Tongue & Lip Tie Treatment in Tribeca, NYC

• whether they have a tongue tie
• whether it’s causing any functional problems
• if they’re a good candidate for a lip- or tongue-tie amendment (frenectomy)

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie is the congenital condition of having an especially tight frenulum. The lingual frenulum is the skin that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If this tissue is too thick or tight, it can restrict the tongue’s range of motion and may or may not cause problems with eating, talking, tongue posture, or breastfeeding in the case of babies. 

What is a Lip Tie?

A lip tie is a similar condition, but affecting the labial frenulum. This is the skin that connects the lip to the gum tissue. It can also cause functional problems, including difficulty breastfeeding in babies and gum recession in adults.

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie or Lip Tie

Tongue and lip ties are often overlooked by patients or their parents, healthcare providers, teachers, and other caregivers. They’re easy to identify, however, if you know what to look for. Some of the telltale signs and symptoms in infants include:

• difficulty latching while breastfeeding
• breastfeeding for a long time (significantly and regularly more than about 20 minutes per side)
• regularly falling asleep or appearing fatigued during breastfeeding
• weight loss or slow weight gain
• constant hunger
• making a clicking sound while breastfeeding
• mother experiencing pain from nursing

Tongue and lip ties can indeed go overlooked, especially if it didn’t cause any problems during infancy. For children and adults, signs and symptoms may include:

• gap between front teeth
• gum recession
• high, narrow palate
• crowded teeth
• recurring cavities
• mouth breathing
• chronic neck and shoulder tension
• being a slow eater
• difficulty swallowing pills
• grinding, clenching, or bracing jaw

When to Fix a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie

Nowadays, many tongue and lip ties are identified and addressed in infancy. But plenty of people make it to adulthood without even knowing they have one. If it didn’t cause any problems in nursing when they were infants, or if they weren’t breastfed, it can easily escape awareness and cause problems later on.

What Problems Can a Tongue Tie Cause?

Pathologies are slightly different for infants, children, and adults. Very early in life, the primary problems associated with tongue and lip ties are:

• difficulty breastfeeding 
• resulting failure to thrive (low weight)
• delayed speech
• pronunciation issues as they acquire speech

Any of the following issues may occur later on in childhood and into adulthood:

• increased risk for tooth decay
• increased risk of gum disease
• irregularities in facial and jaw development 
• subsequent dental crowding or malocclusion
• diastema (gap) between front teeth
• digestive problems, including choking, gagging, and reflux
• sleep disordered breathing

Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding Difficulties Linked to Tongue and Lip Ties

One of the most common and urgent concerns with ties is breastfeeding. Babies may struggle to latch securely, causing frustration for both mother and infant. Mothers may experience painful nursing, cracked nipples, or blocked ducts, while babies may become fussy, fatigued, or underweight.

Releasing a tie often provides immediate relief, allowing for deeper, more comfortable latching, efficient feeding, and a more positive bonding experience.

What is a Frenectomy?

If you’ve read the above and are realizing you or your child may have a tongue tie or lip tie, don’t worry! Dr. Nina can help. A frenectomy is a quick and simple procedure in which we release the tongue or lip tie. 

Frenectomy Procedure Step-by-Step

For adults, we recommend myofunctional therapy before the frenectomy to break old habits and increase your benefit from it. Once you’ve completed that, you’ll come into the office for the procedure. It’s quick and straightforward:

1. An assistant will apply a numbing gel.
2. We administer local anesthesia.
3. The dentist will use the laser to snip the restrictive frenulum tissue. 
4. That’s it! No stitches or anything.

You’ll be sore for a few days, but NSAIDs will manage any pain just fine. Most people report feeling a difference in their range of motion and symptoms within a few days to a week.

Benefits of Laser Frenectomy (Why Laser Treatment Is Preferred)

When it comes to releasing a tongue or lip tie, the method matters. Traditional approaches using scissors or scalpels can work, but they often involve bleeding, stitches, and longer recovery times. That’s why more families today, and more pediatric dentists, are turning to laser frenectomy as the preferred choice.

Why? Because a soft-tissue diode laser doesn’t just cut; it cauterizes as it works. That means minimal bleeding, far less swelling, and virtually no need for sutures. In fact, most infants are able to resume normal feeding within just a few hours after treatment.

The precision of the laser also makes a big difference. Instead of removing more tissue than necessary, the laser targets only the restricted band, leaving surrounding structures untouched. This not only improves comfort during the procedure but also lowers the risk of reattachment and the need for retreatment later.

Essentially, laser frenectomy offers safer treatment, faster healing, and better long-term outcomes for patients of all ages, from newborns struggling with breastfeeding to older children and even adults seeking relief from speech or functional issues.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery for Tongue & Lip Tie Release

Recovery after a laser frenectomy is generally quick and smooth. Most infants can nurse immediately after treatment, while older children resume normal eating within a day.

Parents will be given easy stretching and massage exercises to prevent reattachment during healing. Mild swelling or fussiness is normal for a day or two, but complications are rare. Our team will guide you through every step and remain available for follow-up support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the procedure hurt?

For infants, we use a topical numbing gel, and the procedure takes less than a minute. For older children and adults, a local anesthetic is used to ensure a completely painless experience.

How long is the recovery?

The initial healing takes about one to two weeks. Consistent stretching is the key to a successful recovery.

Will insurance cover a frenectomy?

Coverage varies. We will help you understand your benefits and provide all necessary documentation for your insurance claim.

Why Choose Us for Tongue & Lip Tie Treatment in NYC

If your child is struggling with breastfeeding, speech, or oral development challenges linked to a tongue or lip tie, getting answers quickly can make all the difference. At Tribeca Dental Studio, Dr. Nina provides specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating these conditions for infants, children, and teens. Using advanced laser technology, she ensures a safe, precise, and gentle release with minimal discomfort and downtime.

But treatment here goes beyond the procedure itself. Dr. Nina personally guides parents through every step, from the initial evaluation to post-op exercises, making sure families feel confident and supported. With comprehensive pediatric services available under one roof and a reputation trusted by NYC families, we’re here to help your child thrive with a healthier, more confident smile.

Learn More About Getting a Frenectomy in NYC

If you suspect your child may have a tongue or lip tie, don’t wait. The right treatment can make a dramatic difference in feeding, speech, and overall quality of life. To learn more about getting a frenectomy in NYC or book a consultation with Dr. Nina today.

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