Types of Oral Ties
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
- A band of tissue connecting the tongue too tightly to the floor of the mouth
- Can restrict tongue movement and affect various functions
- May be obvious or subtle depending on the severity
Lip Tie
- Tissue that connects the upper lip too tightly to the gums
- Can affect feeding and dental development
- May create a gap between front teeth
Cheek Tie (Buccal Tie)
- Restricting tissue inside the cheeks
- Can affect feeding and oral hygiene
- May cause food to get trapped in the cheeks
Signs and Symptoms
In Infants
- Difficulty latching during feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Clicking sounds while nursing
- Frequent breaking of latch
- Gassy or colicky behavior
- Milk dribbling during feeds
In Older Children
- Speech difficulties
- Problems with certain sounds
- Difficulty eating certain foods
- Gap between front teeth
- Problems with oral hygiene
- Food getting stuck in cheeks
- Challenges with wind instruments
Impact on Development
Oral ties can affect various aspects of your child's development:
- Feeding and nutrition
- Speech and language development
- Dental alignment and growth
- Social confidence
- Sleep quality
- Oral hygiene effectiveness
Diagnosis Process
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing oral ties:
- Thorough oral examination
- Assessment of movement and function
- Discussion of symptoms and concerns
- Evaluation of impact on daily activities
- Collaboration with other specialists when needed
Treatment Options
Conservative Management
Sometimes, less invasive approaches may be recommended:
- Stretching exercises
- Speech therapy
- Feeding therapy
- Monitoring and observation
Surgical Release (Frenectomy)
When necessary, we can perform a frenectomy:
- Quick, precise procedure
- Minimal discomfort
- Often completed in one visit
- Can be done with laser technology
- Rapid healing process
Post-Treatment Care
Immediate Aftercare
- Specific stretching exercises
- Proper wound care
- Pain management if needed
- Feeding support
Long-term Follow-up
- Regular check-ups
- Monitoring of development
- Coordination with other providers
- Continued exercises as needed
The Right Time for Treatment
The ideal timing for treatment depends on several factors:
- Severity of the tie
- Impact on daily functions
- Age of the child
- Overall development
- Related symptoms
Working with Other Providers
We often collaborate with:
- Lactation consultants
- Speech therapists
- Occupational therapists
- ENT specialists
- Pediatricians
Prevention and Early Detection
While oral ties cannot be prevented, early detection is crucial:
- Regular dental check-ups
- Awareness of symptoms
- Early intervention when needed
- Monitoring of developmental milestones
Make Your Phoenix Dental Appointment Today
If you suspect your child has an oral tie or you'd like an evaluation, our experienced team at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Our Phoenix pediatric dentist specializes in diagnosing and treating oral ties with gentle, effective care. Call our Phoenix office at (602) 935-7427 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve families throughout Phoenix, Chandler, Ahwatukee, South Phoenix, Laveen, and Tempe, providing comprehensive pediatric dental care with understanding and expertise.