Why Myofunctional Therapy Is Essential for Tethered Oral Tissue Release Success

Tethered Oral Tissue Release and Myofunctional Therapy

Tethered oral tissues—commonly known as tongue-ties, lip-ties, or buccal ties—can cause a wide range of issues, from difficulties with feeding and speech to challenges with breathing, posture, and overall oral development. Releasing these restrictions through a frenectomy or functional frenuloplasty procedure is often a critical step. However, true success goes beyond the procedure itself. 

To ensure the best outcome, myofunctional therapy is not just recommended—it’s necessary, and in many cases, it should be done both before and after the release.

Why Releasing the Tissue Isn't Enough

A tethered oral tissue release gives the tongue, lips, or cheeks more freedom to move—but without proper guidance, that new mobility may not translate into improved function. Muscles that have adapted to restriction need to be retrained to work efficiently and correctly.

This is where myofunctional therapy becomes essential: it bridges the gap between structural change and functional improvement.

The Role of Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is a program of targeted exercises designed to train and strengthen the muscles of the tongue, lips, face, and jaw. These exercises help promote correct oral function and posture. 

Your therapist will provide personalized exercises that help:

• Improve tongue posture and mobility
  
  
• Strengthen lips, cheeks, and facial muscles
  
  
• Encourage proper nasal breathing
  
  
• Support correct swallowing and speaking patterns
  
  
• Help the mouth and face realign and adapt to the improved range of motion
  

Over time, this therapy helps the body adopt a new, healthier baseline of function.

Why It's Needed Before and After Release

• Before the release, therapy helps prepare the muscles and soft tissues to function more effectively once the restriction is removed. It can also improve range of motion and reduce compensations, making the release more effective and reducing the risk of complications.
  
  
• After the release, therapy ensures that the newly freed tissue heals properly, maintains mobility, and doesn’t reattach in a restricted way. It also helps the patient develop the proper patterns of breathing, swallowing, and resting posture.
  

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy in Release Success

1. Prevents Reattachment: Post-surgical exercises keep the tissues mobile and healing properly.
   
   
2. Retrains Muscle Patterns: Therapy replaces old, dysfunctional patterns with healthy ones.
   
   
3. Maximizes Function: It ensures the tongue and facial muscles are working optimally.
   
   
4. Supports Airway and Facial Development: Especially in children, proper function can influence growth patterns, sleep, and long-term health.
   
   
5. Creates Lasting Change: With consistent therapy, improvements are more likely to last and benefit overall health and well-being.
   

A Team-Based Approach

Achieving success in treating tethered oral tissues requires a collaborative approach. At Flourish Airway Collective, Pediatric dentist Dr. Ozzie Jafarnia collaborates with myofunctional therapists, IBCLCs, chiropractors, bodyworkers, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists to create a personalized, holistic plan tailored to each of her patients. 

Skipping therapy before or after the release can lead to limited improvement, regression, or even the need for additional procedures. But with the right guidance and commitment, myofunctional therapy sets the stage for healing, functionality, and long-term success.