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 in OKC 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:
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Sleep apnea or chronic snoring
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Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
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Jaw pain or TMJ issues
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Dental crowding or a high, narrow palate
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Chronic neck or shoulder tension
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Headaches, especially upon waking
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Speech difficulties or a lisp
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Difficulty swallowing or chewing
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History of breastfeeding difficulties as an infant
What Is a Frenectomy?
Ankyloglossia — the clinical term for tongue tie — is more common in adults than most people realize. 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 laser technique, which means less bleeding, faster healing, and no sutures in most cases compared to traditional surgical methods. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it is.
Who is a
Candidate?
You may be a candidate for tongue tie release if you:
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Have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and CPAP isn't working well
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Have chronic jaw pain, headaches, or neck tension
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Are an adult who was never evaluated for tongue tie as a child
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Have a child showing airway, speech, or orthodontic concerns
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Are preparing for or recovering from orthodontic treatment
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Have been living with undiagnosed symptoms for years and want real answers
Patients come to us from across the Oklahoma City metro area including Edmond, Yukon, Nichols Hills, and Midwest City.