It’s Never Too Late for a Frenectomy at NYC Tongue Tie

At NYC Tongue Tie, we often hear from adults who have struggled for years with issues caused by an untreated tongue tie. While many people associate this condition with infants or young children, the reality is that adults can suffer from the effects of tongue ties well into their lives. If you’ve experienced difficulty with speech, dental health problems, or discomfort related to eating or breathing, it could be due to a tongue tie that was never diagnosed or treated. The good news is that it’s never too late to correct this issue with a frenectomy, a quick and virtually pain-free procedure.

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight, limiting the tongue’s range of motion. This can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty with speech, eating, oral hygiene, and even breathing. While many infants undergo a frenectomy to resolve the issue early, many adults have gone untreated, often unaware that their struggles are due to a tongue tie.

How Tongue Ties Affect Adults

Adults with an untreated tongue tie may experience:

• Speech difficulties: A restricted tongue can limit the ability to pronounce certain sounds, such as “r,” “l,” “s,” and “th,” leading to a speech impediment or unclear enunciation.
• Dental health problems: The limited movement of the tongue can prevent proper oral hygiene, as the tongue is unable to adequately sweep away food particles and bacteria, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, tongue ties can contribute to issues like jaw misalignment or teeth grinding (bruxism).
• Difficulty eating and swallowing: Some people with a tongue tie struggle with chewing food properly, and swallowing can be uncomfortable or inefficient.
• Airway and breathing problems: A tongue tie can also contribute to sleep apnea or other breathing disorders, as the restricted tongue can block airways during sleep.
• Oral discomfort: Chronic tightness and tension in the jaw and tongue can cause pain and discomfort, affecting daily life.

Studies suggest that around 5% of the population has a tongue tie, and many cases go untreated well into adulthood. While some people may not experience severe symptoms, others endure a lifetime of issues that could be easily resolved with a frenectomy.

Frenectomy for Adults: Quick, Effective, and Pain-Free

If you’re dealing with the effects of a tongue tie, a frenectomy offers a quick, safe, and effective solution. The procedure involves using specialized scissors to release the tight frenulum, allowing the tongue full range of motion.

• Quick procedure: A frenectomy typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and patients can return to normal activities the same day.
• Minimal discomfort: Thanks to modern techniques, frenectomies are virtually pain-free. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and most patients experience only mild soreness after the procedure, which resolves quickly.
• Immediate benefits: Many adults notice immediate improvements in their speech, ability to eat, and overall comfort following a frenectomy. In some cases, additional therapies, like speech therapy or physical therapy, may be recommended to help retrain the muscles and ensure the best possible outcomes.

Don’t Wait to Improve Your Quality of Life

At NYC Tongue Tie, we specialize in adult frenectomies, helping patients finally address the challenges they’ve faced for years due to an untreated tongue tie. It’s never too late to undergo a frenectomy and experience life with improved speech, dental health, and overall comfort.

If you suspect that a tongue tie is impacting your quality of life, contact NYC Tongue Tie today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is here to provide a pain-free solution that will leave you wondering why you didn’t take care of it sooner.