Laser ankyloglossia release: Implications for maxillomandibular growth

The tongue is normally ankylosed to the floor of the mouth in utero. During fetal development, the ankylosed tongue is released from the floor of the mouth by apoptosis of the cells of the lingual frenum so that by the time of birth, the tongue is freely movable at one end. A critically important developmental anomaly - failed or incomplete apoptosis of the ankylosed tongue adversely affects growth of the face and jaws. This can have a significant impact on the growth and positioning of the infant's oral structures, leading to less than ideal maxillomandibular growth. Laser ankyloglossia release, performed as early as the second day of life, has the potential to prevent oral dysfunction and obviate the need for significant orthodontic therapy.