Tongue ties and lip ties are common conditions where tissue restricts the movement of the tongue or upper lip. These restrictions can affect nursing, speech development, eating, and dental alignment—but early identification and treatment prevent most complications.
At Dentistry on 43, we evaluate and treat tongue and lip ties. Combined with our in-house Certified Orofacial Myologist, we provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical restriction and the functional rehabilitation needed for optimal results.
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia) A tongue tie occurs when the thin tissue (frenulum) connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement.
Lip Tie A lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too tight, limiting the lip’s ability to flare outward properly.
Some babies are born with these conditions, which can range from mild to severe. Not every tongue or lip tie requires treatment, but when they cause functional problems, early intervention is beneficial.
In Infants:
If this appointment is for an infant, we strongly recommend that families seek support from a qualified Lactation Consultant prior to the consultation. Lactation Consultants are specially trained to assess feeding, latch, and oral function, and their input is an important part of a comprehensive evaluation. This support can help ensure all conservative options have been explored and may contribute to improved feeding outcomes before proceeding with further assessment or treatment.
In Older Children:
In Adults:
Beyond feeding difficulties in infancy, untreated tongue and lip ties can impact:
Restricted tongue movement makes certain sounds difficult to produce, potentially causing speech delays or articulation issues.
Lip ties can cause gaps between front teeth. Tongue ties can affect jaw development and contribute to crowding or bite problems.
Restricted movement affects chewing, swallowing, and proper oral rest posture, potentially contributing to mouth breathing and sleep issues.
Ties can interfere with Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment by preventing teeth from moving into ideal positions.
Treatment involves a quick procedure called a frenectomy, where the restrictive tissue is released.
The Procedure The frenectomy takes just a few minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. For infants or anxious children, we discuss appropriate sedation or comfort measures.
The tissue is carefully released, immediately improving range of motion. Discomfort is typically minimal and managed with over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Recovery Most patients heal within 1-2 weeks. For infants, nursing often improves immediately or within a few days as they adjust to their new range of motion.
Releasing the tie is sometimes only part of the solution. Months or years of restricted movement often create improper muscle patterns and habits that don’t automatically correct after the release.
This is where our in-house Certified Orofacial Myologist becomes essential. Orofacial myology therapy helps:
Having this care available right here means seamless coordination between the release procedure and functional rehabilitation—no separate referrals, no disconnected care.
If you notice any signs of tongue or lip tie—especially feeding difficulties in infants—schedule an evaluation sooner rather than later. Early treatment often prevents complications and supports healthy development.
At Dentistry on 43, we provide:
If you suspect your child has a tongue or lip tie, or if you’ve been told they have one and are seeking treatment options, we’re here to help.
Call us at (780) 500-1001 or book online to schedule an evaluation. We’ll assess the restriction, discuss whether treatment is needed, and create a care plan that works.
The ideal timing depends on symptoms and severity. For infants with feeding difficulties, treatment as early as a few weeks old can dramatically improve nursing. For older children, treatment is often recommended before speech develops significantly (ages 2-4) or before orthodontic treatment begins.
The procedure itself doesn’t hurt because we use local anesthesia (and sedation if needed for young children). Most infants cry briefly but calm quickly after the procedure. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Many parents report that discomfort from the procedure is less than the ongoing discomfort their baby experienced from feeding difficulties. Within days, most children are feeling much better and showing improved function.
Some improvements happen immediately—many infants latch better right after the procedure. However, it takes time for babies and children to learn to use their new range of motion effectively. Nursing typically improves over days to weeks as the baby adjusts. Speech improvements may take weeks to months. Every child is different, but most families notice significant positive changes within the first few weeks following treatment.
Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan. Some plans cover frenectomies when they’re medically necessary (such as for feeding difficulties in infants), while others don’t provide coverage. Orofacial myology therapy may be covered under medical insurance rather than dental insurance when related to medical conditions. Our team can help you understand your benefits and provide documentation for insurance submission. We also offer financing options to make treatment accessible regardless of coverage.
