Tongue Thrust Treatment in Kent and Sammamish
A tongue thrust is a swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against or between the front teeth instead of pressing against the roof of the mouth. When that pattern persists past early childhood, it opens a gap between the upper and lower front teeth, flares the incisors forward, and. If left alone quietly reverses orthodontic treatment after the braces come off. Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design evaluates the tongue habit before orthodontics begins, screens for the airway and tongue-tie causes that drive it, and sequences care so the swallow is retrained before the bite is closed.
Reviewed and approved by Dr. Cameron Freelove, DDS, MS · Last updated
Families across Kent and Sammamish and the surrounding communities are seen at the Freelove office for this evaluation.
What Is Tongue Thrust?
Every swallow is a quick, precise muscular sequence. In a mature swallow, the tip of the tongue lifts to the roof of the mouth, the sides seal along the palate, and a wave pushes food or saliva backward into the throat. In a tongue thrust, the tongue pushes forward against or between the front teeth instead.
That forward push happens 1,200 to 2,000 times per day, with roughly 4 pounds of force each time, a continuous stream of low-grade orthodontic pressure that no appliance was designed to resist.
Infants are born tongue-thrusters. The forward suckling reflex is how a baby breast-feeds or bottle-feeds, and it is entirely normal up through about age 2. Between ages 4 and 6, most children naturally transition to the adult swallow pattern as they move to solid food, speech matures, and the airway grows.
When the infantile pattern never transitions, or transitions and then reverts under airway stress, it becomes a tongue thrust in the clinical sense and starts pushing teeth out of position.
How Common Is It?
Studies report that 67% to 95% of children ages 5 to 8 exhibit some degree of tongue thrust. Most outgrow it naturally. For those who do not, the habit is strongly associated with anterior open bite, protruding upper front teeth, spacing, anterior crowding from forward-positioned incisors, and speech difficulties with "s", "z", "t", "d", "n", and "l" sounds.
Why This Page Exists
Tongue thrust is the single most common reason an open bite closed with braces or aligners opens back up months or years after treatment finishes. It is also routinely missed at a standard orthodontic consultation, because the swallow pattern itself has to be observed directly.
It does not appear on a panoramic X-ray. Dr. Freelove builds the tongue habit check into every new-patient evaluation so the cause is known before a treatment plan is written.
Types of Tongue Thrust
Tongue thrust is not a single pattern. The clinical evaluation classifies the habit by which teeth the tongue presses against during the swallow, because each type drives a different bite problem and changes which appliance or therapy approach fits best.
Anterior Tongue Thrust
The most common form. During the swallow, the tongue tip pushes forward against or between the upper and lower front teeth. The continuous outward pressure over 1,200 to 2,000 swallows per day flares the upper incisors forward, opens a vertical gap between the front teeth (anterior open bite), and produces a "tongue-tied to the front teeth" speech sound on s, z, t, d. Anterior thrust is the classic pattern that drives orthodontic relapse when the underlying habit is not addressed.
Lateral Tongue Thrust
The tongue pushes outward against the back teeth on one or both sides during the swallow. The cheeks and lips compensate by collapsing inward, which over time narrows the upper arch and creates posterior open bite or posterior crossbite. Lateral thrust is harder to detect than anterior thrust because the tongue stays inside the mouth; the clinical signs are mostly in the molar relationship and arch width. Often coexists with a low tongue posture.
Lower (Reverse) Tongue Thrust
The tongue presses downward and forward against the lower front teeth during the swallow rather than upward against the palate. Lower tongue thrust is associated with a low resting tongue posture (the tongue sits on the floor of the mouth rather than against the palate), narrow upper jaw development from lack of tongue-to-palate contact during growth, and a tendency toward a Class III bite pattern with a more prominent lower jaw. Lower thrust is less common than anterior but harder to retrain.
Tongue Posture at Rest Matters Too
The swallow itself accounts for about 2 minutes of tongue position across an entire day. The remaining 23+ hours, the tongue is at rest. Resting tongue posture is the bigger driver of long-term bite development, especially during the growth years from age 4 through adolescence.
