Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is most often discussed in the context of infants who struggle to breastfeed. But tongue tie is not just a baby issue. When left untreated, the effects can extend well into childhood, adolescence, and even adulthood. From speech clarity to orthodontics, airway health to emotional confidence, untreated tongue tie can have a wide-ranging impact.
In this article, we’ll explore the long-term consequences of untreated tongue tie—and why treatment at any age can be life-changing.
A tongue tie restricts mobility of the tongue, making it difficult for the tongue to rest against the palate, move food efficiently, or articulate speech sounds. Over time, these restrictions affect multiple aspects of health and function:
For adults, untreated tongue tie may continue to affect everyday life:
The good news? It’s never too late. Adults can still benefit greatly from tongue tie release combined with therapy.
Whether diagnosed in childhood, teenage years, or adulthood, tongue tie can be treated effectively with:
These combined treatments help patients achieve lasting improvements in daily function, confidence, and overall well-being.
1. What happens if tongue tie is not treated?
Untreated tongue tie can cause speech difficulties, feeding issues, orthodontic relapse, sleep problems, and self-esteem challenges.
2. Can adults benefit from tongue tie release?
Yes. Many adults report improvements in speech, sleep, jaw comfort, and confidence after treatment.
3. Does tongue tie affect facial growth?
Yes. A restricted tongue limits palate expansion, often leading to narrower dental arches and orthodontic issues.
4. Will untreated tongue tie cause sleep apnea?
Not always, but tongue tie can contribute to poor airway support, snoring, and increased risk for sleep-disordered breathing.
5. Is therapy needed after tongue tie release?
Yes. Myofunctional and/or speech therapy ensures the tongue adapts to its new mobility, maximizing results.
Tongue tie is more than a feeding issue—it’s a condition that can affect health and function at every stage of life. While the long-term effects of untreated tongue tie can be frustrating, treatment is effective and available at any age.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, we provide compassionate care and advanced treatment for children, teens, and adults. With the right approach, patients can enjoy clearer speech, better sleep, improved dental stability, and renewed confidence.
👉 Think tongue tie may be affecting you or your child? Schedule a consultation today and discover how treatment can make a difference.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, our goal is to support the well-being of families by addressing restricted oral tissues (ROTs). We cater to patients across all ages, from infants to adults, with an understanding of the diverse needs at each life stage. Our treatments, utilizing cool laser technology, are designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We're dedicated to providing a caring environment, recognizing that each patient's journey towards better oral health is unique.