Oral examination is always required to determine how the Tongue-Tie affects the function of the tongue. Examinations will confirm if the tongue is able to elevate, lateralise and if it can protrude over the lower gums.
Anterior Tongue-Tie
In anterior Tongue-Tie, you can easily see a string of tissue (the frenulum) that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Anterior Tongue-Ties can be of varying degrees; from 100% where the frenulum is attached to the tip of the tongue i.e. 100% of the tongue is tethered to just 25% of the tongue, causing the tongue to poorly elevate and ‘squaring’ the tip.
Posterior Tongue-Tie
Posterior (sometimes called sub-mucosal or hidden) Tongue-Tie is where a wide band of tissue restricts the tongue’s movement. The distance between the band of tissue to the tip of the tongue is shorter than usual. Elevation of the tongue is affected; protrusion and
lateralisation can be assessed on oral examination
For more information about our Tongue-tie procedure, please read the Tongue-tie Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Guide.