Santa Teresa Smiles

07/31/2026

Well said👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 make sure your provider is trained on how to properly assess and complete a functional frenuloplasty with the help of a competent myofunctional therapist who understands the difference!! Thank you Susana and Myofunctional Therapy of NM for your amazing services to our patients 👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Tongue-Tie Release vs. Functional Frenuloplasty: What’s the Difference? 👅

One of the most common questions I’ve been asked recently is:

“What’s the difference between a tongue-tie release and a functional frenuloplasty?”

While both procedures aim to improve tongue mobility, they are not the same procedure and are often recommended for different reasons.

A traditional tongue-tie release (frenotomy/frenectomy) is designed to release the visible restrictive band of tissue beneath the tongue. It is commonly performed in infants to improve feeding and is often a quick, minimally invasive procedure.

A functional frenuloplasty is a more comprehensive procedure that addresses not only the visible restriction but also deeper fascial and muscle attachments that may limit tongue mobility. It is typically combined with orofacial myofunctional therapy before and after the procedure to retrain the tongue and surrounding muscles for improved function.

✨ Depending on the individual, improved tongue function may support:
• Nasal breathing
• Swallowing
• Oral rest posture
• Speech
• Muscle tension
• Sleep quality
• Overall oral function

The most important takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best procedure depends on the individual’s anatomy, symptoms, goals, and a comprehensive evaluation by an experienced provider.

As a myofunctional therapist, my role is not to determine which surgical procedure someone should have, but to evaluate oral function, prepare patients for treatment when appropriate, and help optimize long-term outcomes through evidence-informed myofunctional therapy.

I created this comparison guide because so many of my patients have been asking about the differences. I hope it helps make these procedures a little easier to understand!

💬 Have questions about tongue ties or myofunctional therapy? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message—I’m always happy to help educate and guide you toward the resources that are best for your individual needs.

07/23/2026

A beautiful smile is only part of the story. ✨

These before and after photos show more than orthodontic treatment, they represent a transformation in function.

By focusing on facial balance, bite stability, and the relationship between the teeth, muscles, TMJs, and cranial system, this patient went from living with chronic headaches, TMD pain, and an unstable bite to feeling comfortable, balanced, and pain-free.

The beautiful smile? That’s just the bonus.

At our office, we believe orthodontics should enhance not only how you look, but how you feel.

SmileTransformation BeforeAndAfter Occlusion WholeBodyHealth

05/14/2026

✨ Big changes in just 6 weeks ✨

This little one started with a developing skeletal Class III pattern, and with consistent wear of the Eptamed Balancer, we’re already seeing beautiful early changes in growth guidance and functional development. 👏

The Balancer works by supporting proper oral function, tongue posture, and neuromuscular balance — helping influence the way the jaws grow during these critical developmental years.

Early intervention can make such a powerful difference when we work with growth instead of waiting for problems to worsen. 💫

PediatricDentistry ClassIII CraniofacialDevelopment HolisticDentistry MyofunctionalTherapy EarlyIntervention HealthyGrowth OrthotropicPrinciples PediatricOrthopedics

04/28/2026

We’re hiring a Registered Dental Assistant 🦷✨

We’re looking for someone who is kind, dependable, and truly cares about patient experience. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, a great communicator, and thrives in a positive, team-focused environment.

Must have a current New Mexico RDA license. Experience with chairside assisting, organization, and creating a calm, welcoming space for patients is a big plus.

If you love what you do and bring both skill and heart to your work—we’d love to meet you 🤍

Amazing work-life balance with a 4-day workweek (Mon–Thurs, 8:30–4:30) and strong growth potential. Join a team that supports your success 🙌

📍 Apply today or DM us to learn more.

04/23/2026

Expansion is more than straight teeth — it’s about creating space for function.

This case shows how developing the arches allowed for:
✨ improved alignment
✨ increased tongue space
✨ better support for natural tongue posture
✨ and a visible change in overall posture

When the palate is narrow, the tongue has nowhere to go — it adapts by dropping or shifting, which can influence breathing patterns, muscle balance, and even head and neck position.

By expanding the arches, we’re not just aligning teeth — we’re restoring space for the tongue to function where it was designed to be.

The result?
A more stable bite, better oral function, and a system that can organize itself more efficiently.

Function drives form. Always.

growthanddevelopment holisticdentistry dentistry beforeandafter

04/22/2026

In just a few weeks… the body tells the story.

This is more than teeth moving — this is a shift in system integration.

With the Equilibridontics guidance appliance, we’re not forcing change… we’re guiding it. As occlusal contacts begin to normalize, something powerful happens:

✨ The cranial mechanism begins to reorganize
✨ The autonomic nervous system finds more balance
✨ Posture starts to stack with less compensation
✨ Airflow improves as space and function evolve

Look closely — the changes in head posture, facial tone, arch development, and airway are all connected.

When occlusion is in harmony, it becomes a stabilizing input to the entire system — influencing how the body organizes itself from the cranial base down.

This is why we don’t separate the mouth from the body.
Function drives form. Integration drives health.

PostureMatters PediatricAirway HolisticDentistry GrowthGuidance SomaticDentistry