Dubai, UAE - Tongue-tie, also called ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tongue is tightly connected to the floor of the mouth by a short or thick band of tissue called the lingual frenulum. This restricts tongue movement and can affect speech, feeding, breathing, sleep, and even jaw development in children.

Many parents feel relieved when they find out that a simple surgical procedure, from the best Kids Dentist in Dubai, called a tongue-tie release or frenectomy, can fix the issue.

Still, the major concern among caregivers is whether the tongue-tie surgery is enough on its own, or if myofunctional therapy is still needed after a release? Especially that new studies show that tongue ties can relapse and the attachment can go back to what it used to be.


What Is Tongue-Tie in Little Children?
Tongue-tie happens when the lingual frenulum is too short, thick, or tight, limiting how far the tongue can move. This may cause problems with breastfeeding in infants, chewing and swallowing in toddlers, speech development in older children, breathing and sleep patterns, and proper growth of the jaw and face.

Tongue-tie is more than just a feeding or speech issue, as it’s an orofacial growth concern that can affect long-term health and development.


What Is Myofunctional Therapy for Children?
Myofunctional therapy is a set of exercises that target the muscles of the face, tongue, lips, and jaw. These exercises help improve muscle tone, posture, and function. The goal with Myobraces in Dubai is to train the muscles to work properly during breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

In one way, myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the mouth and face. When it comes to tongue-tie, myotherapy helps the child:

- Learn to use the tongue correctly
-Strengthen weak muscles in the mouth and face
- Break old habits like mouth breathing or tongue thrusting
- Support healthy jaw and facial growth


Why Tongue-Tie Release Alone Isn’t Always Enough
Some parents think that once the tongue is released, everything will work normally for the child again. But in most cases, the tongue and surrounding muscles have not learned how to function properly because they’ve been restricted for so long.

Here’s why tongue-tie surgery alone often isn’t enough:

a) Muscles Need Retraining
A child with tongue-tie has likely developed poor habits, like low tongue posture, incorrect swallowing, or mouth breathing. These patterns don’t automatically go away after the release. Without retraining, the tongue may not move correctly even though it’s physically free.

b) Scar Tissue Can Reattach
After the release, if the child doesn’t use their tongue actively, the tissue may reattach during healing. Myofunctional therapy recommended by the Children's Dentist near me reduces this risk by keeping the tongue mobile and engaged.

c) Functional Changes Take Time
The tongue-tie surgery changes structure, while myotherapy helps change function. The long-term success of your child’s tongue-tie treatment depends on both of them.


When to Start Myofunctional Therapy for Your Children
Tongue-tie therapy often starts before the release and continues afterward. This approach prepares the child’s muscles and helps them get the best results.

Before the Release:
-Teaches basic tongue and lip movements
-Improves strength and control
-Reduces tension in the mouth and face
-Prepares the child mentally and physically

After the Release:
-Reinforces new tongue posture
-Helps avoid scar tissue reattachment
-Supports new habits (like nasal breathing or proper swallowing)
-Aids in overall healing and recovery

Your child’s Pediatric Dentist in Dubai will guide the plan based on their age and needs.

Signs Myotherapy Is Still Needed After a Release

Even after a successful tongue-tie release, you may notice:

-Your child still breathes through their mouth
-Their tongue still rests low in the mouth
-They struggle to pronounce certain sounds
-They have trouble chewing or swallowing
-Their posture or facial muscle use seems off

These signs mean the muscles haven’t yet adapted to the new freedom of movement and myofunctional therapy can help.


The Role of Myobraces After a Tongue-Tie Release
In some cases, tools like the Myobrace system are also used alongside myotherapy. Myobraces in Dubai are soft and removable appliances designed to correct poor oral habits and guide proper jaw development in children. As per the Pediatric Dentist near me, Myobrace devices help:

-Encourage nasal breathing
-Keep the tongue in the right position
-Gently expand the arch of the mouth
-Improve muscle function

For children who have had a tongue-tie release, using Myobrace with myotherapy offers added support to reshape habits and support natural development.

Long-Term Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
Combining tongue-tie release with myofunctional therapy leads to better outcomes for your child. The long-term benefits include:

-Proper tongue posture
-Clearer speech and better articulation
-Easier chewing and swallowing
-Balanced facial growth
-Improved sleep and behavior
-Reduced risk of orthodontic issues

It’s more than just about fixing a tongue and is more about supporting the child’s growth, health, and confidence.

If you're considering myobraces in Dubai or want to learn more about myofunctional therapy, reach out to Dr. Yasmin Kottait, a Pediatric Dentist trained in airway and orofacial development. Early support and care fro


About Dr. Yasmin Kottait:
Having dedicated over 20 years of her career to spreading smiles and imparting knowledge of oral hygiene to children, Dr. Yasmin is a renowned name as the best Dentist for Kids in Dubai. Her joyful personality and magical kid-whispering powers make dental appointments for kids an easy sail – and lots of fun, that they never miss a single dental appointment with her! Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism-friendly Dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.