The good news about tongue ties is that it is a topic that is becoming more widespread, studied, and talked about.
The bad news it there are many providers who claim they specialize in tongue and lip ties when they really don’t have the proper training.
There are also many providers who misdiagnose tongue/lip ties by either diagnosing a tie that is not there, or not being equipped with the proper training to properly identify when one is there.
Two qualifications that are GREEN FLAGS:
If your dentist is a Breathe Institute AFFILIATE. An affiliate has gone through an extensive hands-on surgical residency with Dr. Zaghi (or Dr. Pinto if trained for infants). Ambassdors have simply gone through a 4-day lecture based course with no hands-on training, but if there are no affiliates near you an ambassador is the next best option.
*Note: There are certainly other reputable training programs out there, but these are the two I can speak on with confidence.
Is your dentist recommending myofunctional therapy before and after the release? If not, I would consider this a red flag (at least for kids 3+ and adults). In fact, myo therapy can make such a difference in the outcome of the release that it is a requirement at our practice. For infants, a tongue/lip tie trained IBCLC should be recommended.
Second, is your dentist recommending bodywork before and after the release? We often recommend bodywork prior to and after a release, and will even have the bodyworker we collaborate with be present in the office the day of the release.
Why Myofunctional Therapy is Important Before/After a Release
There is a proper way for the tongue and lips to function. When you have a tongue and/or lip tie you cannot function properly, and your mouth and body begins to compensate.
Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscle memories, and prepares the tongue and lips for the release so that you do not resort back to the previous dysfunction.
Completing myofunctional therapy before (and often times after) a release ensures that the patient recovers faster and reaps the maximum benefits of the release.
Why Bodywork is Important Before/After a Release
Tongue and lip ties create tension in the mouth, and because the fascia is how we are connected from head to toe, this results in tension throughout the entire body.
Bodyworkers help release the tension pre-surgery, ensuring the surgery is easier for both the surgeon and patient. The less tension in the mouth, neck, and head before and after surgery means less tension on the wound and overall better healing.
To reap the maximum benefits, bodywork before AND after a release is recommended.
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