Tongue tie surgery, also known as frenectomy or frenuloplasty, has become increasingly common among both children and adults. This small procedure releases the tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) under your tongue, helping it move more freely. But a growing question people ask after the operation is can your teeth shift after a tongue tie surgery?
The short answer: yes, your teeth can shift slightly after tongue tie surgery, but whether that’s beneficial or concerning depends on several factors such as muscle adaptation, bite alignment, and pre-existing orthodontic issues. Let’s explore this topic in-depth.
What Happens During Tongue Tie Surgery?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue connecting your tongue to the floor of your mouth is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts tongue mobility, leading to challenges like:
- Difficulty speaking or pronouncing certain sounds
- Problems with swallowing and chewing
- Oral hygiene issues due to limited movement
- Gaps or misalignment in the front teeth
The Surgical Process
The procedure is typically simple and quick:
- Frenectomy: The frenulum is snipped or lasered off to release tension.
- Frenuloplasty: A more advanced surgery that includes repositioning and suturing the area for better function.
Once the tongue is free to move, your oral muscles begin adapting and that’s where tooth movement may begin.
How Tongue Tie Affects Tooth Alignment Before Surgery
Before the surgery, restricted tongue movement can subtly affect the pressure dynamics in your mouth. Your tongue plays a key role in maintaining the position of your teeth by applying gentle, consistent force against them.
When it’s tied down:
- The tongue can’t press against the upper palate effectively.
- The lower jaw and surrounding muscles may compensate.
- This imbalance can contribute to gaps (especially between front teeth), crowding, or bite problems over time.
Common Pre-Surgery Dental Issues
| Dental Problem | Cause Linked to Tongue Tie |
| Gap between front teeth | Restricted tongue movement causing pressure imbalance |
| Open bite | Incorrect swallowing pattern or tongue thrust |
| Crossbite | Misaligned jaw or compensatory habits |
| Gum recession | Tension pulling the tongue too tightly downward |
So when the restriction is released, your mouth starts to realign itself to its natural resting posture and that’s when teeth can shift.
Can Teeth Really Shift After Tongue Tie Surgery?
Yes, teeth can shift after tongue tie surgery, but not in the same way braces move them. The change is usually subtle and muscle-driven, not bone-deep realignment.
Here’s why this happens:
1. New Tongue Posture
Once freed, the tongue starts resting against the roof of your mouth (palate) rather than the floor. This new position applies gentle upward and outward pressure that may slightly widen the dental arch or adjust spacing.
2. Muscle Rebalancing
Your mouth’s muscles work in harmony to keep your teeth in position. After surgery:
- The tongue, lips, and jaw muscles adjust to new roles.
- The balance of pressure shifts.
- Teeth may move a bit as your oral system finds a new equilibrium.
3. Oral Rest Position and Swallowing Changes
Post-surgery, you’ll likely learn a new swallowing pattern and resting posture through therapy or exercises. These new habits affect tooth positioning because tongue thrusting, improper swallowing, or resting your tongue low can push teeth outward or inward over time.
Orthodontic Implications of Tongue Tie Surgery
Tongue tie surgery often complements orthodontic treatment rather than replaces it. Orthodontists sometimes recommend frenectomy before or during braces treatment to stabilize long-term results.
Why Orthodontists Recommend Surgery
- It removes the tension that causes relapse after braces.
- It improves tongue posture, which helps maintain alignment.
- It enhances airway function and oral balance.
Potential Orthodontic Changes After Surgery
| Observation | Explanation |
| Slight tooth movement | Natural muscle adaptation post-surgery |
| Space closing between teeth | Improved tongue posture pressing gently against the upper palate |
| Bite correction support | Jaw rebalancing reduces tension |
| Stabilization after braces | Reduced relapse risk due to balanced tongue pressure |
So while tooth movement after tongue tie release may sound alarming, in many cases, it’s actually a positive correction process.
What to Expect After Tongue Tie Surgery
1. Immediate Healing Phase (First 1–2 Weeks)
You might experience mild swelling, tightness, or discomfort. Your tongue may feel different when speaking or swallowing. This phase is short but critical.
2. Adaptation Phase (Weeks 2–6)
The muscles begin retraining. You may notice:
- Slight shifts in your bite
- Mild tooth movement
- Changes in resting tongue posture
Tongue exercises prescribed by your dentist or myofunctional therapist are vital during this period. They help your mouth learn new, balanced movement patterns that stabilize your teeth and jaw alignment.
3. Long-Term Phase (After 2 Months)
Once healed, your tongue maintains a stable resting position on the palate. This supports better alignment, improved oral breathing, and long-term dental stability.
The Role of Myofunctional Therapy After Tongue Tie Surgery
Myofunctional therapy is a structured exercise program for your tongue, lips, and jaw. It helps retrain muscle memory after a tongue tie release.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
- Prevents relapse of old habits
- Encourages proper tongue rest position
- Supports stable tooth alignment
- Enhances speech and swallowing patterns
A skilled myofunctional therapist will guide you through exercises like tongue lifts, lip seal drills, and controlled swallowing all designed to ensure your oral muscles work in harmony.
“Think of your tongue as the conductor of a symphony. When it moves freely and rhythmically, every other part your teeth, jaw, and lips follows its lead in perfect harmony.”
Can Teeth Shifting After Surgery Be Prevented?
You can’t always stop teeth from shifting, but you can control and guide the process. Here’s how:
1. Follow Your Post-Surgery Exercises
Consistent tongue mobility exercises prevent scar tissue buildup and encourage balanced movement.
2. Visit an Orthodontist or Dentist Regularly
Professional follow-ups ensure your teeth are adjusting healthily. They can use retainers or aligners if needed.
3. Maintain Proper Oral Habits
Avoid pressing your tongue against your teeth or clenching your jaw. Keep your lips closed, breathe through your nose, and rest your tongue on your palate.
4. Stay Patient
Minor shifts are part of your mouth’s natural rebalancing process. As your muscles adapt, things usually stabilize within a few months.
Final Conclusion
So, can your teeth shift after a tongue tie surgery?
Yes, but it’s usually a sign of healthy adjustment, not a problem. When the tongue finally gains full mobility, it restores proper oral posture, and your teeth may move slightly as everything finds its natural alignment.
In most cases, these changes are beneficial:
- The dental arch broadens slightly.
- Bite alignment improves.
- Speech and swallowing become easier.
- Long-term orthodontic results become more stable.
However, to make the most of your recovery:
- Follow your post-surgery care plan.
- Perform tongue and jaw exercises daily.
- Get guidance from a dentist or myofunctional therapist.
Your mouth is an ecosystem when one part changes, the rest follows. Embrace this adaptation phase with care and patience, and you’ll enjoy stronger alignment, smoother speech, and better overall oral health in the long run.