A frenum is the small band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gums. When it is too tight or short, a "tie", it can restrict movement enough to interfere with breastfeeding in infants, and with speech, eating, or oral hygiene in older children.
Infants: difficulty latching, prolonged or painful feeds, clicking sounds while nursing, poor weight gain. Children: speech sounds that resist correction, difficulty moving food, a heart-shaped tongue tip when extended, a gap between the front teeth maintained by a thick upper lip tie.
Using precise laser dentistry, the restrictive tissue is released in minutes. The laser seals as it works, meaning minimal bleeding, typically no stitches, and quick healing. Most children return to normal eating the same day. We coordinate with lactation consultants and speech-language pathologists where appropriate, because the release works best as part of a team approach.
No. Many ties cause no functional problem and need nothing but monitoring. Our assessment focuses on function, not appearance, and we will tell you honestly which side of that line your child is on.
Concerned about a tie? Book an assessment: (250) 372-2326 Contact Us
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