Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie/Lip-Tie)

The best age depends on symptoms. For infants with breastfeeding difficulty, early release within the first few weeks provides the fastest improvement. For toddlers and children, treatment before age 4-5 supports normal speech development. For school-age children and adults, tongue-tie release resolves speech articulation issues, limited tongue mobility, difficulty eating certain foods, and periodontal problems caused by restricted tissue. ADSC treats tongue-tie at any age.

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a restrictive lingual frenum that limits tongue movement. Lip-tie is a restrictive labial frenum that limits lip movement, typically the upper lip frenum that connects the lip to the gum between the two upper front teeth. Both can be corrected with frenectomy, but they cause different functional issues.

Frenectomy can be performed at any age. Infants with tongue-tie affecting breastfeeding may have the procedure done in the first weeks of life. Children and teens often need frenectomy when a labial frenum is preventing orthodontic space closure. Adults may need frenectomy for speech improvement, implant planning, or gum tissue health.

Under local anesthesia, the procedure is painless. Post-operatively, there is mild soreness at the surgical site for 3-5 days, well-managed with ibuprofen. The discomfort is minor — most patients, including children, describe it as a mild sting that resolves quickly. Eating and speaking are possible the same day.

A frenectomy typically takes 15-30 minutes, including anesthesia administration. The actual tissue release takes only a few minutes. For infants, the procedure can be even faster. The appointment includes the procedure, post-operative instructions, and demonstration of stretching exercises.

If the tongue-tie has been present since birth and the child has developed compensatory speech patterns, speech therapy may be needed after the procedure to retrain the tongue to use its new range of motion. Frenectomy removes the physical restriction; therapy retrains the motor patterns. Your speech-language pathologist and our surgical team will coordinate care.

After a lingual frenectomy, the surgical site wants to heal by reconnecting the released tissue. Tongue stretching exercises — lifting the tongue to the palate, extending it forward, sweeping it side to side — prevent reattachment and help the tongue learn to use its new freedom of movement. These exercises are performed several times daily for 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Yes. Tongue-tie is a well-established cause of breastfeeding difficulty. The restricted tongue cannot create the peristaltic motion and suction needed for efficient milk transfer, leading to poor latch, nipple pain for the mother, and inadequate weight gain in the infant. Releasing the tongue-tie often produces immediate improvement in latch and feeding efficiency.

A thick labial frenum between the upper front teeth creates a physical barrier of fibrous tissue that prevents the gap (diastema) from closing fully with braces. Even if braces temporarily close the space, the frenum can pull the teeth apart again after orthodontic treatment. Removing the frenum allows the space to close and stay closed. Timing is typically coordinated with your orthodontist.

Partial reattachment can occur, especially with lingual frenectomy, if the wound heals with scar tissue that recreates the restriction. This is why adequate tissue release and post-operative stretching exercises are critical. When performed thoroughly by an experienced surgeon with a proper exercise protocol, recurrence is uncommon.

Recovery is quick. Mild soreness for 3-5 days. No significant dietary restrictions — soft foods are recommended for the first day or two. The surgical site heals within 1-2 weeks. Most patients (including children) return to school or work the same day. The most important aspect of recovery is consistent performance of stretching exercises.

Absolutely. Adults with tongue-tie may experience speech articulation issues, difficulty with certain tongue movements, sleep-disordered breathing, or jaw tension from compensatory patterns. Adults with thick labial frenums may have gum recession on the adjacent teeth, persistent diastema, or prosthetic complications. Frenectomy addresses these issues regardless of age.

Both procedures are frenectomies — releasing a restrictive tissue band. Tongue-tie releases the lingual frenulum under the tongue, improving mobility for feeding, speech, and oral hygiene. Lip-tie releases the labial frenulum between the upper lip and gum, which can cause a gap between front teeth and gum recession. Technique and recovery are similar for both — typically 5-7 days.

Frenectomy can be performed with a scalpel, electrosurgical unit, or dental laser. Each method is effective. The scalpel provides the most precise tissue control. Electrosurgery offers immediate hemostasis (bleeding control). Laser frenectomy is often marketed for infant tongue-tie procedures. Our team selects the instrument based on the patient's age, the frenum location, and the degree of release needed.

Frenectomy is an affordable oral surgery procedure. The cost depends on whether it is a lingual or labial frenectomy, the technique used, and the age of the patient. Many insurance plans provide coverage. We give specific cost estimates during consultation and help with insurance verification.