Correct resting posture places the tongue tip just behind the upper front teeth, the body of the tongue lifted against the hard palate, and the lips gently sealed. This "tongue-to-palate" position uses light continuous pressure to support upper-arch width and the height of the palate as the child grows.
Low resting posture places the tongue on the floor of the mouth, often with the mouth open. The upper jaw loses the lateral support the tongue would normally provide during growth, leading to a narrow upper arch, a high vaulted palate, and increased risk of crossbite and airway compromise. Low tongue posture often coexists with mouth breathing and adenotonsillar enlargement.
Dr. Freelove evaluates both the swallow pattern AND the resting posture at every consultation that flags a tongue habit. Correcting the swallow without correcting the resting posture leaves the bigger driver in place.
Signs of Tongue Thrust
Some signs are obvious. Others, like a swallowing pattern, require professional evaluation to detect. If you notice two or more of these, an orthodontic evaluation is warranted.
Does Tongue Thrust Cause the Open Bite, or Adapt to It?
This is one of the most debated questions in orthodontics. The honest answer: both are true, and it matters which one is driving each case.
A persistent infantile swallowing pattern, especially when combined with a low tongue resting posture, can contribute to the development of an open bite. The tongue’s forward pressure prevents the front teeth from erupting into contact.
But an existing open bite also makes it physically impossible to achieve a lip seal during swallowing. The tongue thrusts forward to fill the gap and create the seal needed to swallow. In this case, the thrust is an adaptation to the open bite, not the cause of it, and closing the bite orthodontically can sometimes resolve the thrust on its own.
Current research suggests that the resting posture of the tongue, where it sits between swallows, has a greater influence on tooth position than the swallowing pattern itself. A tongue that rests low and forward exerts continuous light pressure on the teeth for hours each day.
That sustained force is what moves teeth. Dr. Freelove uses CBCT imaging to measure the skeletal contribution to the open bite and decide, for each patient, whether the thrust is a cause to retrain or a consequence to correct.
How Tongue Habit Is Diagnosed
Tongue thrust cannot be diagnosed from a single photograph or a panoramic X-ray. The swallow has to be watched in real time, the resting posture has to be observed, and the underlying airway and tongue-tie anatomy have to be ruled in or out. Dr. Freelove may make some or all of these evaluations. If abnormal function is suspected, a referral to myofunctional therapist and /or speech patholgist will be made. Tongue-thrust evaluation includes:
- Direct swallow observation. The patient takes a sip of water while the lips, chin, and tongue is observed. A visible tongue protrusion or chin-muscle strain (mentalis contraction) during the swallow is the first flag.
- Resting-posture assessment. The patient is asked to sit quietly with the lips lightly together. A tongue that rests on the floor of the mouth rather than on the palate is the deeper driver of tooth movement and is as important to correct as the swallow itself.
- Lip seal and nasal-breathing screen. If the lips cannot close comfortably at rest, or if the patient mouth-breathes during the exam, Dr. Freelove screens for the airway causes on the mouth breathing page.
- Tongue-tie (lingual frenum) check. A restricted frenum physically prevents the tongue from reaching the palate.
- Airway and skeletal review. The free consultation includes X-rays, photos and a 3D intraoral scan reviewed for airway-related signs, adenoid and tonsil size, sinus patency, nasal septum, and the vertical growth pattern of the face; a 3D CBCT scan is added when the diagnosis calls for a closer look. A high-angle skeletal open bite has a different treatment path than a dental open bite driven purely by the habit.
- Speech screen. If a lisp or imprecise "s," "z," "t," "d," "n," or "l" sounds are noted, Dr. Freelove coordinates with a speech-language pathologist or myofunctional therapist as part of the care plan.
What Causes Tongue Thrust?
Prolonged Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use
The most common identifiable cause. Thumb sucking reshapes the palate and alters tongue posture. Even after the habit stops, the tongue’s position and swallowing pattern may not self-correct.
