What is a tongue tie or lip tie?

Myofunctional therapy is a specialised program of exercises designed to retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks and face. It addresses poor oral habits such as mouth breathing, low tongue posture and incorrect swallowing patterns — all of which can affect jaw development, sleep and dental alignment.

Why is Waterlase® used instead of traditional methods?

Early assessment is always beneficial. We recommend an initial consultation as young as 3–4 years old if you notice mouth breathing, snoring, poor sleep, feeding difficulties or crooked teeth beginning to emerge. The earlier functional issues are identified, the more straightforward the treatment pathway.

At what age can tongue ties be treated?

Signs of tongue tie can include difficulty breastfeeding, poor latch, excessive wind, reflux, clicking sounds during feeding, or a heart-shaped tongue tip. In older children it may present as speech difficulties, open-mouth posture or problems chewing. A clinical assessment with our team will confirm the diagnosis.

Will my child need therapy after the procedure?

Nasal breathing drives correct tongue posture, which in turn shapes the upper jaw and supports healthy facial development. Chronic mouth breathing lowers tongue posture, narrows the palate and can contribute to crowded teeth, sleep-disordered breathing and poor posture. Treating the airway early can significantly reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later.

Is the procedure painful?

Yes. We work closely with speech pathologists, lactation consultants, paediatric ENT specialists, sleep physicians and orthodontists to deliver fully coordinated care. We believe in a team-based approach and will refer and co-manage where clinically appropriate.

Is the procedure painful?

You can book online via our booking portal or call us directly on (03) 4344 4141. We are located at 733 Geelong Road, Canadian, Ballarat VIC 3350. New patient consultations are available for both children and adults.

Tongue & Lip Tie Management

Freedom to feed, speak and thrive.

About this service

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and lip tie restrict normal movement of the tongue and lips, causing difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, and facial development. Early assessment and treatment can transform quality of life.

At Sovereign Dental, every assessment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine how oral restrictions affect function. Our evidence-based approach combines advanced laser technology with personalised treatment plans tailored to infants, children, and adults.

Treatment is customised for every stage of life—from newborns experiencing feeding challenges to adults managing speech difficulties, jaw tension, or breathing concerns. We work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure safe treatment and lasting functional outcomes.

What we address

01Breastfeeding and infant feeding difficulties
02Tongue tie and lip tie restrictions
03Speech development and articulation concerns
04Breathing, swallowing and oral function
05Jaw development, posture and muscle function
06Long-term oral health and functional stability

Ready to begin?

Take the first step towards lasting change.

Our team is here to guide you from the very first appointment. Book a consultation and find out what's possible.

Book a Tongue & Lip Tie Assessment

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Advanced Waterlase® Laser Technology

At Sovereign Dental, we use advanced Waterlase® laser technology to perform tongue tie and lip tie releases with exceptional precision and comfort. The laser gently releases restrictive tissue while minimising bleeding, swelling, and post-operative discomfort.

This minimally invasive approach promotes faster healing, making treatment more comfortable for patients of all ages while delivering predictable clinical outcomes.

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Personalised Treatment for Every Age

Treatment protocols vary depending on the patient's age and functional needs. For infants, the focus is on improving feeding, milk transfer, and early oral development. For children and adults, treatment may improve speech, swallowing, breathing, jaw function, and overall oral mobility.

Every treatment plan is individually tailored following a comprehensive assessment.

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Treating More Than the Tie

Tongue ties and lip ties can influence much more than tongue movement. Restricted oral tissues may contribute to feeding difficulties, speech challenges, mouth breathing, poor tongue posture, jaw discomfort, and altered facial development.

By addressing these functional concerns alongside the release procedure, we aim to improve long-term oral health, comfort, and quality of life.

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A Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Approach

Successful treatment often extends beyond the procedure itself. Our dentists work closely with lactation consultants, speech pathologists, orofacial myofunctional therapists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care.

This collaborative approach ensures every patient receives comprehensive treatment that supports lasting improvements in function, development, and overall wellbeing.c

FAQ

Common questions,
clear answers.

Tongue & Lip Tie Management

Freedom to feed, speak and thrive.

About this service

What we address

01Breastfeeding and infant feeding difficulties
02Tongue tie and lip tie restrictions
03Speech development and articulation concerns
04Breathing, swallowing and oral function
05Jaw development, posture and muscle function
06Long-term oral health and functional stability

Ready to begin?