FUNCTIONAL FRENULOPLASTY A Procedure by Dr. Soroush Zaghi, The Breathe Institute, LA

In our practice we use the Functional Frenuloplasty procedure to release tongue ties for toddlers, children and adults. This approach has been adapted from Dr. Soroush Zaghi of The Breathe Institute, Los Angeles who is an ENT& globally renowned sleep surgeon who has established this functional approach to tongue ties. Dr.Ankita had got the opportunity to observe Dr. Soroush Zaghi, a renowned ENT & Sleep Surgeon perform Functional Frenuloplasty tongue tie surgeries at his practice in Los Angeles. She is The Breathe Institute’s First Indian Ambassador.

Most people have tongue and lip frenums. Just as some are born with shorter or longer fingers than others, some are also born with peculiarities in these oral tissues that can affect the development and function of the mouth. These tethered oral tissues are also called “frenum restrictions”, but are most commonly known as tongue-ties and lip-ties. There are different grades of ties. Left untreated, these conditions can contribute to the development of a high, narrow roof of the mouth. They can also allergies, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, heart conditions, respiratory illnesses, dental problems, low resting tongue position, tongue thrusting, and sleep disordered breathing.

Once a frenum restriction is identified, there are a number of procedures and therapies that can be considered. A Frenuloplasty is one of the more common and effective methosds. The Breathe Institute Protocol for Functional Frenuloplasty that continues to deliver wonderful results to our patients worldwide. Usually, a Frenuloplasty is a relatively simple outpatient procedure.

With the tongue playing an important role in so many functions, restricted mobility of the tongue may lead to compensatory behaviors that may contribute to chronic stress on the other muscles of the head and neck. The tongue also has connections to the whole body through a system of connective tissue known as fascia, and a restrictive tongue may place tension on the fascia networks causing neck tension, pain, and postural dysfunction. This may surprise you! “The anterior deep fascial line starts from beneath the tongue and goes till the lungs to the pelvic bones down to the arches of your feet.” This means there is a direct connection between the orofacial function-tongue function – diaphragmatic breathing – cervical posture. Our functional frenuloplasty approach honors the changes that occur during a tongue-tie release and prepares the body for acceptance and optimal healing post-treatment.

Infant Tongue Ties

Children Tongue Ties

Adult Tongue Ties

Tongue Tie & Sleep Apnea