Don't Just Free It, Make It Functional
Did you know there are different levels of tongue tie releases?
Functional Frenectomies or Frenuloplasties are the release of choice among myofunctional therapists.
A functional frenuloplasty allows the release provider to complete the most precise removal of tethered oral tissues, including posterior tissues.
Without a functional release there is a greater risk of maintaining a posterior tongue tie attachment. The risk of scar tissue formation and re-attachment also increases when a functional frenuloplasty is not performed.
If needed, we will put you in touch with Functional Frenectomy providers in your area.
Steps to Making it Functional
Preparing with Myofunctional Therapy
Preparing for a frenectomy with Myofunctional therapy allows you to strengthen and tone your tongue and orofacial tissues. This preparation makes it easier for your doctor to see where the fascia restrictions are and only release the tissues that are holding the tongue down.
Because tethered oral tissues are part of a body wide fascial system, craniosacral and cranial chiropractic care is often included in preparation for a functional frenectomy.
Choose a Functional Release
You can’t release what you can’t see.
Functional Frenectomies safely release deeper tissue restrictions and provide the best visualization of tethered oral tissues for your doctor.
Sutures are utilized to promote primary wound closure and ensure minimal restrictive scar tissue formation.
Myofunctional therapy tones the muscle and organizes the fascia/tissue structures. This reduces surgical bleeding and allows your doctor to see deeper restrictions that can be holding your tongue down.
Creating a lifetime of healthy movement
Myofunctional therapy teaches the tongue how to work properly. Even if it has been restricted for decades, you can create lifelong patterns of health. Following a release, myofunctional therapy helps reduce scar tissue formation which can contribute to reattachment.
Continuing with a therapy plan ensures your tongue is moving and functioning at its full potential and that proper habits have been obtained for a lifetime of healthy oral habits.
Choosing a Functional Release
During a functional release your doctor is able to remove not only the superficial tissues restricting the tongue, but deeper fascia/tissue restrictions that surround and hold the tongue muscle down.
Fully functional tongue releases use myofunctional therapy to prepare the tongue for and rehabilitate after your surgical release. Without a full functional release the tongue may never gain its full range of movement and it can heal with scar tissue which can continue to hold the tongue down. Myofunctional therapy teaches the tongue how to work properly, even if it has been restricted for decades, creating lifelong patterns of health.
Myofunctional therapy is not just a list of exercises. It is a customized exercise plan that builds upon your progress. Myofunctional therapy works neurologically to re-patten dysfunctional behaviors, allowing for optimal tongue movement and function.
You're not in this alone. We will help you find a trusted functional frenectomy provider in your area.
Already received a frenectomy?
It is common to notice initial improvements in movement after any level of frenectomy. If you are still wondering if tongue is moving at its full potential a myofunctional assessment may help determine if there is remaining tethered oral tissue. Often a structured therapy plan is enough to see lasting improvements. Sometimes revision procedures are needed to achieve full tongue function.