Chronic Mouth Breathing
When a child breathes through the mouth, the tongue rests on the floor of the mouth instead of the palate. This low posture becomes habitual and persists during swallowing. Mouth breathing and tongue thrust are frequently co-occurring. See the mouth breathing page for the full diagnostic and treatment path.
Enlarged Adenoids or Tonsils
Large adenoids or tonsils can block the airway, forcing mouth breathing and forward tongue posture. Treating the obstruction (often with adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy) is a necessary first step before addressing the tongue habit.
Tongue-Tie (Short Lingual Frenum)
A restricted lingual frenum limits the tongue’s upward range of motion. The tongue cannot reach the palate during swallowing, so it pushes forward instead. A frenectomy may be needed to allow proper tongue mechanics before myofunctional therapy can be effective.
Neurological or Muscular Conditions
Less commonly, tongue thrust can be associated with hypotonia (low muscle tone), cerebral palsy, or other neurological conditions that affect oral motor control.
What Happens If Tongue Thrust Is Not Treated
Orthodontic Relapse
This is the most clinically significant consequence. Many orthodontists have closed an open bite with braces only to see it reopen after treatment because the tongue thrust was never addressed. If the tongue continues to push against the teeth after braces are removed, the teeth will move back. Addressing the habit during treatment, not after, is critical for long-term stability.
Progressive Open Bite
The open bite tends to worsen over time as the tongue’s forward pressure continues. Front teeth move further apart, and the bite becomes increasingly difficult to correct without comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Speech Problems
Tongue thrust affects articulation of sounds that require the tongue to contact the palate: "s", "z", "t", "d", "n", and "l". A lisp is the most recognizable symptom. Speech therapy is often needed alongside orthodontic treatment.
Protruding Front Teeth
The constant forward pressure can push upper incisors into a flared, protruding position (overjet). This increases the risk of trauma to the front teeth during sports or accidents.
How Dr. Freelove Treats Tongue Thrust
Treatment addresses both the habit and its dental consequences. The sequence matters: underlying causes first, then habit correction, then orthodontic correction. Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design treats tongue thrust as a neuromuscular pattern first and a dental problem second, exercise-first, appliance when indicated, orthodontics only after the swallow and resting posture are retrained.
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Identify and Treat Underlying Causes
If mouth breathing, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or a restrictive tongue-tie are present, the structural cause is addressed first. Palatal expansion may be needed to widen a narrow upper arch and open the nasal airway.
ENT referral for adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy is coordinated with one of the pediatric ENT partners Freelove works with. A frenectomy to release a restrictive lingual frenum is sequenced before myofunctional therapy when the tongue cannot physically reach the palate.
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Myofunctional Therapy as First-Line Retraining
For most Freelove tongue-thrust cases, the primary intervention is a myofunctional therapy program.
A supervised protocol that retrains the resting posture of the tongue, the lip seal, nasal breathing, and the correct swallow sequence. Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design refers patients to trusted local myofunctional therapists when supervised retraining is indicated.
The therapist and the orthodontist communicate directly about progress so the habit work and the dental timing stay in sync.
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Habit-Breaker Appliance When Needed
For patients whose habit does not respond to exercises alone, for very young patients who cannot reliably perform the exercises, or for orthodontic cases where a fixed reminder is needed while the braces or aligners are doing bite work, Dr. Freelove selects an appliance case-by-case.
Options include tongue tamers/spurs (a subtle, bonded reminder during active orthodontic treatment), a conventional tongue crib (a wire gate behind the upper front teeth), and/or lab bonded appliances when custom crib geometry is needed.
The Bluegrass appliance (a spinning roller bead that trains upward tongue movement) is also used when muscle-retraining in a playful form is preferable for younger children. Appliances are a tool, not the plan, they are used for the shortest interval that accomplishes the habit reset.
