Tongue Tie Release
in Oklahoma City
A tongue tie affects far more than newborns. At any age, a restricted tongue can quietly drive sleep apnea, mouth breathing, jaw pain, dental crowding, headaches, and speech difficulties — and go completely undiagnosed for years. Dr. Laura Ousley performs frenectomies for adults as part of a whole-airway care approach, coordinated with on-site myofunctional therapy for lasting results.
Is It Really Just a Tongue Tie?
The short answer: rarely. A tongue tie is almost always part of a bigger picture. When the tongue can't rest in the correct position on the roof of the mouth, it affects how you breathe, how your jaw develops, how you sleep, and how your face grows over time. Releasing the tie without addressing the surrounding muscle patterns often leads to the tissue reattaching and symptoms returning. That's why we combine frenectomy with myofunctional therapy — treating the whole pattern, not just the tissue.
Signs You May
Have a Tongue Tie
Adults and children can both be affected. Common signs include:
-
Sleep apnea or chronic snoring
-
Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
-
Jaw pain or TMJ issues
-
Dental crowding or a high, narrow palate
-
Chronic neck or shoulder tension
-
Headaches, especially upon waking
-
Speech difficulties or a lisp
-
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
-
History of breastfeeding difficulties as an infant
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple procedure to release the frenum — the band of tissue tethering the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Dr. Ousley performs frenectomies using precise technique with minimal discomfort and quick healing. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it is.
Why Myofunctional Therapy Matters
Releasing the tongue tie is only step one. The muscles around the tongue, lips, and airway have often been compensating for the restriction for years — sometimes decades. Myofunctional therapy retrains those muscles so the tongue learns to rest and function correctly after release. Our on-site therapist, Jennifer DeJonge, RDH, OMT — founder of OMT of Oklahoma — works with patients ages 4 and up and is one of Oklahoma's most experienced myofunctional therapists.
A tongue tie affects far more than newborns. At any age, a restricted tongue can quietly drive sleep apnea, mouth breathing, jaw pain, dental crowding, headaches, and speech difficulties — and go completely undiagnosed for years. Dr. Laura Ousley performs frenectomies for adults as part of a whole-airway care approach, coordinated with on-site myofunctional therapy for lasting results.
Is It Really Just a Tongue Tie?
The short answer: rarely. A tongue tie is almost always part of a bigger picture. When the tongue can't rest in the correct position on the roof of the mouth, it affects how you breathe, how your jaw develops, how you sleep, and how your face grows over time. Releasing the tie without addressing the surrounding muscle patterns often leads to the tissue reattaching and symptoms returning. That's why we combine frenectomy with myofunctional therapy — treating the whole pattern, not just the tissue.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for tongue tie release if you:
-
Have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and CPAP isn't working well
-
Have chronic jaw pain, headaches, or neck tension
-
Are an adult who was never evaluated for tongue tie as a child
-
Have a child showing airway, speech, or orthodontic concerns
-
Are preparing for or recovering from orthodontic treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a tongue tie and how does it affect adults? A: A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a restrictive band of tissue under the tongue that limits its range of motion. In adults, a restricted tongue can contribute to sleep apnea, mouth breathing, jaw pain, TMJ issues, dental crowding, headaches, neck tension, and speech difficulties — and frequently goes undiagnosed for years.
Q: What is a frenectomy and is it painful?
A: A frenectomy is a simple procedure to release the restrictive tissue under the tongue. Dr. Ousley performs frenectomies in a coordinated care approach — timed with myofunctional therapy for the best functional outcome. Most patients report minimal discomfort and quick healing.
Q: What is myofunctional therapy and do I need it?
A: Myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a program of targeted exercises that retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to work correctly — like physical therapy for your mouth. It is often essential before and after a tongue tie release to ensure lasting results. Our on-site therapist, Jennifer DeJonge, RDH, OMT, works with patients ages 4 and up.
Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ page →