Laser Tongue & Lip Tie Release
Gentle, fast, and precise relief using Waterlase™ technology.
Helping Your Child Thrive
Feeding your baby—whether by breast or bottle—is meant to be a time of bonding. But for many parents, it becomes a source of stress and pain.
If your baby is struggling to latch, or if your older child has speech issues or a gap between their front teeth, the cause might be a restricted tongue or lip tie.
We provide laser tongue-tie and lip-tie releases as part of our expert pediatric dental services for families throughout St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and surrounding counties.
💡 What is a Tie?
A "tie" occurs when the tissue under the tongue (frenulum) or lip is too tight, acting like a tether that restricts movement. This prevents the tongue from lifting properly to swallow or speak.
👶 For Infants
Focus: Feeding & Comfort
When an infant cannot move their tongue freely, they cannot create the vacuum seal needed to feed efficiently.
- Difficulty latching (breast or bottle)
- Clicking sounds while eating
- Excessive gas, colic, or reflux
- Pain or blistering for nursing mothers
🧒 For Children & Teens
Focus: Speech & Development
Untreated ties can affect speech patterns, jaw development, and dental hygiene as a child grows.
We also offer pediatric sedation dentistry to ensure anxious patients feel safe and comfortable.
- Speech issues (L, R, T, D, N sounds)
- Gap between front teeth (Diastema)
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Inability to stick tongue out
Why Early Tongue-Tie Treatment Matters
Untreated tongue and lip ties can affect feeding, speech development, oral hygiene, and jaw growth. Early evaluation allows us to address functional concerns before they impact long-term development.
The Waterlase™ Difference
We use the Biolase Waterlase iPlus, a specialized laser that uses water energy to release the tissue. It is not a "hot" laser, making it the safest choice for infants.
❄️ Cool & Gentle
Uses water spray to keep tissue cool. No burning or heat.
⚡️ Fast Healing
Cauterizes as it works, meaning little to no bleeding and no stitches.
⏱️ Quick Procedure
The release takes a few minute. Infants can often nurse immediately after.
Comfort Options for Laser Frenectomy
For anxious children, we offer safe sedation options when appropriate to ensure a positive dental experience.
Common Parent Questions
Is the laser painful?
Laser frenectomy using Waterlase™ is gentle and precise. Most infants experience minimal discomfort, little to no bleeding, and can often feed immediately after the procedure.
How long is healing?
Healing typically occurs within one to two weeks. Gentle stretches and follow-up guidance help ensure proper healing and improved function.
Do we need therapy?
Some infants benefit from feeding therapy or bodywork to retrain tongue movement. We guide parents on whether additional support is recommended.
Think your child might have a tie?
Laser frenectomy is just one of the many pediatric dental services we offer to support your child’s oral development.
We invite you to schedule a frenectomy consultation to assess function and discuss the best path forward.
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