Tongue ties (ankylglossia) or restrictions are a common physiologic abnormality that can lead to disruptions in breathing, speech, posture, jaw position and more. Tongue ties present at a young age can lead to abnormal jaw development, teeth crowding, airway issues and more. Early detection and treatment is paramount for proper growth and development in kids. Here at Galleria Smile Designs, we screen all children for tongue ties and identify proper, age-appropriate and evidence-based treatments for your children. Oftentimes, children with narrow palates will require expansion around age 7 or 8 with the orthodontist. After expansion, myofunctional therapy is necessary to prepare for a functional frenuloplasty (tongue-tie release). Dr. Sandretti is well trained in laser frenuloplasty utilizing our Solea CO2 laser at our Sacramento location. She provides tongue and lip tie releases using sutures after proper tongue tone is developed with the therapist. Post-op care will include various stretches and close monitoring. 

Adults can have tongue ties as well resulting in snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, tension in the jaws and head and neck, and even sleep apnea in some cases. Utilizing the FAIREST 6+4 screening tool, we are able to identify tongue ties in adults and discuss proper treatment modalities that can address tongue space (orthodontics), tongue tone (myofunctional therapy), and tongue tie (functional frenuloplasty).