Baby Tongue/Lip Tie

As parents, we want nothing more than for our babies to thrive and grow healthy. However, some challenges, like tongue and lip ties, can impact their ability to feed effectively, leading to various complications. Understanding these conditions, their symptoms, and available treatments can help parents ensure their babies receive the best care possible.

What are Tongue and Lip Ties?

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter than usual. This restriction can limit the tongue's range of motion, affecting a baby's ability to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or even develop speech later on.

Lip tie, on the other hand, involves a tight or thick band of tissue (labial frenulum) that connects the upper lip to the gum. This can prevent the upper lip from moving freely, making it difficult for babies to latch onto the breast or bottle properly.

Causes of Tongue and Lip Ties

The exact cause of tongue and lip ties is not well understood. They are often considered congenital conditions, meaning they are present at birth. Some researchers suggest that genetic factors may play a role, as these conditions can sometimes run in families.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Detecting tongue and lip ties early can help address feeding issues promptly. Common signs include:

• Difficulty Latching: Babies with tongue or lip ties may struggle to latch onto the breast or bottle, leading to inefficient feeding.

• Poor Weight Gain: Inadequate feeding can result in poor weight gain and slow growth.

• Prolonged Feeding Sessions: Babies may take longer to feed and still seem hungry after a feeding session.

• Nipple Pain: Mothers may experience pain during breastfeeding due to improper latch and excessive sucking pressure.

• Clicking Sounds: A clicking sound while feeding can indicate that the baby is losing suction, often due to tongue or lip tie.

Diagnosing Tongue and Lip Ties

A pediatrician, lactation consultant, or pediatric dentist can diagnose tongue and lip ties. The diagnosis typically involves a physical examination of the baby's mouth to assess the frenulum's appearance and the tongue and lip's range of motion.

Treatment Options

Treatment for tongue and lip ties depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on feeding. Common treatment options include:

1. Observation: In mild cases, where feeding is not significantly affected, healthcare providers may recommend monitoring the condition as some ties may improve over time without intervention.

2. Frenotomy: A simple, quick procedure where the frenulum is snipped to release the tongue or lip. This is usually done with minimal discomfort to the baby and can often result in immediate improvement in feeding.

3. Frenuloplasty: For more severe cases or when additional tissue needs to be removed, a frenuloplasty may be performed. This procedure typically involves stitches and may be done under local anesthesia.

Post-Treatment Care

After treatment, it's crucial to follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for post-procedure care. This may include:

• Exercises: Specific tongue and lip exercises can help improve mobility and function.

• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.

• Lactation Support: Continued support from a lactation consultant can help improve breastfeeding techniques and ensure successful feeding.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing tongue and lip ties early can make a significant difference in a baby's feeding success and overall development. If you suspect your baby may have a tongue or lip tie, consult us to explore the best course of action. With the right support and treatment, most babies can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive.

Feel free to book an appointment anytime. Let's support each other in ensuring our little ones get the best start in life!

Phone number: 9558 8988

E-mail: infor@painfreedentistsydney.com.au

Adult maxillary expansion and tongue tie release ?

Adult Maxillary Expansion: Enhancing Health and Well-Being

Maxillary expansion, traditionally used in children and adolescents to correct dental and skeletal discrepancies, is now recognized for its benefits in adults as well. Adult maxillary expansion can significantly improve nasal breathing, posture, and overall health. This blog explores the process, benefits, and supporting research for adult maxillary expansion.

Understanding Adult Maxillary Expansion

Maxillary expansion involves widening the upper jaw to correct narrow palates and improve dental alignment. While it is more commonly performed in growing children, advancements in orthodontic techniques have made it a viable option for adults. The process typically involves the use of appliances such as the palatal expander, which applies gentle pressure to the upper teeth and palate to gradually widen the jaw. Although having tongue tie release is helpful in children as we are utilising the growth, in adults, the maxillary expansion requires mechanical effort to enlarge the palate.

Benefits of Adult Maxillary Expansion

1. Improved Nasal Breathing: Widening the upper jaw increases the space in the nasal cavity, enhancing airflow and promoting better nasal breathing.

2. Enhanced Posture: Correcting jaw alignment helps in maintaining proper head and neck posture, reducing strain and improving overall body alignment.

3. Alleviation of TMJ Disorders: By addressing underlying jaw discrepancies, maxillary expansion can relieve symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, such as jaw pain, headaches, and earaches.

4. Better Dental Alignment: Creating more space in the upper jaw can prevent dental crowding and improve the alignment of teeth, contributing to better oral health.

5. Holistic Health Improvements: Enhanced breathing and proper jaw alignment can positively impact sleep quality, reduce sleep apnea symptoms, and improve overall well-being.

Supporting Journal Articles

1. Nasal Breathing and Airway Improvement: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that adult maxillary expansion significantly improved nasal airway volume and reduced sleep apnea symptoms, highlighting its benefits for respiratory health .

