Ages 12 - 18

Ankyloglossia – what is it?

Ankyloglossia is a medical term for tongue-tie. The tongue is made up of a very complex group of muscles that are important for all oral functions. When the small fold of tissue that extends from the floor of your mouth to the bottom of your tongue is too thick or too short, this abnormality can cause many issues, affecting many daily activities and interfering with normal development both structurally and emotionally.

Not all tongue ties cause functional problems, but may interfere with normal dento-skeletal facial development. Procedures to correct the condition are only necessary if dental and facial skeletal development are leading to the development of a malocclusion or bad bite that will lead to oral functional problems. If you suspect a tongue tie, it is important to see a well versed expert like Dr. Dierkes or an oral myofunctional therapist (OMT).