Tongue and Lip Ties, Laser Frenectomies, & Breastfeeding
Thank you for your interest in our tongue and lip tie frenectomy laser services. Assisting you and your child in your breastfeeding journey is a source of gratitude for us. Our involvement in addressing tongue and lip ties stemmed from successfully treating our own daughters for breastfeeding difficulties. Recognizing the significance of early intervention in feeding issues, we collaborate closely with parents and specialists to achieve optimal results.
Fortunate to receive training under seasoned leaders, we bring these services to Rockland County. Infants facing ties often exhibit symptoms such as weight loss and acid reflux, impacting both the child and mothers who endure pain during breastfeeding. Using our CO2 laser, we diagnose and treat tongue and lip ties, providing additional support alongside lactation consultants.
Our commitment extends to supporting every family’s unique feeding journey without judgment on feeding choices. Our dedicated team assists you and your child through the diagnosis process, offering not just frenectomy procedures but also connecting with providers specializing in post-frenectomy care. Recognizing that frenectomy is the initial step, we help guide the journey toward restoring normal and healthy tongue movement.
Dr. Bracy, a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and Certified Lactation Counselor, provides comprehensive support to families facing feeding challenges.
What is a Tongue and Lip Tie?
Tongue Ties and/or Lip Ties occur when the frenum that naturally connects the tongue or the lip to the surrounding anatomical structures, is tight, broad, or attaches to an area that impedes normal function. A Tongue-tie can limit the tongue’s ability to create a suction to draw the milk out. Long-term issues may include speech issues and transferring food around the mouth for chewing. A tight upper lip frenum attachment can appear as a tight, tense, upper lip during nursing. This can result in a shallow latch during breastfeeding. It can also trap milk/food in the front teeth possibly leading to dental decay.
Baby symptoms may include
- Poor latch (clicking, snapbacks, or breaking latch)
- Excessive air intake due to inadequate seal (Aerophagia) leading to bloating, fussiness, colic, reflux (GERD), gassiness, weight loss, feeding refusal (defensive protective mechanism)
- Failure to thrive
- Extended feeding times, falling asleep at the breast due to exhaustion, and/or restless sleeping due to inadequate feedings
- Gumming/chewing of the nipple
- Unable to take a pacifier or bottle
Mom's symptoms may include
- Creased/flattened nipples
- Cracked, blistered, bleeding nipples
- Plugged ducts or mastitis/thrush
- Severe pain when feeding
- Incomplete breast drainage
- Compromised milk supply
Do I Have to Treat a Tongue or Lip Tie?
Many individuals appear to have ties. However, they are functioning well and have no feeding or speech issues. In that case, we monitor. A tie becomes a problem when feeding or speech is impaired, affects development of the jaws, or increases risk for cavities.
Does Dr. Bracy release tongue ties for older patients?
Yes, she does. An older child requiring a tongue tie release often involves collaborating with a Speech Therapist/ Myofunctional Therapist to ensure a successful release. Dr. Bracy will review her recommendations and the steps involved in releasing a tie for an older patient during the consultation.
How can a laser dentist help me?
In our office, we use a CO2 laser to perform a procedure (frenectomy) to eliminate the tie. With the laser there is minimal to no bleeding and short healing time. Due to laser safety regulations, parents are not allowed in the treatment room during the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself is not very long. One of our staff members will carefully carry your baby to and from the room. The approximate time your child will be away from you is about 3 to 5 minutes. The actual laser time is 15-30 seconds. Following the procedure, we will go over instructions to help prevent reattachment.
Is it covered by my insurance?
Every insurance plan is different so we will help you get the information needed from your insurance plan. Our goal is to make this process as seamless as possible so that you may be able to focus on your child. Give our office a call for more information regarding insurance coverage or to schedule an appointment at 845.624.0011.
What are the stretching exercises after we do this procedure?
We will show you how to stretch the sites. We have included a video below so that you have an idea of how the sites are stretched.
Dr. Bracy shares her experience with breastfeeding difficulties before and after her child has a frenectomy.
Evaluating for ties in the office
Post-frenectomy stretching excerises.