Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment (Frenectomy) for Infants and Children
Help your child eat, sleep, and develop speech better with treatment for their lip or tongue tie.
Safe, Simple Laser Frenectomies for Kids
If your child is born with a lip or tongue tie, their ability to eat, speak, and thrive may be restricted. At Greeley Kids Dental, we offer simple, safe tongue and lip tie treatments—called frenectomies—to free your child’s mouth movement. This can relieve feeding struggles, reduce family stress, and support speech development.
What is tongue or lip tie treatment?
A laser frenectomy is a gentle dental procedure that pediatric dentists in Greeley perform to remove a tight frenum under the tongue or lip to improve feeding, speech, and oral mobility.
Improve your Kiddos Quality of Life
Fill Their Tummy
When your child is unable to latch properly for breast or bottle feeding, it’s frustrating for everyone. Tongue or lip tie treatment helps you both enjoy feeding again.
Enrich Relationships
Constant hunger and crying can wear out the whole family. Lip and tongue tie treatment improves sleep, reduces stress, and supports healthier emotional connections.
Freedom of Speech
When they can’t move their mouths freely, it’s hard for kids to learn to talk. A laser frenectomy for kids can unlock their ability to form words, boosting their confidence and development.
What is a Tongue or Lip Tie?
Everyone has a band of tissue called a frenum that anchors the tongue or lips. When it’s too tight or thick, it can restrict movement—causing difficulty with feeding, speech, and oral development.
What’s the difference between a tongue tie and lip tie?
- Tongue tie (ankyloglossia): frenum under the tongue is too tight
- Lip tie: frenum between upper lip and gums is too restrictive
Both can be treated with a simple dental laser procedure called a frenectomy.
What to Expect: How Laser Frenectomies Work, Step by Step
Frenectomys at Greeley Kids Pediatric Dentistry cut or modify your child’s frenum to allow them to move freely. In this brief procedure, the pediatric dentist in Greeley uses a laser to release the tongue or lip tie.
Here’s how it works:
- Fast-acting topical numbing cream makes the procedure painless
- A pediatric dentist uses a laser a quick, gentle release
- No general anesthesia required
- The procedure takes 10-20 minutes
- We provide post-procedure instructions and show you how to stretch the area to promote healing
Frequently Asked Questions about Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment
How do I know if my child needs a frenectomy?
Infant tongue tie symptoms include: breastfeeding latch issues, prolonged feeds, gassiness, clicking, and maternal discomfort. In toddlers/children, symptoms include: picky eating, difficulty clearing food, speech sounds concerns, and oral hygiene challenges.
Is tongue or lip tie treatment painful?
No. With topical numbing and laser technology, the procedure is quick and gentle—especially for infants and toddlers.
How long does it take to heal?
Most children recover quickly, especially if a laser is used. There may be some mild discomfort, but it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and lots of cuddles.
When should my child get a frenectomy?
If your baby has trouble breastfeeding, a frenectomy can be done in infancy. For older children, it may be recommended if the frenum affects speech or dental development. Your pediatric dentist in Greeley will help determine the right time based on your child’s needs.
