Tongue-tie and lip-ties may present challenges at all ages. For infants, tongue-ties have been associated with difficulties in breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, limited tongue mobility, speech difficulties, malocclusion, and gum recession. It has been shown that about 4-10% of infants are born with tongue-tie and/or lip-tie.

The most common signs and symptoms infants and mothers experience with tongue- and lip-tie are:

• Poor shallow latch on the breast or bottle
• Slow or poor weight gain
• Reflux and irritability from swallowing excessive air
• Prolonged feeding time
• Milk leaking from the mouth from a poor seal
• Clicking or smacking noises when nursing/feeding
• Painful nursing

Hence, the release of this tissue  (called a frenectomy) may lead to improvement with breastfeeding, milk production, and maternal well-being for mothers. Infants will often have improved facial neuro-muscular development, breathing, and decreased reflux.

For children and adolescents, a lip-tie may cause restricted movement of oral tissues, gum recession, spacing between teeth, and can increase one’s risk for cavities due to challenges with brushing.

Our office utilizes the latest laser technology to ensure our patients receive the most effective and least invasive mode of treatment. Laser tongue- and lip-tie therapy has been shown to decrease the duration of treatment, better control bleeding, reduce intra- and post-operative pain and discomfort, and reduce the number of postoperative complications, while not requiring sutures.

Call our office for a consultation!