function.

At what age can tongue tie be treated?

Tongue tie can be treated at different stages of life depending on when symptoms appear. In infants who have difficulty breastfeeding, treatment may be considered within the first weeks or months of life. In older children or adults, treatment may be recommended if tongue movement affects speech, oral function, or comfort. A dental or medical professional can assess the restriction and determine the appropriate timing for treatment.

Have more questions about Tongue Tie?

If something isn’t clear or you’d like more information, contact the clinic and our team will be happy to help. We can answer general questions, explain what different options involve, and clarify what steps may be appropriate based on your situation.

Articles related to Tongue Tie

Articles related to Tongue Tie, helping you understand how tongue restriction may affect oral function and when treatment may be recommended.

Results that show what
our doctors can do

Real results from real patients, helping you see what’s possible when care is planned properly and carried out with experience.

TREATMENT

Dental Implants

aftercare time

Approx 1 week

TREATMENT

Dental Implants

aftercare time

Approx 1 week

TREATMENT

Dental Implants

aftercare time

Approx 1 week

TREATMENT

Dental Implants

aftercare time

Approx 1 week

TREATMENT

Dental Implants

aftercare time

Approx 1 week

TREATMENT

Dental Implants

aftercare time

Approx 1 week

TREATMENT

Dental Implants

aftercare time

Approx 1 week

TREATMENT

Dental Implants

aftercare time

Approx 1 week

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Treatment of Interest

Post Code

Message

By submitting this form, you agree we can use your details to respond and support your care. We handle your information confidentially in line with our Privacy Policy.

If something feels wrong in your mouth, don’t ignore it.

Just tell us what you’re dealing with and where you’re based. If you’re unsure what to book, we’ll guide you to the best first step.

Tongue Tie

What is Tongue Tie?

When do you need treatment for Tongue Tie?