These are common frenulum attachment problems that affect the oral cavity. Frenum refers to the membrane of connective tissues connecting several parts of our mouth. Like the lip and tongue, some people also suffer from cheek ties, known as buccal ties. A buccal tie is a tight frenulum membrane in the cheeks.

A buccal tie is less common than a lip or tongue tie. However, it can still hinder the normal feeding process and cause trouble while nursing, as well as nipple stabilization and leaking problems. 

However, like other frenulum attachment problems, cheek ties can also be resolved with procedures such as frenectomy. 

Even modern treatment versions use a laser beam to untie the membrane, known as laser frenectomy.

Let’s get into the details and find out what buccal frenum is, how it affects you, and the possible solutions. But before this, if your child suffers from problems like cheek ties, consult the best specialists in town at Tongue Tie Phoenix.

What is a Buccal Tie?

A buccal tie is also known as a cheek tie, an abnormal attachment of the cheek frenum. The tightness of the frenum membrane is responsible for restricting the movement of cheeks in children. 

Under normal circumstances, the buccal frenum supports the structure of your cheeks and lips. The membrane extends to both sides of your mouth, but if it’s too tight, it can restrict normal cheek movement, interfering with the feeding process.

Problems with the buccal frenum can result in chewing and speaking difficulties but can also affect other aspects of your oral health. It can also lead to dental health challenges because it exerts extra pressure on the gums.

Classification of Buccal Tie

Depending on the severity of attachment, buccal ties can be classified into several types. This classification is based on the cheek frenum membrane’s attachment site. 

Based on the attachment site, buccal tie can be classified into the following:

  • Class 1 – Mucosal Attachment
  • Class 2 – Gingival Attachment
  • Class 3 – Alveolar Ridge Attachment

Symptoms of Cheek Ties

Cheek or buccal ties can be problematic for both children and adults. The clinical signs and symptoms also vary among patients of different age groups. 

Most parents notice the cheek tie symptoms when their child has difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The common symptoms of cheek ties in children and infants include:

  • Poor latching
  • Spilling milk while feeding
  • Sealing problems while feeding
  • Excessive drooling
  • Swallowing air
  • Colic
  • Reflux
  • Inability to fully open mouth
  • Choking while feeding
  • Facial tension
  • Speech delays

Other problems associated with cheek ties can be:

  • Teeth alignment problems
  • Susceptible to cavities
  • Gum recession

The symptoms of cheek tie depend on the severity of the problem and can vary from person to person.

Suggested Read: 5 Reasons Why Your Baby Clicks Their Tongue While Feeding

Diagnosis of Buccal Ties

Once your child exhibits the signs of poor frenum attachment, you must visit your physician to diagnose. According to the research, there are the following methods used for the diagnosis of cheek tie.  

1- Visual Inspection

In most cases, your physician may use the visual inspection method to diagnose. It’s simply visualizing your mouth for apparent problems using special tools to make it look clear. 

2- Finger Sweeping

The finger-sweeping method is another common way to diagnose cheek ties among patients. The most common way to diagnose the issue is by running your finger through your mouth to find cheek frenulum attachment problems. 

3- Tissue Blanching

Another standard method of assessing cheek ties is the tissue blanching method. In this method, your physician evaluates if your tissue blanches or changes color when examined. To visualize it, they may need to pull your cheek.

4- Functional Assessment

Lastly, the assessment of normal cheek functioning helps your physician with the diagnosis of buccal or cheek ties. Functional assent checks for regular feeding or swallowing function that later allows them with the diagnosis. 

Treatment of Buccal Tie via Frenectomy

If your child is suffering from buccal tie, then a frenectomy can help them overcome the problem. A frenectomy is an oral surgical procedure that removes the part of the frenum membrane that causes restrictive cheek movements.

Usually, cheek frenectomy is performed along with lip or tongue frenectomy. During the procedure, a surgeon may choose to remove or modify the frenulum membrane based on the severity of attachment. 

The only complications associated with the conditions are either the reattachment of the frenum membrane or post-surgical bleeding. Reattachment of frenum is rare and only occurs when the surgeon cannot perform the procedure.

Besides the reattachment, you can control the post-surgical bleeding by taking good care of the surgical site. Nowadays, a modified version of frenectomy is generally performed, known as laser frenectomy, which comes with fewer side effects and less healing time. 

In either case, the benefits of buccal frenectomy can help you overcome the problem and resolve its associated challenges. 

Read: Frenotomy vs Frenectomy: Essential 9 Differences

Untie Cheek Tie Now

Cheek tie refers to restrictive cheek movement because of abnormal attachment of the buccal frenum, a membrane responsible for normal oral functions. The condition can affect children and adults and have variable clinical appearance.

It can lead to feeding challenges in kids, resulting in poor nutrition and weight loss. However, your physician can diagnose and resolve the problem using modern surgical techniques such as laser frenectomy. 

Read: 7 Essential Tips for Easy Frenectomy Recovery in 2024

FAQs

Do Cheek Ties Need to Be Fixed?

It entirely depends on the severity of cheek ties and its associated complications. If it’s causing problems with normal cheek movement and resulting in feeding/ speaking challenges, then it’s better to fix it. 

Can Cheek Ties Affect Speech?

Yes, cheek ties can result in speech problems. However, it again depends on the site of the frenum attachment and how it is. 

Do Cheek Ties Cause Dimples?

Yes, cheek ties can result in dimples because of the fascial restriction due to the poor frenum attachment.

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