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Orthodontic Bite Correction After the Habit Is Controlled
Once the swallow pattern has been retrained and the tongue rests against the palate at least most of the time, braces or clear aligners close the open bite, retract flared incisors, and align the teeth. For open-bite cases, Freelove frequently uses Invisalign with posterior intrusion mechanics.
The orthodontic result is stable because the tongue is no longer pushing the teeth apart during the 1,200+ swallows per day that come after the braces come off.
The Exercise Protocol (Home Program)
Alongside formal myofunctional therapy, or as the first step while a therapy schedule is being arranged, Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design prescribes a short daily home exercise program.
Performed consistently with compliance monitored at regular check-ups, the protocol retrains the swallowing and resting pattern in most cases without a tongue crib. Most patients show measurable improvement in tongue posture within 4 to 8 weeks.
The exercises are listed in order of clinical priority; each builds on the neuromuscular foundation established by the one before.
Exercise 1: Tongue-to-Palate Hold (Most Important)
Place the tip of the tongue on the incisive papilla (the small bump directly behind the upper front teeth) and press the entire dorsum of the tongue flat against the roof of the mouth. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Relax. Repeat 20 times, 3 times per day.
Why it works: Strengthens the genioglossus and palatoglossus muscles that maintain the tongue against the palate at rest.
Exercise 2: Tongue Suction and Click
Press the entire tongue against the palate, create strong suction (the tongue should "stick" to the roof of the mouth), then release with a loud click. Repeat 20 times, 2 to 3 times per day.
Why it works: The suction phase engages the intrinsic tongue muscles; the click trains rapid genioglossus contraction.
Exercise 3: Correct Swallow Practice
With the tongue tip on the incisive papilla and the dorsum sealed against the palate, swallow with the lips closed and teeth lightly together. No visible facial muscle strain. Practice with water first, then with saliva alone. 10 conscious swallows per session, 3 times per day.
Why it works: Retrains the entire swallowing chain from oral phase through pharyngeal phase, replacing forward-thrust with a posterior-squeeze pattern.
Exercise 4: Lip Seal and Nasal Breathing
Keep lips gently together and breathe exclusively through the nose during rest, homework, reading, and screen time. Start with 10-minute focused sessions and increase duration daily.
Why it works: Lip seal is a prerequisite for correct tongue posture. When lips close, the tongue naturally elevates toward the palate.
Typical Treatment Timeline
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Evaluation & cause screening
1 visit
Swallow assessment, tongue-tie check
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Underlying cause treatment
Varies
ENT, frenectomy, or expansion as needed
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Exercise protocol
4–12 weeks initial
Home practice with monthly check-ins
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Appliance (if exercises insufficient)
6–12 months
Tongue crib or Bluegrass
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Orthodontic bite correction
12–24 months
Braces or aligners after habit controlled
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Retention
Indefinite
Habit must persist; retainer + tongue posture
What to Expect at the Consultation
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Digital intake
Habit history, speech concerns, sleep and breathing patterns, and any family history of open bite or airway issues.
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Comprehensive records
Digital intraoral scan, clinical photos, along with a tongue-tie and lip-seal check.
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Diagnosis with Dr. Freelove
The swallowing pattern is observed directly, the resting posture is recorded, and the dental consequences are measured against age-expected norms.
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Exercise prescription
Dr. Freelove prescribes a short daily home exercise program and refers to a certified myofunctional therapist when abnormal tongue function is suspected.
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Full plan
A written plan covering underlying cause treatment, myofunctional therapy referral when indicated, habit-breaker appliance options, and the orthodontic path forward.
How Much Does Tongue Thrust Treatment Cost?
Myofunctional exercise protocol: referred out, billed by the therapist
Tongue crib or Bluegrass appliance: typically included with comprehensive orthodontics
Comprehensive braces: from $5,000
Invisalign: from $5,000
Invisalign: from $5,000
Myofunctional therapy referral fees are billed directly by the therapist and are often partially covered by medical insurance.
Insurance & Financing
Orthodontic treatment for open bite correction is typically covered by dental insurance when diagnosed as malocclusion. In-House Financing: 0% financing options available, no credit check, $300 down. Pay in Full: 5% discount.
