Three Cases with Lingual Frenectomy in Brothers

Abstract

Oral myofunctional therapy (MFT) before and after lingual frenectomy is indispensable for improving tongue function and preventing relapse due to scarring after resection. We report the cases of three siblings with ankyloglossia [Case 1: Brother 10 years 11 months, Cases 2 and 3: Twin brothers (A, B), 8 years 6 months]. After resection and preoperative and postoperative MFT, we performed ankyloglossia training.

In all three cases, the range of tongue movement and the amount of tongue zonule extension were good. In cases 2 and 3 in which the tongue protrusion habit was remarkable, reduction of the habit during swallowing and pronunciation was observed at the end of postoperative MFT. In case 1, the voluntary movement disorder of the tongue was mild and there was a possibility of avoiding lingual frenectomy. We decided to perform the operation, and obtained the thrusting power and control power of the entire back of the tongue by postoperative MFT.

By providing the same training as a group, the number of visits and instruction time were shortened, the training content was simplified, and the burden on parents was reduced. Furthermore, it became possible to maintain motivation by having three cases work on the same training content. However, it was also important to set tasks according to individual personality, tongue zonule morphology, tongue movement, and muscular strength, and to provide individual guidance.