Has anyone had an older child's tongue tie fixed?

[PJ67]

My 7 yr old ds has a tongue tie and I decided against getting it cut when he was a baby as it wasn't causing any problems. I'm now thinking about it again as his front teeth stick out a bit and he seems to breath a lot through his mouth. I've no idea if this is anything to do with the tongue tie but just wondered if it would be traumatic to get it done now or if that can cause any problems.

My brother had his cut aged 17, and it was his choice, he said that he felt groggy for a few days but it didn't really hurt.... Have you discussed it with him?

I've been wondering the same. I think ds has a posterior tt. He's grown out of difficulties with speech (mostly) and chewing food but I worry about how it will affect his teeth and jaw as he grows. I am tempted to take him to see a specialist just to see if there will be any benefits.

I've spoke to him about it and he wouldn't like anything done but then again he's 7 and thinks someone is going to cut his tongue although I've tried to explain it! We have a dentist appointment on Friday so I will ask her and let you know what she says sleepy tea. Has anyone ever said it could affect his teeth and jaw? We took ds to a specialist when he was a baby and he said if he was feeding ok he would just leave it but did give us the option an now I'm just wishing I had it done.

From doing online reading, tt can affect the way the palate forms so that it has a high arch and is narrower. This in turn can cause overcrowding of teeth and the child is more likely to need orthodontic treatment. I was going to ask my dentist about it when we next go.

ds 8 is the same. We are waiting for an appointment for the hospital. it has been recommended by his orthodontist.

Hi sailors gal, can I ask why your ds was seeing the orthodontist and did they feel that the tongue tie was causing problems?

My 3 yr old has a tt. It was snipped as a baby, but is still quite tt'd.
I mentioned it to the dentist when we were last there, as ds's bottom front teeth are pulled in by the tie.
He suggested talking to the GP about it.

Ds is also a very fussy eater and gets very constipated - is this due to the tt does anyone know?

Hi. His dentist recommended the orthodontist. I think he has a crossbite. The orthodontist NHS wanted to wait to see how it progressed as was just starting to get his big teeth. The private orthodontist now at the dentist is pushing for treatment and said about the tongue tie. My son has become more self conscious about it and said it catches between his bottom teeth. I am taking him back to the NHS to get a second opinion about his teeth as £2500 has been quoted so far.

My ds has always been a fussy eater.

My DD had hers cut under GA last year at the age of 11. It was her choice. It was absolutely fine. This summer she has really enjoyed licking ice creams without looking like a toddler. It was definitely a good choice. PM me if you want to know more. Don't want to put up identifying details.

ds1's ties went undiagnosed until he was about 6yo.

After doing a LOT of reading online, I realised that pretty much all of his health problems stemmed from his tongue tie.

It was affecting his ability to eat, breathe and sleep, all of which are essential for good health.

He had it done under GA when he was 6yo but it wasn't done properly. I then learned that scissors and GA were not the only option and we travelled to have him revised properly with laser and local anaesthetic.

He also started orthodontic treatment just before his 7th birthday. We are almost 2 years into it and every single one of his problems has been resolved.

If you would like my advice, I would suggest that you consider going to one of the two dentists who currently do laser revision for full assessment of ties and orofacial structure.

And yes, restricted tongue movement can have a massive impact on the development of jaws.

Ah yes the orthodontist did mention that he could end up with a Bruce Forsythe jaw but I didn't realise it was due to the tongue tie.
Could you give me the details of the two dentists mentioned?

Does he mouth breathe? That can cause an elongated bottom jaw. Tongue thrusting when swallowing can also distort the shape of jaws and line of teeth.

The tongue should only go up to the roof of the mouth on swallowing. If it goes forward, or out to the side then it can put pressure on growing bones, affecting the growth pattern.

The two dentists are John Roberts at the Cote Royd Dental Practice in Huddersfield (he did DS1's ties - would recommend) and Malcolm Levinkind in North Finchley (he assessed ds2 - would also recommend!).

There are pics of ds1 on my profile btw including an xray where you can see how flat the front of his face was restricting his nostrils and causing mouth breathing.

All good now though, the revision and orthodontics worked wonders!

Oh sorry, yes. I see now in your OP that he mouth breathes.

I have just read your OP to ds1 who is now almost 9yo.

He says "get it done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"