There are several methods for correcting tethered oral tissues (ties). However, the CO2 laser is the preferred method for the following reasons:

• less post-operative pain
  
• less swelling
• little to no bleeding
• little to no risk of infection
• no need for sutures
• minimal wound contraction and scarring
  

How Do I Know if My Baby Has a Tie?

If you suspect your baby has a lip or tongue tie we suggest you speak with your baby's medical provider, a feeding specialist or seek the care of a IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) trained in tethered oral tissues.

Infant Symptoms:

• Poor latch , falls asleep attempting to latch
• Clicking during nursing
• Swallowing air/reflux
• Slow or poor weight gain
• Short sleep episodes ( nurses every 1-2 hours)
• Notch in upper gums
• Crease mark/sucking blister on upper lip
• Unable to keep pacifier in mouth
• Only sleeps when upright
• Milk leaks from sides of mouth/nose during feedings
  

Mom 's Symptoms:

• Painful breastfeeding
  
• Distorted nipples (compressed/wedge shaped)
• Cracked or bleeding nipples
• Engorgement
• Blocked ducts
• Mastitis
• Decreasing or low milk supply
• Oversupply
• Fatigue, frustration and discouragement
• Postpartum depression
• A premature end to breastfeeding

A Team Approach

We recommend lactation consultation as first line treatment to help with accurate diagnosis of feeding difficulties, assess baby’s latch and sucking patterns and address overall feeding dynamics. Lactation providers can also help with post-frenectomy support, as the baby learns a new way of eating.

In addition to lactation, seeing a chiropractor or someone trained in cranial sacral therapy is often helpful to release tight muscles caused by ineffective latch, allowing improved movement of the tongue and entire body. This type of therapy is important BEFORE and AFTER potential tongue or lip tie release.

• Is a tongue or lip tie release always necessary? Actually, no. Lip and tongue ties only need corrected in the presence of symptoms related to the tie. However, tongue ties especially may lead to problems outside of infancy such as feeding problems, speech difficulties and even airway/breathing problems that require additional interventions and therapies.
  
• Will my baby have pain after the procedure? For the first 1-2 hours, baby will have very little discomfort. However, after that, there may be some pain/discomfort, fussiness or decreased appetite. This generally lasts for 24-48 hours. Pain control and comfort measures will be discussed with you prior to and after the procedure.
  
• Will I notice a difference in the way my baby latches to breast or bottle right away? This is difficult to say. Each baby is unique and has varying degrees of oral restriction. Some babies will latch better immediately, while others take more time. Remember that sucking begins at 12 weeks gestation. So, for quite some time your baby has been “practicing“ his/her restricted latch. It may take some time to learn the new way of eating. This is why working with lactation and chiropractic/cranial sacral therapy is so important to achieve optimal results.
  
• Are the stretches/exercises really necessary? Absolutely. Absolutely. Stretches are necessary to prevent reattachment for the lip and a released posterior tongue tie. The opposing raw edges of the wounds in a lip tie or posterior tongue tie are too close, and will stick together to some degree without stretching.
  
• Is the procedure covered by insurance? Our office does NOT accept any form of medical or dental insurance for payment or reimbursement. We are a strict fee-for-service office and all fees are due the same day as the appointment. If you are interested in seeking reimbursement, we will provide you with the diagnosis and procedure codes needed. Fees for frenectomy treatment are due in full at the time of service. We accept Credit Cards, Debit Cards, HSA Cards and cash.