Ask a Therapist: SMILE protocol for Severe Diagnosis

Hi,

I would like to know if your SMILE program would help someone who is not a tongue thruster but has other abnormalities like a restricted tongue movement because of extra frenulum material, a malformed tongue, and a cleft (somewhat repaired). In other words I already know that programs can reach a variety of patients. Mine is an adult with not only all of the above problems but has just had teeth implants top and bottom. Her tongue and its relation to the teeth, and cleft (nasality) are her problems. I listened to a recording of her voice before implants and it sounded somewhat more clear but not substantially.

Thank You,

Thank you for your question. If this client does NOT have VPI and the nasality is the result of the tongue tip being poorly elevated then YES. I have treated multiple clients with nasality issues because the tongue was low or the tip was anchored due to restricted frenum. What is very important is that the client has the mobility to execute the program. If there is a severe tongue tie surgery may be needed prior to implementation.

Thanks for your interest,