Signs of a Lip or Tongue Tie

If you have noticed any of these signs a consultation is a good first step for an honest assessment.

In infants:

• Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
• Clicking sounds or excessive air intake during feeding.
• Slow weight gain.
• Prolonged feeding sessions.
• Ongoing pain for nursing mothers.

In toddlers and older children: Speech sound errors or articulation difficulties. Difficulty managing certain food textures. A persistent gap between the upper front teeth. Oral hygiene challenges due to restricted tongue movement. Persistent mouth breathing or sleep-related concerns.

Our Evaluation Process

We conduct a thorough consultation to assess the degree of restriction and its impact on your child’s function. We do not treat every tie we find. Treatment is recommended only when a functional concern is meaningfully affecting feeding, speech, or oral development.

• Degree of restriction and range of motion
• Impact on feeding, speech, or oral development
• Whether treatment is indicated or monitoring is appropriate
• Coordination needs with lactation or speech specialists

We believe in a team approach. For infants we strongly encourage working with a lactation consultant. For older children collaboration with a speech or myofunctional therapist can significantly improve results. We are happy to coordinate with your child’s care team or connect you with trusted local specialists.

Laser Frenectomy

When treatment is indicated we use advanced laser technology. Compared to traditional scissors or scalpels laser treatment offers:

• Pinpoint Precision – targeted treatment with minimal impact on surrounding tissue
• Reduced Discomfort – during and after the procedure compared to traditional techniques
• No Sutures – not required in most cases
• Minimal Bleeding – the laser cauterizes as it works helping control bleeding
• Efficient Healing – most children return to normal feeding or activity quickly

What to Expect at Your Visit

Consultation First – we evaluate your child and answer every question. No treatment is performed unless it is clinically appropriate and you feel informed and comfortable moving forward.

The Procedure – for infants the procedure is brief. The area is numbed and the laser treatment takes just a few minutes. Many infants are able to feed immediately afterward.

Aftercare and Stretching – we will teach you gentle stretching exercises to perform at home to prevent reattachment. We will make sure you feel confident before you leave.

Is a Frenectomy Right for My Child?

Not every lip or tongue tie requires treatment. If your child has a tie but is feeding well, gaining weight appropriately, and developing speech normally, monitoring may be all that is needed. When function is restricted timely intervention may help reduce the risk of more complex concerns related to jaw development, oral function, or airway growth.

A consultation will help you make that decision with clarity rather than uncertainty. There is no pressure and no obligation at the consultation.

Treetop Treats the Whole Child

At Treetop our board-certified pediatric dentists look at the whole child, not just the tie. Our focus is always function first, treatment only when appropriate. Whether your child is a newborn or a teenager we are here to help you navigate oral health with clarity and confidence.