2. Postural and Musculoskeletal Benefits: Research in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics demonstrated that maxillary expansion can positively affect craniofacial structures, leading to improved posture and reduced musculoskeletal pain .

3. TMJ Disorder Relief: A study in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation reported that maxillary expansion can alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms by improving occlusion and reducing stress on the temporomandibular joint .

4. Dental Alignment and Oral Health: An article in the Angle Orthodontist showed that adult maxillary expansion effectively corrected dental crowding and improved the alignment of teeth, contributing to better oral health .

5. Holistic Health Impacts: A comprehensive review in the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache emphasized the holistic benefits of maxillary expansion, noting improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and overall quality of life .

Techniques for Adult Maxillary Expansion

1. Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE): This technique combines orthodontic expansion with surgical assistance to overcome the resistance of mature bone structures in adults. SARPE is effective for significant expansions.

2. Minimally Invasive Appliances: Newer orthodontic appliances, such as mini-screw-assisted rapid palatal expanders (MARPE), offer a less invasive alternative to SARPE. These appliances use mini-implants to provide additional anchorage, allowing for effective expansion in adults.

Collaborative Care: Integrating Holistic Dentistry and Osteopathy

Combining maxillary expansion with holistic dentistry and osteopathic care can further enhance the benefits:

• Holistic Dentistry: This approach focuses on the interconnectedness of oral health and overall well-being, ensuring that treatments support systemic health.

• Osteopathic Manipulation: Osteopaths can address musculoskeletal compensations resulting from jaw misalignment, using manual techniques to improve posture and alleviate pain.

Conclusion

Adult maxillary expansion is a powerful intervention that extends beyond correcting dental issues. By improving nasal breathing, enhancing posture, and relieving TMJ disorders, it offers comprehensive health benefits. Supported by robust research, this treatment can be a cornerstone of holistic health care, particularly when combined with holistic dentistry and osteopathic care.

For adults experiencing symptoms related to jaw misalignment or seeking to improve their overall health, consulting with a multidisciplinary team that includes orthodontists, holistic dentists, and osteopaths can provide a path to better health and well-being.

References:

1. Cistulli, P. A., Palmisano, R. G., & Poole, M. D. (1998). Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by rapid maxillary expansion. Sleep, 21(8), 831-835.

2. Proffit, W. R., & Bailey, L. J. (1997). Posteroanterior cephalometric changes in adults treated with palatal expansion. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 112(1), 75-84.

3. Cordasco, G., et al. (2012). Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion for the correction of maxillary transverse discrepancy. Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, 40(8), 783-789.

4. Carlson, D. S., & Nakajima, T. (1997). Effects of surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion on the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 24(4), 285-290.

5. Compadretti, G. C., Tasca, I., & Bonetti, G. A. (2006). Nasal airway measurements in children treated by rapid maxillary expansion. American Journal of Rhinology, 20(4), 385-393.

Maxillary Expansion in Dental Treatments

Understanding Maxillary Expansion

Maxillary expansion, also known as palatal expansion, is an orthodontic procedure aimed at widening the upper jaw (maxilla). This treatment is often recommended for patients with a narrow upper jaw, crowding, or crossbites. The expansion creates more space in the dental arch, allowing teeth to align correctly.

Types of Maxillary Expanders

1. Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE): This device is typically used in children and teenagers whose jaws are still developing. It is fixed to the upper teeth and gradually widened over several weeks.

2. Slow Palatal Expander (SPE): This device works similarly to the RPE but at a slower rate, suitable for adults with more mature bones.

3. Removable Expanders: These are used for minor expansions and can be taken out for cleaning.

Benefits of Maxillary Expansion

1. Improved Alignment: By creating more space, maxillary expansion helps in the proper alignment of teeth.

2. Enhanced Function: It can improve breathing, chewing, and speaking by creating a better bite and more space in the oral cavity.

3. Aesthetic Benefits: A broader smile can enhance facial aesthetics, providing a more balanced and harmonious appearance.

What to Expect with Maxillary Expansion

The process begins with a consultation and diagnostic imaging to assess the jaw structure. The expander is custom-made and fitted by the orthodontist. Patients will need to adjust the expander periodically, following the orthodontist's instructions. It's normal to experience some pressure or discomfort initially, which typically subsides as the mouth adjusts.

As you expand your maxilla or palate, the nose floor gets larger as well. This in turn provide better nasal breathing, more oxygenation and better quality sleep.

Both maxillary expansion and nasal breathing play crucial roles in modern dentistry, quality sleep and achieving optimal dental health outcomes. Whether you're having airway obstruction, or seeking a solution for sleep apnoea, mouth breathing, can’t breathe through your nose or dental arch discrepancies, these treatments offer effective solutions.

Call (02) 9558 8988 Or email us at info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au to make an appointment. Our doctor with over 25 years of clinical experience will be happy to help you.