Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie

What is a tongue-tie or lip-tie?

There are small bands of tissue in the mouth called frenulums or frenunms. You can find one these beneath the tongue, and the other two connecting the lips near the upper and lower gums. When these tissues are too short or thick, they can inhibit normal oral function, leading to issues with feeding, speaking, sleeping and dental decay/spacing.

How are tongue-ties and lip-ties diagnosed?

A tongue-tie diagnosis is based upon function, meaning what your baby’s tongue looks like can sometimes be less important than how it can move. Tongues and lips are only considered to be tied if their movement is restricted in a way that impairs mobility and function. It is important to note that not all ties cause problems and require correction. Each child needs to be assessed by an educated and trained practitioner on an individual basis.

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A Life-Changing Experience From Start to Finish

Getting Started

Our practice is designed to make it as easy as possible for patients of all ages to get high-quality frenectomies using the most comfortable, reliable, and proven methods available today. Just book online, or if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call. We look forward to meeting you, putting your mind at ease, and finally solving your problem for good! 

Your First Visit

Your first visit will be a consultation. You’ll meet Dr. Nicole, receive a brief exam and a diagnosis. If a lip or tongue-tie is present, we’ll schedule treatment. Some frenectomies can be completed same day. We’ll answer all your questions, including questions about payment or insurance so you’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect.

Why do you only do laser frenectomies?

Doctors have been performing frenectomies for decades with scalpels and sutures. These traditional tools increase discomfort while also causing bleeding, pain, and swelling. Accuracy with these instruments is also a struggle, especially when treating tiny infants. Thankfully, lasers provide precision treatment for the clinician and premier comfort for the patient.  

How does a laser frenectomy work?

Our LightScalpel laser emits an extremely focused beam of light to precisely cut or vaporize unnecessary oral tissue. The instrument itself generates practically no heat, sound, or vibration, so there is minimal patient discomfort throughout the treatment. The laser also cauterizes and sanitizes as it cuts, making recovery faster, more comfortable, and reducing the risk of complications to practically zero.

What makes the LightScalpel Laser different?

There are many types of lasers available today that can be used to perform frenectomies, and the LightScalpel stands head and shoulders above them. It can achieve a level of accuracy far beyond typical diode lasers, which allows Dr. Nicole to take an extremely conservative approach. This means we only remove as much tissue as needed and no more. This in turn promotes faster healing and reduces bleeding, pain, and swelling significantly!

Benefits of LightScalpel Laser Treatment

• No sedation needed
• Fast treatment
• Fast recovery – You can nurse right after treatment
• Less discomfort
• Minimal bleeding, swelling, discomfort

Helping Infants

An infant’s struggle with breastfeeding can often be solved by a lactation consultant or bodyworker helping with posture and latching. However, there are cases when a baby’s lip or tongue are tethered in a way that makes nursing painful or ineffective. In these instances, a release (Frenectomy) of their lip or tongue attachment (frenum) may be necessary.

Helping Mothers

A frenectomy can help mothers relieve the pain of breastfeeding and regain healthy nipples and breasts, stimulate milk production by adequate stimulation, encourage bonding with her baby, and ensure adequate feeding and growth of the baby.

Our Team Approach

Dr. Nicole feels that post-revision care is important to the success of the revision. Essentially, the baby must learn how to use his or her tongue in a new way. Some babies need no help at all and immediately breastfeed post-procedure, while other babies may need help by additional professionals.

• An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help improve latch, provide suck strengthening exercises and develop a feeding plan to address issues of latch, nipple healing, and low milk supply.
• A speech or developmental feeding therapist can help babies learn to use their tongues for more effective eating and speech.
• A craniosacral therapist or a pediatric chiropractor can help babies to release tight muscles that have compensated for a tight frenulum or improper suck.

We are proud to partner with the best local Certified Lactation Consultants, Speech and Language Pathologists, Myofunctional or feeding therapists, and Pediatric Chiropractors to allow your child to have the best possible outcome post-release.

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Please contact the Little One Pediatric team today for a consultation and treatment.