Many parents first hear the term “tongue tie” or “lip tie” when their newborn struggles to breastfeed. While these conditions are often associated with infants, they can affect children and adults at every stage of life. What’s even more important is their role in airway development, breathing, and sleep.
At Integrative Dental of Denver, our team specializes in evaluating and treating tongue ties and lip ties in children and adults. If you are searching for a pediatric airway dentist in Denver or a tongue tie dentist near me, here’s what you need to know about how these conditions impact health and how treatment can help.
What Are Tongue Ties and Lip Ties?
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) under the tongue is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts normal tongue movement. A lip tie involves a similar restriction between the upper lip and the gums.
While these conditions can seem minor, the restrictions they create can affect:
- Breastfeeding and bottle feeding
- Speech development
- Jaw growth and alignment
- Breathing and airway function
- Sleep quality and posture
When left untreated, tongue ties and lip ties may contribute to long-term problems such as orthodontic crowding, TMJ pain, or sleep apnea.
Signs of Tongue and Lip Ties in Children
Parents in Denver often notice symptoms of ties early on, but they are not always recognized as the cause. Signs may include:
- Difficulty latching or feeding as an infant
- Gassy, colicky, or fussy behavior during feedings
- Speech delays or unclear speech as a toddler
- Mouth breathing or snoring at night
- Crowded or crooked teeth at an early age
- Difficulty swallowing certain foods
- Restless sleep or grinding teeth at night
If you’ve noticed these signs, a pediatric airway dentist can evaluate your child’s oral function and airway development to determine if a tongue or lip tie release is needed.
Tongue Ties, Lip Ties, and Airway Development
Tongue posture plays an essential role in how the jaws and airway develop. When the tongue is restricted, it often rests low in the mouth instead of against the palate. This limits natural expansion of the upper jaw, leading to:
- Narrow dental arches
- Reduced airway space
- Increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea
- TMJ strain due to improper jaw alignment
This is why many children who need airway orthodontics in Denver also have a history of tongue or lip restrictions. Releasing these ties allows the tongue to function properly, which supports better growth, breathing, and sleep.
How Tongue and Lip Tie Release Works
At Integrative Dental of Denver, we use advanced laser technology for frenectomy procedures. This approach is gentle, precise, and allows for faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods.
Benefits of Laser Release:
- Minimal bleeding
- Short procedure time
- Reduced discomfort
- Quick recovery
- Better long-term function when paired with therapy
For best results, we often combine tongue or lip tie release with myofunctional therapy — a series of exercises that retrain oral muscles and support healthy breathing.
The Link Between Ties, TMJ, and Sleep Apnea
Tongue and lip ties are not just feeding problems; they are functional issues that affect the airway and overall health.
- TMJ Disorders: Restricted oral function can contribute to jaw misalignment, leading to TMJ pain, headaches, and clenching.
- Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Poor tongue posture reduces airway space during sleep, increasing the risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
By addressing ties early, we can reduce the risk of these complications later in life.
Why Parents Choose an Airway Dentist for Tongue Tie Release
Not all providers treat ties the same way. A tongue tie dentist in Denver with airway training understands how restrictions impact not just feeding or speech, but also breathing, sleep, and long-term growth.
At Integrative Dental of Denver, our approach includes:
- Comprehensive airway evaluation before treatment
- Advanced laser release for precision and comfort
- Collaboration with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and myofunctional therapists
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal growth and development
FAQs About Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Release
How do I know if my child has a tongue tie or lip tie?
A pediatric airway dentist can evaluate oral tissues and function. Symptoms like feeding struggles, speech issues, or mouth breathing often suggest a tie.
Is the procedure safe for infants?
Yes. Laser frenectomy is safe and minimally invasive, with quick healing and little discomfort.
Will my child need additional treatment after release?
In many cases, myofunctional therapy is recommended to retrain muscles and improve function after the release.
Can adults benefit from tongue tie release?
Yes. Adults with TMJ pain, sleep apnea, or restricted tongue movement may see improvements in breathing and comfort after treatment.
Does insurance cover the procedure?
Coverage varies. Some plans may include tongue tie release under medical benefits, especially for feeding or airway-related issues.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Health
If you are concerned your child may have a tongue tie or lip tie, don’t wait to see if they “grow out of it.” Restrictions can have long-lasting effects on speech, sleep, and airway development.
Schedule an evaluation with our team at Integrative Dental of Denver today. Whether you’re searching for a pediatric airway dentist, a tongue tie dentist in Denver, or a trusted airway dentist near me, we are here to guide your family toward healthier growth and breathing.
