Q: What is a tongue tie release?
A: A tongue tie release (also called frenectomy or frenuloplasty) is a minor procedure that frees the tongue from restrictive tissue under it (the lingual frenulum). This improves tongue mobility for feeding, swallowing, speech, and oral rest posture.
Q: What should I expect right after the release?
A: Immediately after release, patients may notice:
- Increased tongue movement and elevation
- Some mild soreness or swelling
- New sensations when swallowing or speaking
- A small healing wound under the tongue
Infants may latch more effectively, children may find swallowing easier, and adults often notice less restriction. However, speech therapy is essential to retrain the tongue.
Q: Why is therapy important after tongue tie release?
A: Surgery frees the tongue but doesn’t automatically teach it to move correctly. Without therapy, the tongue may:
- Reattach or scar in a restricted pattern
- Continue old swallowing or speech habits
- Rest low in the mouth instead of on the palate
- Cause relapse in orthodontic or airway outcomes
Therapy ensures the tongue learns healthy patterns for posture, swallowing, and Mouth breathing.
Q: What does tongue tie therapy include at BreatheWorks?
A: Our therapy program typically includes:
- Pre-release therapy to strengthen muscles and prepare for surgery
- Post-release wound care support (stretches, healing guidance)
- Tongue mobility drills to improve elevation and lateralization
- Oral rest posture training (tongue up, lips closed, nasal breathing)
- Swallow retraining to eliminate tongue thrust and build efficient patterns
- Speech support if needed (clarity, articulation, resonance)
- Parent/caregiver coaching for infants and children
Q: How long is recovery after tongue tie release?
A: Healing time varies:
- Infants: often feed better within days, with continued progress over weeks.
- Children: need several weeks of therapy to retrain swallowing and speech.
- Adults: notice improved mobility quickly, but therapy over 2–3 months ensures lasting change.
Q: Can tongue tie recovery therapy be done virtually?
A: Yes. Our virtual care matches in-person care. Telehealth sessions include:
- Post-release wound monitoring
- Live exercise demonstrations
- Parent/caregiver coaching
- Progress tracking and symptom support
This allows families and adults nationwide to recover successfully without needing frequent in-clinic visits.
Q: Where do you offer in-person care?
A: Our clinics are located in:
- Portland, Oregon
- Eugene, Oregon
- Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Bellevue, Washington
- Amarillo, Texas
We also provide virtual therapy nationwide.
Quick FAQs
Does every tongue tie release need therapy? Yes—therapy prevents reattachment and builds healthy oral habits.
How soon should therapy start after release? Within a few days is ideal to guide healing and tongue mobility.
Can tongue tie cause speech problems? Yes—restrictions may affect articulation; therapy helps after release.
Is tongue tie release painful? Most patients experience only mild soreness, manageable with comfort strategies.
Next Steps
If you or your child have had a tongue tie ankyloglossia release, therapy ensures the best recovery and long-term results.
- Schedule a tongue tie recovery consultation (in-person or virtual)
- Providers: Refer a patient to BreatheWorks
