As parents, we all want the best for our children—especially when it comes to their health and development. If your baby struggles with feeding, or your toddler has trouble speaking, you might be surprised to learn that a small band of tissue in the mouth could be to blame. Lip ties and tongue ties can affect how a child eats, speaks, and even breathes, but there’s a gentle solution that might help: the laser frenectomy.
At Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg, we often meet families who are worried about these oral restrictions. Our job is to provide clarity, explain your options, and offer comfortable care that supports your child’s well-being. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between lip and tongue ties, how they’re diagnosed, and when a laser frenectomy might be the best step forward.
Understanding the Difference Between Lip Ties and Tongue Ties
Both lip ties and tongue ties involve a piece of tissue called the frenulum. The frenulum is a small fold that connects the lips or tongue to the surrounding mouth. When it’s too short, thick, or tight, it can restrict movement—leading to functional challenges.
A lip tie affects the upper lip. It may make it difficult for infants to flange their lips while nursing, which can result in poor latch, air swallowing, and feeding struggles.
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, restricts the movement of the tongue. Children with a tongue tie may have difficulty latching, chewing, swallowing, or pronouncing certain sounds. In some cases, it also contributes to sleep-disordered breathing.
While these conditions can appear separately, some children have both. The severity of symptoms and impact on function will determine whether treatment is necessary.
Common Symptoms and When to Be Concerned
Lip and tongue ties don’t always cause issues, but when they do, they can affect quality of life. In infants, signs may include poor weight gain, colic, long nursing sessions, clicking sounds while feeding, and nipple pain for breastfeeding mothers.
In toddlers and older children, symptoms may show up as speech delays, picky eating, difficulty brushing teeth, or frustration with oral tasks like licking or blowing. You may also notice gaps between front teeth, mouth breathing, or frequent cavities despite good hygiene.
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s worth discussing them with a pediatric dentist trained in diagnosing oral restrictions. We perform thorough evaluations to determine if a laser frenectomy could improve your child’s feeding, speech, or oral development.
Why Choose a Laser Frenectomy Over Traditional Methods
Historically, frenectomies were performed using scissors or scalpels, often requiring stitches and longer healing times. Thankfully, laser technology has changed everything.
A laser frenectomy uses a focused light beam to gently release the tight tissue. The benefits are many:
- Minimal bleeding
- Faster healing
- Less post-op discomfort
- No need for sutures
- Lower risk of infection
Because the laser sterilizes and cauterizes as it works, the procedure is often completed in minutes. Most babies can nurse right away after treatment, and older children typically return to normal routines within a day or two.
At Dream Smiles, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in feeding, speech clarity, and oral comfort following laser treatment. It’s a safe, precise option that helps children thrive without the stress of traditional surgery.
How We Evaluate and Treat Lip and Tongue Ties at Dream Smiles
Every child is unique, and we never rush to recommend surgery unless it’s truly needed. Our process starts with a detailed exam, where we assess the appearance of the frenulum, its impact on movement, and the presence of symptoms.
We work closely with lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, and other healthcare providers to make sure your child receives the most appropriate care. If we determine that the restriction is affecting function, we may suggest a laser frenectomy as part of a broader treatment plan.
For infants, we often recommend follow-up with a lactation consultant after the procedure to help with feeding adjustments. For toddlers and older kids, myofunctional therapy or speech exercises may support optimal healing and long-term success.
We make sure every family is supported before, during, and after the procedure—with education, hands-on guidance, and compassionate care every step of the way.
Give Your Child the Freedom to Feed, Speak, and Smile
Lip and tongue ties can interfere with some of the most important milestones in a child’s development. Left untreated, they can cause daily challenges and long-term oral health complications. But with the right diagnosis and treatment, these issues don’t have to hold your child back.
At Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg, we specialize in minimally invasive solutions like laser frenectomy to help children eat, speak, and grow with confidence. If you’re concerned about how your child feeds, talks, or breathes, we invite you to schedule an evaluation with our caring team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Frenectomy
Is laser frenectomy safe for infants?
Yes. Laser frenectomy is a safe and gentle option for infants with lip or tongue ties. Because the laser minimizes bleeding and discomfort, babies often feed more effectively right after the procedure. We use techniques designed specifically for pediatric patients to ensure a smooth, comfortable experience.
Will my child need therapy after a laser frenectomy?
Sometimes. While the laser releases the physical restriction, your child may benefit from additional support—especially if habits have developed around limited movement. Depending on age and symptoms, we may recommend follow-up care with a lactation consultant, speech therapist, or myofunctional therapist to maximize results.
At Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg, we provide child-focused dental care in a fun, supportive environment. We serve growing smiles throughout Montgomery County and beyond with modern technology and a gentle approach. Contact us to schedule your child's consultation today.