Infant Laser Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment

Our CO2 laser provides a quick, minimally invasive procedure with less bleeding and pain.

Tongue and Lip Ties

We understand how challenging it can be when your baby struggles with feeding or oral development. One common cause of such difficulties is a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie, conditions that can restrict the movement of the tongue or lip, making breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and even later speech development more challenging. Our clinic specializes in evaluating and treating tongue-tied babies, combining advanced CO2 laser technology with a comprehensive, family-centered approach to care.

What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?

A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum—a band of tissue under the tongue—is too tight, short, or thick, restricting the tongue's ability to move freely. A lip tie involves a similar restriction in the labial frenulum, which connects the upper lip to the gums. Both conditions can interfere with oral function, causing feeding challenges for infants and potential speech and dental issues later in life.

Approximately 10% of infants are born with a tongue tie, and while not all cases require treatment, many do when they interfere with feeding or oral development. Lip ties are also common and can exacerbate feeding difficulties by limiting the upper lip's ability to flange properly during breastfeeding. These conditions often occur together, which is why a thorough evaluation is critical.

How Do Tongue and Lip Ties Impact Infants?

The effects of tongue and lip ties can vary widely, but common issues include:

Feeding Difficulties: Babies may struggle to latch effectively, leading to poor milk transfer, prolonged feeding sessions, or frustration during feeds.
Slow Weight Gain: Inadequate feeding can result in insufficient caloric intake, affecting growth and development.
Maternal Nipple Pain: Improper latch caused by tongue or lip ties often leads to sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples, making breastfeeding painful and unsustainable.
Speech Delays: Untreated tongue ties can restrict tongue movement, leading to challenges with articulation, particularly for sounds that require precise tongue placement.
Dental Issues: Lip ties can cause gaps between the front teeth or contribute to tooth decay by trapping food particles.

When Should Parents Seek Treatment?

Parents should consider an evaluation if they notice any of the following signs:

Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding.
Frequent feeding but appearing unsatisfied or hungry shortly after.
Clicking sounds during feeding, indicating poor suction.
Gas, reflux, or excessive fussiness after feeds.
Nipple pain or visible damage in breastfeeding mothers.
Limited tongue movement (e.g., inability to lift the tongue to the roof of the mouth or extend it past the lips).

While some tongue and lip ties may not require intervention, those causing functional challenges like feeding difficulties or speech concerns should be evaluated by an experienced provider.

Our Approach to Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment

At Thrive Pediatrics, we provide a comprehensive evaluation that considers both the appearance and function of the frenulum. Our goal is not just to assess whether a tie is present but to determine how it impacts your baby’s feeding, growth, and development.

If a frenectomy (tie release) is needed, we use the CO2 laser, the gold standard in tongue and lip tie treatment. This advanced tool offers several benefits:

Precision: The CO2 laser allows for an incredibly accurate release, targeting only the necessary tissue without damaging surrounding areas.
Minimal Thermal Damage: Many dental offices will offer "laser frenectomy", but not all lasers are the same. Diode lasers, for example, generate more heat and risk thermal injury, while the CO2 laser minimizes tissue damage, resulting in less swelling and discomfort. If you're still looking for a provider to perform your child's tongue tie release, ask what laser will be used to perform the procedure. Some offices use scissors, which can often lead to increased risk for bleeding, and/or inadequate release.
Faster Healing: The laser seals blood vessels and nerve endings during the procedure, promoting quicker recovery and reduced risk of infection.
Improved Comfort: Babies experience minimal discomfort and can often feed immediately after the procedure.

What Happens During the Procedure?

A CO2 laser frenectomy is quick and straightforward. Here’s what parents can expect:

Preparation: We begin with a thorough consultation and explanation of the procedure. Parents are encouraged to ask questions to feel fully informed.
Procedure: The frenectomy takes just a few minutes. Your baby is swaddled gently to ensure comfort, with safety goggles fastened securely, and the CO2 laser is used to release the restrictive tissue.
Post-Procedure Feeding: Most babies can breastfeed or bottle feed immediately after the release, allowing parents to observe improvements in latch and feeding right away.
Aftercare: We provide parents with detailed instructions on post-procedure care, including gentle stretching exercises to prevent reattachment of the frenulum. Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and support.

Why Choose Thrive Pediatrics for Tongue and Lip Tie Care?

Advanced Technology: Our CO2 laser offers a superior alternative to traditional scissors or diode lasers, ensuring safer and more effective outcomes.
Comprehensive Care: Thrive Pediatrics can offer holistic care that goes beyond the procedure, including in-house lactation support, feeding therapy, and comprehensive follow-up. Dentists and other frenectomy providers may focus solely on the release without addressing broader feeding or developmental concerns. Traditionally, parents would have to connect with their pediatrician, lactation consultant, and dentist (sometimes even a speech therapist, and/or myofunctional therapist). That's 3-5 different providers families would have to follow up with!
Experienced Team: Our providers have extensive training in evaluating and treating oral restrictions in infants and children.
Support Beyond the Procedure: We work closely with families to ensure success after the frenectomy, including access to lactation consultants and feeding specialists.

Benefits of Early Tongue Tie Treatment

Early intervention can dramatically improve feeding, alleviate maternal pain, and set the stage for healthy oral and speech development. By addressing tongue and lip ties during infancy, parents can often avoid long-term complications like speech therapy or dental work. Many families notice immediate improvements in breastfeeding, with babies latching more effectively and feeding more efficiently after the procedure.

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Is COVID-19 testing available at your clinic?

Yes, we offer COVID-19 testing for our patients who meet the criteria for testing based on current public health guidelines. Please contact our clinic to schedule a testing appointment or to discuss testing options for your child.
What should I do if my child tests positive for COVID-19?

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, it's essential to follow the guidance provided by public health authorities. Recently, the CDC has shifted its COVID-19 guidelines toward managing it like other respiratory viruses such as the flu or RSV. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home and avoid contact with others until symptoms improve and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours. If asymptomatic, there’s no need to isolate, but wearing a mask and keeping distance from others for five days is recommended to reduce transmission risks. If your child has mild symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or fatigue, you can help manage their symptoms by ensuring they get plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and providing over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Motrin (for infants 6 months and older).
When should I seek medical attention for my child with COVID-19?

You should seek medical attention for your child with COVID-19 if they experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to stay awake, bluish lips or face, or dehydration. Additionally, if your child has underlying medical conditions or is at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, please contact us for additional guidance.
Can my child receive monoclonal antibody treatment or antiviral treatment for COVID-19?

Monoclonal antibody treatment is only considered for children who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms and meet certain criteria outlined by public health authorities. We do not offer such treatment in our office. As of the current CDC guidelines, the antiviral medications recommended for treating COVID-19 in children include remdesivir and oral antiviral medications such as molnupiravir. These medications are approved for emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of COVID-19 in certain populations, including those who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms and meet certain criteria outlined by public health authorities. The decision to prescribe antiviral medication is based on various factors, including the child's age, underlying medical conditions, and the severity of their illness.