A Restorative, Collaborative Approach to Tongue-Tie Release for Children and Adults
Breathing, speaking, sleeping, swallowing—each of these essential daily functions is directly influenced by the tongue. When the tongue is restricted due to a tight or short frenum (the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth), it can cause far-reaching consequences across all aspects of oral and airway health. This condition, commonly referred to as a tongue-tie, is medically known as ankyloglossia.
At Armitage Oral Surgery, we offer a highly specialized treatment approach called functional frenuloplasty, a procedure that not only releases tongue-tie but also supports long-term rehabilitation through coordinated myofunctional therapy. Whether the patient is a child learning to speak or an adult struggling with sleep-disordered breathing, functional frenuloplasty addresses the root cause of restriction and encourages optimal oral function through healing, education, and movement.
Traditional tongue-tie releases, or frenotomies, often involve a quick snip of the frenulum using scissors or a laser. While these procedures may offer temporary relief, they frequently fail to address the functional implications of tongue restriction. Without appropriate follow-up therapy and adequate release depth, many patients experience reattachment or fail to achieve full tongue mobility.
Functional frenuloplasty is a comprehensive procedure that blends surgical precision with functional rehabilitation. Performed under local anesthesia and, when appropriate, light sedation, the release is carefully planned and executed to remove fascial restrictions while preserving vital structures. This allows the tongue to regain its natural range of motion, enabling healthy patterns of breathing, swallowing, speaking, and posture.
Dr. Firas Katabi performs this procedure with an interdisciplinary focus—working closely with myofunctional therapists, speech-language pathologists, bodyworkers, and airway-focused orthodontists to ensure each patient receives holistic, evidence-based care from start to finish.
A restricted lingual frenulum may seem like a minor anatomical variation, but its impact can be significant. Tongue-tie impairs the tongue’s ability to elevate, protrude, and rest in the proper position. These limitations can have cascading effects on a person’s health and development, especially if left untreated.
In infants, tongue-tie may lead to breastfeeding difficulties, poor latch, gassiness, weight gain issues, and early feeding frustration for both baby and parent. In children, it may contribute to delayed speech development, poor articulation, mouth breathing, and even sleep disturbances.
By the time the condition persists into adulthood, the symptoms may evolve into:
The tongue is meant to rest against the roof of the mouth, creating pressure that helps shape the palate and nasal passages during growth. When this can’t happen due to tethering, the result is often a high, narrow palate, crowded teeth, and underdeveloped nasal breathing habits. That’s why correcting tongue restriction with functional frenuloplasty is about more than just improving speech or feeding—it’s about restoring full-body balance.
A critical element of functional frenuloplasty is the inclusion of myofunctional therapy—a form of neuromuscular retraining that teaches the muscles of the tongue, lips, jaw, and face how to work in harmony. This therapy is typically performed before and after surgery to maximize results and reduce the risk of complications such as reattachment or scar tissue formation.
Patients engage in guided exercises that promote proper:
For children, myofunctional therapy may look like playful exercises designed to build strength and coordination. For adults, it may involve more targeted re-patterning after years of compensation and restricted function.
By preparing the muscles ahead of time and continuing therapy post-operatively, patients are far more likely to enjoy long-lasting improvements in airway health, facial development, sleep, and speech.
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of symptoms, clinical examination, and often imaging or collaborative input from allied professionals. Dr. Katabi assesses the structure of the frenulum, the degree of restriction, and the patient’s functional challenges in order to customize the treatment plan.
On the day of the procedure:
This surgical step usually takes less than an hour, and many patients—especially children—are surprised by how quick and comfortable the experience is.
Following the procedure, patients are encouraged to continue their myofunctional therapy routine, which now includes gentle stretching protocols and healing guidance. These exercises are essential in maintaining the mobility gained through surgery and preventing the tongue from reattaching in a dysfunctional position.
Some mild swelling, soreness, or tightness is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter medications or ice packs can usually manage any discomfort. Children typically bounce back quickly—often eating and playing within a few hours. Adults may take slightly longer to resume normal function but often report immediate improvements in breathing, speaking, and sleep.
Within a few weeks, patients begin noticing the long-term benefits:
Dr. Katabi provides detailed post-op instructions and follows up closely to monitor healing and ensure ongoing support.
One of the defining elements of functional frenuloplasty is its team-based model of care. Tongue-tie affects more than just oral structures, so treatment must extend beyond the mouth as well.
At Armitage Oral Surgery, we’re proud to collaborate with a wide network of healthcare professionals who specialize in:
This comprehensive, functional approach gives patients the opportunity to heal holistically. Our team coordinates care every step of the way, making sure your progress is supported across all dimensions—physical, functional, and emotional.
Every stage of life presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to tongue-tie treatment.
In infants, early release of the frenulum can support successful breastfeeding, promote facial development, and establish a foundation for healthy breathing. While the actual procedure is often quick, parents are guided through feeding support and healing stretches to ensure the best possible outcome.
In children, functional frenuloplasty may help correct tongue posture, prevent speech impediments, and support proper growth of the face and airway. When combined with early myofunctional therapy, this intervention can reduce or even eliminate the need for more complex orthodontic or sleep treatments later on.
In adults, the treatment often addresses long-standing issues such as sleep apnea, TMJ dysfunction, and chronic pain. Though adaptation may take more time in adult tissues, the results can be profoundly life-changing, especially when paired with consistent myofunctional rehabilitation.
At Armitage Oral Surgery, we understand that successful tongue-tie treatment involves more than just surgical release. It requires intention, experience, and teamwork. Dr. Firas Katabi has extensive training in advanced oral surgery techniques, airway-focused care, and collaborative treatment planning.
When you choose our practice for your functional frenuloplasty, you receive:
We take pride in offering a warm, patient-centered experience that prioritizes long-term health and function over quick fixes.
If you or your child has been living with the effects of tongue-tie—whether it's difficulty feeding, unclear speech, poor sleep, or chronic discomfort—it may be time to explore a functional solution that addresses the problem at its core.
Functional frenuloplasty at Armitage Oral Surgery is more than just a procedure. It’s a gateway to better breathing, clearer communication, improved posture, and a healthier life.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Katabi. We’re here to listen, educate, and guide you on the path to healing—one breath, one word, one movement at a time.
For questions regarding current treatment please call the office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
