Lip and Tongue Ties
Helping Your Child Thrive from Day One
What is a tongue tie or lip tie?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is when the band of tissue under the tongue is too tight, limiting movement. A lip tie occurs when the lip is restricted by a tight piece of tissue.
These restrictions can cause difficulty with breastfeeding, weight gain, eating, speech, breathing, cavities, and overall quality of life.
When left untreated, tongue and lip ties in adults can lead to tension in neck, shoulders, or jaw, migraines, snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.
Common Signs of a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie
In Infants:
- Trouble latching during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- Gassy, fussy feeding sessions
- Reflux or symptoms of colic
- Poor weight gain
- Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing
- Milk leaking from the corners of the mouth
- Pacifier won’t stay in
- Hiccups
- Painful nursing
In Toddlers and Children:
- Speech delays or difficulty making certain sounds
- Mumbling or speaking softly or stuttering
- Picky eating/ slow eating/ packing foods in the cheeks
- Strong gag reflex/ choking on food and drinks
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring or poor sleep
- Grinding teeth
- Gaps between teeth or gum recession
Comfort-Focused Care with Advanced Laser Technology
We use a state-of-the-art CO2 dental laser (The Light Scalpel) to perform tongue and lip tie releases (also known as frenectomies). This technology allows us to:
- Ensures a more comfortable experience for your child
- Involves little to no bleeding
- Sedation may or may not be required depending on various factors
The procedure is safe, fast and performed right here in our office, even for infants.
Our Process
- Consultation/Assessment : A thorough evaluation to determine the presence and impact of the tongue and/or lip restriction.
- Treatment: The laser gently releases the tight tissue with minimal
- Aftercare Support: We provide detailed instructions and support to ensure optimal healing and results.
- Collaboration: We work together with lactation consultants, oral myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, speech therapists to help achieve the best results.
About the Doctor
All tongue and lip tie procedures at our office are performed by Dr. Happy, who brings compassion, precision, and years of clinical expertise to every case. Recently, she has made a few thoughtful updates to her approach—further improving comfort, safety, and healing for young patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery – is it painful?
The laser is very gentle! Babies can nurse right away and children love to go back to playing the video games in our reception area.
Do we need anesthesia?
Depending on the age of the child, we may use only topical numbing gel, and/or local anesthesia. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and/or sedation may be used for anxiety, and is tailored to every child’s needs. If these are needed, it is included in the fee for the procedure. There won’t be any “extra” or “surprise” fees over the ones discussed at your appointment. General anesthesia is not required. Sometimes we place “stitches” as sutures can help with primary healing and reattachment.
How soon will I see improvement?
Many families are surprised by how quickly their child recovers. Most babies and children are able to feed, eat, or play comfortably shortly after leaving our office. Some may experience mild fussiness or swelling, which typically resolves within a day or two.
You may notice positive changes soon after the procedure—such as improved latch during breastfeeding, clearer speech, or more restful sleep. The benefits unfold gradually over time, especially when supported by follow-up care like oral exercises, bodywork, or therapy.
We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and are always here to answer your questions as your child heals. Our goal is to support not just the procedure, but your child’s long-term comfort and development.
Child Wellness Questionnair
Take a moment to complete this short form about your child’s feeding, sleeping, and oral habits. Your responses help us recognize patterns that could affect comfort, speech, or development — so we can provide personalized guidance for their well-being.
