Chicago Tongue Tie Release – How an Elective Frenectomy Can Benefit You as an Adult

Should Adults Get a Frenectomy? A Look at the Advantages

A frenulum that limits tongue mobility can influence daily comfort, the way the mouth moves and even the confidence someone feels in social interactions. Adults often report a noticeable improvement in their quality of life once the restriction is lifted. Here’s how treatment can support long-term oral function and overall well-being.

Benefit #1 – Decrease Neck and Shoulder Tension

There are so many issues that seem like they’d be unrelated to a tongue-tie, and this is one of them! Shoulder pain, neck pain and headaches can all be traced back to the muscles under your tongue. When the tongue is tight or restricted, it often leads to increased tension or discomfort in the neck and shoulder muscles as well.

Something else that’s interesting — people with tongue ties tend to tilt their heads down and forward, which can strain their neck muscles over time. An elective frenectomy can fix these issues almost immediately!

Benefit #2 – Sleep and Breathe Better

There are several sleep issues related to tongue tie in adults. The most common ones are nasal breathing and heavy snoring. Adults with tongue ties also tend to have an open mouth posture — a.k.a., they’re mouth breathers. This means sleep is harder, and sleep apnea can become a real concern.

When you breathe through your nose, the air has a chance to get filtered, moisturized and humidified before entering the lungs, where it becomes oxygenated and dispersed to other parts of the body. Mouth breathing skips this entire process, which can take a toll on the entire body. 

Benefit #3 – Get a Healthier Smile

Tongue-ties that are left untreated can cause some dental issues down the road. Did you know our tongues help keep our teeth clean? They encourage saliva production, which helps neutralize the acids in our mouth before they start damaging the enamel on our teeth. When tongue movement is restricted by a tongue tie, it becomes harder to keep teeth clean, especially the molars, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Additionally, the lack of muscle movement under the tongue can cause other muscles to have to overcompensate, which can lead to a protrusion of the lower jaw.

Benefit #4 – Swallow Easier

People who opt for an elective frenectomy as an adult are often most amazed at how it changes their ability to swallow! The procedure allows you to rest your tongue comfortably on the roof of your mouth while drinking, eliminating the need to lower it with each sip. Learning how to swallow all over again as an adult may take a little bit of time. Your best bet is to work with someone who is trained in oral myofunctional therapy (OMT), a type of physical therapy that helps to reprogram the tongue and muscles in and around the mouth.

Benefit #5 – Enhance Speech Clarity and Confidence

One of the most noticeable benefits of tongue tie release in adults is improved speech. A restricted frenulum can limit tongue movement, making it difficult to form certain sounds, such as “R,” “L,” “T” and “Th.” These limitations may result in subtle lisps or difficulty articulating words clearly. After a tongue tie surgery for adults, many patients find that speaking feels smoother and more natural. This clarity often boosts self-assurance in daily social interactions.

Benefit #6 – Enjoy Kissing

Kissing involves a complex balance of tongue, lip and jaw movement. For those with a tight lingual frenulum, kissing may feel awkward, uncomfortable or physically limited. Tongue tie release procedure in adults can improve range of motion, allowing for more natural and enjoyable physical closeness. 

Benefit #7 – Improve Orthodontic Treatment 

Adults preparing for braces or new dentures can also benefit from tongue tie surgery. When the tongue or lip tissue restricts normal function, it can interfere with tooth alignment or the proper fit of dentures. Releasing these restrictions allows orthodontic treatment to progress more predictably and helps dentures sit comfortably without being displaced during speech or chewing. In some cases, orthodontists recommend surgery before or during orthodontic care to improve long-term results and stability.

Benefit #8 – Play Musical Instruments

Wind and brass instruments, such as the flute, trumpet, saxophone or clarinet, rely heavily on tongue flexibility and breath control. A tethered tongue can limit both, making it harder to form an embouchure — mouth position — and control airflow.

The benefits of a frenectomy for musicians and hobbyists are that it may restore a full range of motion, allowing for smoother transitions, clearer tone production and less strain during practice or performance.