If left untreated, tongue ties, mouth breathing or tongue thrust can cause problems with orthodontic treatment. Additionally, in developing children and teens, the tongue should act as a natural expander for the palate (roof of your mouth) if the tongue habitually rests against the palate as it should. In fact, when the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth through a tongue tie, it can limit or prevent this natural expansion and can cause further problems such as mouth breathing and tongue thrust. When the lips are toned and properly closed at rest, they help to act as natural braces to keep the teeth in alignment. Mouth breathing prevents this from happening and can allow the teeth to shift.

With untreated tongue thrust, the tongue rests against the back of the teeth instead of up against the palate. Consequently, this light, constant pressure against the teeth, coupled with the increased force against the teeth with every swallow, can move teeth out of alignment. These conditions are ideally corrected before or during orthodontic treatment, but after is always better than never. Once the braces come off, your teeth may start to shift if these poor oral habits are left unchecked.