Tongue and Lip Ties: How Laser Frenectomies Help Children Thrive
Understanding Tongue and Lip Ties: How They Impact Children and How We Can Help
At Alpine Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how important it is for your child to thrive in every aspect of their development. For some children, challenges like tongue-ties or lip-ties can affect feeding, speech, and overall oral health. Fortunately, with our advanced laser technology, we can perform a gentle and effective procedure called a frenectomy to release these restrictive tissues, helping your child overcome these issues and live their best life.
What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the thin piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. Similarly, a lip-tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum (labial frenulum) is overly restrictive.
These conditions can occur in varying degrees, from mild to severe, and often impact essential functions like feeding, speaking, and oral hygiene.
How Tongue and Lip Ties Impact Children
Infants and Feeding Difficulties:
Tongue-ties and lip-ties are common culprits behind breastfeeding challenges. They can make it difficult for infants to latch properly, leading to inefficient feeding, poor weight gain, and discomfort for nursing mothers.Speech Development:
In toddlers and older children, restricted tongue mobility may hinder proper speech development, affecting pronunciation and clarity.Oral Health Concerns:
Restricted oral tissues can interfere with proper tooth alignment, increase the risk of cavities, and make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.Airway and Sleep Issues:
For some children, tongue and lip ties can contribute to airway concerns, which may affect breathing and sleep quality.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to release the tight or restrictive tissue associated with tongue-ties or lip-ties. By addressing the underlying issue, a frenectomy improves oral function and provides relief for feeding, speech, and other concerns.
At Alpine Pediatric Dentistry, we use advanced laser technology to perform frenectomies with precision and care.
Our Laser Technology for Tongue and Lip Tie Releases
We are proud to offer the Solea laser, a state-of-the-art tool for performing frenectomies. This advanced approach offers several benefits:
Precision and Comfort: The laser allows for accurate and minimally invasive treatment, ensuring your child experiences little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Faster Healing: Unlike traditional methods, laser technology minimizes bleeding and swelling, leading to quicker recovery times.
No Needles or Stitches: Laser procedures are gentle and efficient, eliminating the need for sutures or extended downtime.
Improved Outcomes: Our laser technology promotes optimal results, enhancing feeding, speech, and oral function almost immediately after the procedure.
What to Expect During a Frenectomy
Comprehensive Evaluation:
Our team will thoroughly assess your child’s oral structures and discuss any challenges you’ve observed, such as feeding or speech issues.Quick and Painless Procedure:
The laser frenectomy procedure is fast, often completed in just a few minutes, with minimal discomfort for your child.Post-Procedure Support:
We’ll guide you through aftercare and exercises to ensure the best results, supporting your child’s recovery and improved function.
How Early Intervention Can Help
Early diagnosis and treatment of tongue-ties and lip-ties through a frenectomy can significantly improve your child’s quality of life. From helping newborns feed more effectively to ensuring toddlers and young children develop proper speech and oral habits, timely intervention makes all the difference.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you suspect your child may have a tongue-tie or lip-tie, don’t wait to seek care. At Alpine Pediatric Dentistry in Lincolnton, NC, we’re here to provide expert diagnosis and treatment using advanced laser technology.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improved health and well-being for your child. Let’s work together to create healthy, happy smiles!