Myofunctional therapy fees are paid directly to the therapy provider and are typically covered by medical insurance rather than dental.
Common Appliances Used at Freelove
Correcting a tongue thrust means retraining the swallow and the tongue’s resting posture, then aligning the teeth once the habit is under control.
- Habit-correction appliances. A tongue crib or similar reminder appliance blocks the tongue from pushing forward during swallowing. Dr. Freelove uses these case by case.
- Myofunctional therapy. Exercises that retrain tongue posture, swallowing, and lip seal. Dr. Freelove coordinates a referral when it is indicated and prescribes a short daily home exercise program alongside it.
- Braces or clear aligners. Close the open bite the tongue thrust created, sequenced after the swallow is retrained so the result holds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue Thrust
What is tongue thrust?
Tongue thrust is a swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against or between the front teeth instead of pressing upward against the palate. It is normal in infants, part of the suckling reflex, and most children transition to the mature adult swallow by age 4 to 6.
When the infantile pattern persists, 1,200 to 2,000 daily swallows at roughly 4 pounds of force each gradually push the front teeth out of alignment.
Will a child outgrow tongue thrust?
Many do. Between 67% and 95% of children ages 5 to 8 show some tongue thrust, and the majority outgrow it naturally as speech matures and solid-food chewing strengthens the correct muscles. If the pattern persists past age 6 with an open bite, speech lisp, or visible chin strain during swallowing, it is unlikely to self-resolve and should be evaluated by an orthodontist.
Can tongue thrust reverse orthodontic treatment?
Yes, this is one of the most important reasons to address it. If the tongue continues pushing against the teeth after braces are removed, the open bite can reopen and the front teeth can flare forward again within months. Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design screens every new patient for tongue thrust at the consultation and sequences myofunctional work before orthodontics when the habit is driving the bite problem.
What is a tongue crib?
A tongue crib is a small wire gate attached to bands on the upper molars. It sits behind the upper front teeth and physically blocks the tongue from pushing forward during swallowing. Most children adapt within 1 to 2 weeks. At Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design, the tongue crib is used as a case-by-case tool.
Often in combination with myofunctional therapy and active orthodontics. Rather than a default first step.
How is tongue thrust treated at Freelove?
Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design sequences care in four stages: (1) rule out and treat airway, adenoid/tonsil, and tongue-tie causes; (2) refer to myofunctional therapy for supervised retraining of the swallow, rest posture, lip seal, and nasal breathing; (3) add a habit-breaker appliance when the case calls for it; (4) close the open bite with braces or clear aligners after the tongue pattern is under control.
Is myofunctional therapy required, or is the home exercise program enough?
Where abnormal tongue function is suspected, it is recommended to see a certified myofunctional therapist for evaluation.
For a supervised retraining program. The therapist and the orthodontist coordinate progress directly.
Can adults have tongue thrust?
Yes. Adult tongue thrust is typically long-standing and often shows up as late-stage flared upper incisors, anterior gum recession from sustained pressure, and speech lisps. The exercise protocol and myofunctional therapy work for adults as well as children, though the established pattern takes more sustained effort to override.
Orthodontic correction for adults, often clear aligners with posterior intrusion, is sequenced the same way: habit first, bite second.
How is this different from a retainer?
A retainer holds teeth in their corrected position, but it does not retrain the tongue. Without a tongue habit correction, the 4-pound forward force applied 1,200+ times per day eventually overcomes retainer wear, the retainer starts to fit poorly, and the open bite begins to reopen. Retraining the swallow pattern and the resting posture is what keeps the orthodontic result stable.
Related Conditions
Concerned About a Tongue Thrust?
The free consultation at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design includes a direct observation of the swallow pattern, a tongue-tie and lip-seal check, and a written plan covering underlying causes, myofunctional therapy referral options, and the orthodontic path. Dr. Freelove evaluates the habit before orthodontics begins, not after the braces come off. Community discounts apply.