The first weeks with a newborn are a blur. When feeding is a struggle too, with clicking sounds, a shallow latch, sore nipples, or a baby who seems hungry all the time, it can feel overwhelming. Maybe a lactation consultant at UNC REX Holly Springs Hospital or WakeMed mentioned the words “tongue-tie,” and now you’re searching for answers at 2 a.m.
You’re in the right place. Let’s talk about what tongue-ties and lip-ties are, when they matter, and how a gentle laser release can help.
What Is a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie?
We all have small bands of tissue called frena (one is a frenum). One connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Another connects the upper lip to the gums. When a frenum is unusually short, tight, or thick, it can restrict movement.
- A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) limits how far the tongue can lift, extend, and move side to side.
- A lip-tie limits how far the upper lip can flip up and flange out.
Not every visible frenum is a problem. What matters is function: how well your child can feed, eat, speak, and keep their teeth clean.
Signs to Watch For at Different Ages
In infants:
- Trouble latching or staying latched
- Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
- Long, frequent feeds and slow weight gain
- Excess gas, reflux symptoms, or milk dribbling
- Nipple pain or damage for the nursing parent
In toddlers, kids, and teens:
- Difficulty with certain speech sounds
- Picky eating, slow eating, or gagging on textures
- A gap between the upper front teeth
- Gum recession near the lower front teeth
- Trouble licking lips or moving the tongue side to side
Why We Use a CO2 Laser
At The Smiling Turtle, we perform frenectomies with the LightScalpel, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Compared with scissors or a scalpel, a laser release offers:
- Precise removal of tissue
- Minimal bleeding, since the laser seals tissue as it works
- A quick procedure, often just a few minutes
- Typically little need for stitches
Comfort is our top priority, and we use numbing and comfort measures suited to your child’s age.
What the Process Looks Like
- Functional evaluation. We examine how the tongue and lip move and ask detailed questions about feeding, eating, or speech. For babies, we consider input from your lactation consultant or pediatrician.
- A clear recommendation. If a release will likely help, we’ll explain why. If it won’t, we’ll tell you that too.
- The release. The procedure itself is quick. Babies are usually back with a parent within minutes, and many nurse or take a bottle right away.
- Aftercare and stretches. We teach you gentle stretches to do at home. These help the area heal properly so the tissue doesn’t reattach too tightly.
- Follow-up. We check healing and function, and we may recommend continued work with a lactation consultant, feeding therapist, or speech-language pathologist.
A Team Approach
A frenectomy is often one piece of the puzzle. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages a careful, functional assessment and collaboration with other providers. For babies, that often means a lactation consultant. For older kids, it might be a speech-language pathologist or orthodontist. We’re happy to coordinate with the providers your family already trusts across the Triangle.
Schedule a Tongue-Tie Evaluation
If you’re worried about your baby’s feeding or your child’s speech or eating, let’s take a look. Call (919) 200-0463 (ext. 1 for Holly Springs, ext. 2 for Wendell) or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a laser frenectomy hurt?
We numb the area, and the procedure is quick. Some soreness for a few days afterward is normal, and we’ll share comfort tips for your child’s age.
How young can a baby have a frenectomy?
Infants can be treated in the first weeks of life when a tie is clearly affecting feeding. We’ll talk through timing based on your baby’s needs.
Will a release fix breastfeeding right away?
Some families notice a difference quickly. Many babies need time and support from a lactation consultant to relearn their latch.
Can a tongue-tie affect speech?
It can affect certain sounds in some children. A speech-language pathologist can help determine whether the tie is a factor.
Why are the aftercare stretches so important?
The mouth heals fast. Gentle stretches help keep the new range of motion while the area heals.
Do lip-ties cause gaps in the front teeth?
A thick upper lip frenum can contribute to a gap. Sometimes we wait until permanent teeth come in before deciding on treatment.
