Your kid is a picky eater. Hard to understand when they talk. A restless sleeper who tosses all night with their mouth wide open. You’ve seen a speech therapist, maybe a pediatrician, maybe a dentist. Three specialists later, still no clear answer.
Here’s something that often gets missed: one thing can sit under all three. An undiagnosed tongue-tie can affect how a child speaks, eats, and sleeps, all at once.
We help families near Sloan’s Lake sort out children’s tongue-tie, right here in Lakewood. If those three struggles keep showing up together, there may be a single reason behind them.
You don’t have to keep chasing separate fixes. Call us at (720) 783-5424 to find out what’s really going on.
What a Tongue-Tie Looks Like in Older Kids (Not Just Babies)
People think tongue-ties only matter for babies and feeding. But in older kids, they show up in different ways.
Here’s what we see most:
- Certain sounds are hard to make, like r, l, th, or s
- Eating is slow, messy, or a battle at every meal
- Gagging or refusing certain food textures
- Snoring or sleeping with the mouth wide open
- A gap between the front teeth, or teeth that crowd together
So why does it slip past checkups? Once a baby is feeding fine, no one looks at the tongue again. The early years pass, and the restriction just blends into “that’s how they are.” But these signs aren’t quirks. They can point to a tongue that’s tied down.
How We Evaluate — Function First
We don’t just glance under the tongue and call it a day. We watch how it works.
We check tongue mobility, where the tongue rests, and how your child swallows. When it helps, we use airway imaging like CBCT to see more. Function tells the real story, not appearance alone.
And we’re honest with you. If it’s a tongue-tie, we’ll say so. If it’s something else, we’ll tell you that too and point you toward the right help. You won’t get a release your child doesn’t need.
Laser Release + Myofunctional Therapy for Kids
When a release makes sense, it’s quick and gentle. We use a laser made for this, so most kids are back to their day fast.
But the release is only half the work. Your child’s tongue has spent years moving the old, restricted way. It needs to learn the new range.
That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in. These are simple exercises that retrain the tongue to rest, move, and swallow right. That’s how a release actually turns into clearer speech and easier eating. We do both parts here, under one roof, instead of sending you somewhere else for the therapy.
Picture a kid who’s finally understood at school. Dinners that aren’t a fight. A child who sleeps with their mouth closed and wakes up rested. That’s what we’re working toward.
Coming From Sloan’s Lake (Driving Directions)
We’re an easy drive from Sloan’s Lake. From Sloan Lake Park, take US-6 west to Wadsworth Blvd, then head south to 3900 S Wadsworth. It runs about 12 minutes.
Parking is free right at the office. And our space is built for families, so bringing the kids along is no trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tongue tie cause my child’s speech delay?
Yes, a tongue-tie can affect speech when it limits how the tongue moves. Sounds like r, l, th, and s need good tongue mobility to form. If the tongue is tied down, those sounds get harder. An evaluation can tell whether a tie is part of the picture.
Is my school-age child too old for a tongue-tie release?
No, school-age children are not too old for a tongue-tie release. Kids at this age often do well because they can take part in the therapy that follows. The tongue can still learn new patterns. It’s rarely too late to help.
Will the release fix picky eating on its own?
The release helps, but it usually works best paired with therapy. Freeing the tongue is step one. Retraining how it moves food and textures is step two. Together, they often make eating easier and less stressful.
Does my child need myofunctional therapy after?
In most cases, yes, because the release alone doesn’t teach new habits. The tongue has to relearn how to rest, move, and swallow. Therapy guides that. Skipping it often means the old patterns stick around.
How far are you from Sloan’s Lake?
Our Lakewood office is about 12 minutes from Sloan’s Lake. Take US-6 west to Wadsworth Blvd, then south to 3900 S Wadsworth Blvd.
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation
You’ve spent enough time guessing. Let’s find out if a tongue-tie is behind your child’s speech, eating, and sleep struggles.
An evaluation is a calm, honest first step. We’ll tell you what we find, straight. No unnecessary procedures, just real answers for Denver metro families.
Untethered Airway Health Center 3900 S Wadsworth Blvd #625, Lakewood, CO 80235 (720) 783-5424
Hours:
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: By Appointment Only
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Call (720) 783-5424 to schedule. Want to learn more first? Read about children’s tongue-tie release in Lakewood, meet your Lakewood airway dentist, or see the Colorado areas we serve.
