Tongue Tie and Lip Tie
Have you or your child been having dental issues that might require a frenectomy? Although the name might seem a bit daunting, a frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that can fix or alleviate other dental issues.
The process involves the removal or modification of a small fold of tissue call the frenum. That is a band of connective tissue at either the top or the bottom of the mouth, specifically under the tongue or the upper gums.
Types of Frenum
For these dental procedures, there are two types that we commonly address:
- Labial Frenum (Lip Tie): a connective band of tissue attaching the lips to the two front teeth on the upper and lower gums. The procedure required to remove this connection and correct the issue is called a labial frenectomy.
- Lingual Frenum (Tongue Tie): a connective band of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. The procedure required to remove this connection and correct the issue is called a lingual frenectomy.
What Issues Can a Frenectomy Fix?
Labial Frenectomy (Lip Tie Surgery)
A labial frenectomy can help with a number of issues including:
- Orthodontic Gaps: Having this thick connection causes the two front teeth to be pushed apart. Once removed, your dentist can close this gap with orthodontic treatment.
- Breastfeeding: helps infants have the correct lip position and allow them to latch to feed easily and painlessly
Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue Tie Surgery)
A lingual frenectomy improves the range of motion of the tongue and can help with a number of issues including:
- Breastfeeding: helps infants have the correct mouth and tongue position and allow them to latch to feed easily and painlessly
- Speech issues: freeing up the tongue and lips makes speech easier and more natural
- Eating: correct mouth issues to have functional improvements with eating
- Breathing: a restricted tongue can alter palate development and growth of the lower jaw resulting in a smaller airway prone to collapse during sleep
What Happens During a Frenectomy Procedure?
This will vary depending on the procedure. For infants, the frenulum is removed using a laser. It is a simple procedure, but we ensure the child is numb to not cause any pain.
For adults and older children, we provide a numbing anethesia and can provide sedation to reduce anxiety. Once the patient is comfortable, we completed the procedure to modify or remove the related frenum using a laser, scalpel, or surgical scissors. Upon completion, the patient will leave with a few small stitches that dissolve within a few days.
One Cost, No Surprise Fees
At your consultation, we’ll have an initial consultation and discuss your possible treatment and options. This approach allows us to develop a preliminary treatment plan for your specific needs and give you an exact, all-inclusive cost. There are no hidden costs, and no separate bills from different providers. The cost includes everything from start to finish to transform your smile, including:
- Pre-procedure exam
- Frenectomy procedure
- Post-procedure check-ups
- Any follow-on services
Third-Party Financing and Payment Plans
We understand how important it is to restore the dental health for you or your child with a long-term solution. That’s why we offer third-party financing options and work with you on affordable dental implant payment plans to fit your budget. At your free consultation, you’ll review all the options available to you.
Questions Our Patients Ask
Q: What exactly is a tongue tie or lip tie, and how do I know if my child has one?
A: A tongue tie is when a small band of tissue under the tongue restricts how freely it can move, while a lip tie is a similar band that connects the lip to the gums. Signs can include difficulty breastfeeding, trouble with certain speech sounds, or challenges eating. If you’re noticing any of these things, we’d love to take a look and give you some answers at a consultation.
Q: Is a frenectomy painful? I’m worried about my baby going through something uncomfortable.
A: We completely understand that concern — and we’re happy to put your mind at ease! For infants, we make sure the area is thoroughly numb before we begin, and for older children and adults we can also offer sedation to help everyone feel relaxed and comfortable. The procedure itself is quick, and most little ones bounce back very quickly.
Q: How is the procedure done? Will there be a lot of cutting or stitches?
A: At Cleveland Smile Center, we use a gentle laser to release the tissue, which means little to no bleeding and a much more comfortable experience than older methods. There’s no need for stitches in most cases, and the laser also helps the area heal faster. It’s a lot simpler than it might sound!
Q: Will a frenectomy really make a difference for breastfeeding or speech?
A: Yes — many families notice improvements quite quickly! Releasing a tongue tie can help babies latch more easily and feed with less frustration for both mom and baby. For speech, freeing up the tongue and lips allows for more natural movement, and many parents notice changes in their child’s sounds and clarity soon after the procedure.
Q: How long does recovery take, and what do we need to do at home afterward?
A: Recovery is generally smooth and pretty straightforward. In the first day or two there may be some mild soreness, but this is usually easy to manage. We’ll walk you through any at-home care — like gentle stretching exercises — to help everything heal well and get the best possible results.
Have a question? Reach out to us!