Not just the procedure.
The full picture.
At the National Tongue Tie Centre, we have understand that tongue tie surgery is only part of treatment. The restriction creates dysfunctional patterns and whole-body tension that need to be addressed before, during, and after any surgical intervention. Our methodology is built on that understanding.
Three pillars.
One integrated pathway.
Our three-pillar methodology ensures that every patient, whether a newborn, an older child, or an adult, receives a care pathway to address the restriction itself, the dysfunctional patterns that developed around it, and the tension the restriction has created throughout the body over time. These three elements are inseparable. We treat them together.
Three pillars of integrated care
Each pillar is essential. The sequence matters. And the rehabilitation is not optional - it is where lasting outcomes are built.
All procedures at the National Tongue Tie Centre are performed by Dr. Justin Roche using CO₂ laser. This is a precisely controlled, minimally traumatic technique that allows thorough release of oral restrictions. During a frenuloplasty sutures are placed to help the healing process. We assess fully before we proceed. Every release is preceded by a comprehensive functional evaluation to confirm the diagnosis, the degree of restriction, and the clinical significance - and to ensure the procedure is genuinely indicated.
A tongue tie present from birth means a lifetime of compensatory patterns in feeding, swallowing, breathing, and speech. Releasing the restriction creates the structural possibility for correct function - but the patterns themselves do not change automatically. Pre-operative feeding preparation begins before the procedure, building the functional foundation for recovery. Post-operative rehabilitation guides the tongue, jaw, and associated structures into new movement patterns that make the most of the freedom the release has created. For infants this means feeding rehabilitation and parent coaching. For older children and adults it involves myofunctional therapy, swallow retraining, and exercise-based rehabilitation tailored to the individual presentation.
Restricted tongue function does not exist in isolation. Tension in the lingual frenulum extends through the floor of the mouth, the hyoid, the anterior neck muscles, and throughout the fascial system of the body. In infants this manifests as jaw tension, neck tightness, and restricted head movement that directly affects feeding mechanics. In older children and adults the same fascial connections can contribute to jaw pain, headaches, neck and shoulder tension, and sleep-disordered breathing. Our physiotherapy and bodywork component addresses this whole-body tensional picture, both in preparation for the procedure and as part of recovery. This is the element of our care that is most consistently absent elsewhere โ and the one our patients most frequently identify as transformative.
What to expect
from first contact
to recovery.
We will explain every step before you commit to anything. Our goal is that you arrive at each stage of the process informed, prepared, and supported.
Book an AssessmentSpecialist expertise.
Shared focus.
The methodology works because the people delivering it are all working from the same clinical philosophy, in the same clinic, with the same understanding of what integrated care means in practice.
Ready to understand
what is really happening?
Our assessment is the starting point. We will evaluate fully, explain what we find, and give you an honest recommendation. If treatment is not indicated, we will tell you that too.
