If you or your child are struggling with breathing or sleep, a hidden tongue restriction may be the root cause.
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where a tight band of tissue under the tongue limits normal movement. It can affect infants, children, and adults—impacting feeding, speech, breathing, and sleep. At Airway Health Austin, tongue tie release is performed using a precise CO2 cold laser, allowing for a minimally invasive procedure with faster healing and less discomfort. The goal is to restore full tongue function and support long-term airway health.
Tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum—the small band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too tight, thick, or short. This restriction limits how the tongue can move, lift, and rest.
The tongue plays a critical role in breathing, swallowing, and proper oral development. When it cannot reach the roof of the mouth, it often rests low in the mouth. This contributes to mouth breathing, poor feeding patterns, and improper jaw development.
Over time, untreated tongue tie can affect sleep quality, speech clarity, posture, and airway stability—making it more than just a feeding issue.
Care at Airway Health Austin begins with a comprehensive evaluation of tongue mobility, airway function, and symptoms. This helps determine whether a tongue tie release is appropriate and how to optimize outcomes.
Many patients benefit from myofunctional therapy before and after the procedure. This prepares the muscles for proper function and helps prevent reattachment by training the tongue to move correctly.
The release itself is performed using a CO2 cold laser frenectomy. This advanced technology allows for precise removal of restricted tissue with minimal bleeding, no stitches, and a lower risk of infection. The procedure is quick, controlled, and designed to promote faster healing.
After the procedure, guided stretches and follow-up visits support proper healing and long-term results.
Tongue Tie Release for Infants and Toddlers
If your baby struggles to latch, feed efficiently, or gain weight, tongue tie may be the reason. Airway Health Austin provides gentle, precise treatment to support better feeding and reduce stress for both baby and parent.
In growing children, tongue tie can affect facial development, sleep quality, and behavior. Early treatment supports proper airway development, improved sleep, and better orthodontic outcomes.
Many adults have lived with undiagnosed tongue tie for years. It can contribute to snoring, sleep apnea, TMJ pain, and chronic tension. Treatment can improve breathing, sleep, and overall function—at any age.
When the tongue cannot rest properly on the roof of the mouth, it tends to fall back into the airway—especially during sleep. This increases the risk of airway obstruction, snoring, and disrupted breathing patterns.
Tongue tie is often overlooked in sleep evaluations, yet it plays a key role in airway stability. By restoring proper tongue mobility, tongue tie release can support nasal breathing, reduce airway collapse, and improve sleep quality over time.
Before the procedure
You’ll receive a detailed evaluation of tongue function, breathing patterns, and symptoms. If needed, myofunctional therapy is recommended to prepare the muscles for optimal results. Parents of infants receive guidance on feeding and what to expect.
The CO2 laser frenectomy is precise and efficient, typically completed in under 15 minutes. A topical or local anesthetic is used to keep you or your child comfortable. There is minimal bleeding and no need for stitches.
Healing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. You’ll be guided through simple stretches to prevent reattachment and support proper healing. Follow-up care and myofunctional therapy help ensure long-term success.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. The CO2 laser reduces tissue trauma, and healing is typically smooth with proper aftercare.
Common signs include difficulty latching, long or frequent feedings, poor weight gain, and maternal nipple pain. A proper evaluation can confirm whether tongue restriction is present.
Yes. Restricted tongue mobility can contribute to low tongue posture and airway collapse during sleep, increasing the risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
In most cases, yes. Therapy helps retrain the tongue and surrounding muscles to function properly, improving outcomes and reducing the risk of reattachment.
Yes. CO2 laser frenectomy is considered safe and effective for infants when performed by trained providers. It allows for precise treatment with minimal bleeding and faster healing.
Schedule an evaluation at Airway Health Austin and find out if tongue tie release is the right for you.
Your ability to breathe well affects every aspect of your health, from the quality of your sleep to your energy, focus, and long-term well-being. At Airway Health, our airway dentist takes a fundamentally different approach to dental care. Rather than focusing solely on how your teeth look, our airway focused dentistry evaluates how your jaws, facial structures, and oral posture support your breathing and airway function. Serving patients in Austin, TX, we identify the root causes of breathing and sleep-related issues and develop personalized treatment plans that support lasting health from the inside out.
