Laser Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Release in St. Augustine & Palm Coast, FL
Gentle laser frenectomy for infants and children — performed by our board-certified pediatric team. Serving families in St. Augustine and Palm Coast. No referral needed.
Schedule an Evaluation Find Your LocationWhat St. Augustine & Palm Coast Parents Need to Know About Tongue-Tie
If your baby is struggling to latch, making clicking sounds during feeding, or you're experiencing pain while nursing — a tongue-tie or lip-tie may be the reason. These are common, treatable conditions, and you don't have to navigate them alone.
What Is a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the band of tissue under the tongue is too short or tight, limiting how freely the tongue moves. A lip-tie is similar — the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums restricts lip movement. Both conditions can interfere with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and, left untreated, speech and oral development as your child grows.
How We Treat It
At Little Smiles Children's Dentistry, Dr. Luis Cruz performs gentle laser tongue-tie and lip-tie release using Waterlase™ technology. The procedure is quick, precise, and virtually painless. Most babies can feed immediately afterward. We offer this at both our St. Augustine and Palm Coast locations.
No referral needed. Call us directly or book your evaluation online.
Choose Your Location
Accepting new patients
No referral needed
Most insurances accepted
Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie
Parents across St. Augustine and Palm Coast come to us after noticing these signs. If any of these sound familiar, a quick evaluation is the right next step.
Signs in Infants & Newborns
- Difficulty latching or staying latched
- Clicking sounds while nursing or bottle feeding
- Gassiness, reflux-like symptoms, or excessive air intake
- Slow or poor weight gain
- Frustration and fussiness during feeds
- Difficulty with both breast and bottle
Signs for Nursing Mothers
- Pain or discomfort during breastfeeding
- Damaged or sore nipples
- Concerns about milk supply
- Repeated mastitis or blocked ducts
- Recommendation from a lactation consultant
Impact on Older Children
Untreated ties can affect speech development (particularly L, R, T, D, and S sounds), jaw development, sleep patterns, and dental hygiene in older children and teens. We treat children of all ages — not just newborns.
For anxious older children, we offer safe sedation options to ensure comfort during treatment.
Noticing these signs? An evaluation is quick, calm, and low-pressure. Schedule yours today — no referral needed.
Gentle Laser Technology: The Waterlase™ Difference
We use the Biolase Waterlase iPlus — a specialized laser that uses a gentle stream of water and laser energy to release restricted tissue. It is not a traditional "hot" laser, which makes it the safest and most comfortable option for infants and young children.
❄️ Cool & Gentle
Water keeps tissue cool throughout the procedure. No burning, no heat, and no scary sounds that upset babies. Most infants settle quickly.
⚡ Fast Healing
The laser seals tissue as it works — meaning little to no bleeding, no stitches, and faster healing compared to traditional scissors or scalpel methods.
⏱️ Quick Procedure
The actual release takes just a few minutes. Most appointments — including the evaluation and consultation — are done in under an hour.
For older children or children with dental anxiety, we also offer safe sedation options to help them feel calm and comfortable throughout treatment.
What to Expect at Your Evaluation
We know that bringing your baby in for any procedure can feel overwhelming. Here's exactly what happens at your visit — from the moment you arrive to heading home.
Gentle Oral Evaluation
Dr. Cruz does a thorough but gentle exam of your baby's mouth, tongue, and lip movement. It takes just a few minutes and is completely non-invasive.
Honest Discussion
We'll clearly explain what we find — in plain language. We answer all your questions before recommending anything. If treatment isn't needed, we'll tell you that too. No pressure, ever.
The Laser Frenectomy (If Recommended)
If treatment is recommended and you decide to proceed, the laser release takes just a few minutes. The Waterlase™ laser is gentle and precise — no stitches, minimal bleeding, and most babies settle quickly after.
Immediate Feeding
Most infants can nurse or bottle-feed right after the procedure. Many parents notice a difference in latch immediately. We give you time and space to feed before you leave.
Aftercare & Follow-Up
Before you leave, we walk you through simple stretching exercises and aftercare instructions to support healing. We schedule a follow-up to ensure everything is progressing well, and our team is available if questions come up at home.
Two Convenient Locations for Tongue-Tie Treatment
Both offices offer the same expert laser frenectomy care and advanced Waterlase technology. Choose the location most convenient for your family.
📍 St. Augustine Office
1301 Plantation Island Dr, Ste 305
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Serving: Anastasia Island, Vilano Beach, Nocatee, World Golf Village, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palencia, Fruit Cove, St. Augustine Beach
Accepting new patients
Tongue-Tie in St. Augustine →📍 Palm Coast Office
105 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste D
Palm Coast, FL 32164
Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Serving: Cypress Point, Hammock Dunes, Flagler Beach, Palm Coast Plantation, Bunnell, and all of Flagler County
Accepting new patients
Tongue-Tie in Palm Coast →What Parents Are Saying
"My son had tongue procedure and Dr. Cruz did great! Love all the ladies that work up front. Super kid friendly and welcoming office."
"My son recently had a frenectomy done... exceptional. We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Dr. Cruz and the entire staff!"
"From the moment we walk in, the staff is kind, patient, and wonderful with kids. We've since had three tongue-tie releases, along with cleanings and X-rays, and our children truly feel cared for."
Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Questions Answered
We hear these questions from parents every day. If yours isn't here, call us — we're happy to talk before you book.
Is a laser frenectomy painful for infants?
Laser frenectomy using Waterlase™ is gentle and precise. Most infants experience minimal discomfort, little to no bleeding, and can usually feed immediately after. It's a much more comfortable experience than scissors or scalpel methods.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No referral needed. You can call our St. Augustine office at (904) 471-8500 or our Palm Coast office at (386) 439-5437 directly, or book online anytime.
How long does healing take?
Most infants heal within one to two weeks. We'll walk you through simple stretching exercises before you leave, and we schedule a follow-up to make sure everything is progressing well. Our team is also available if questions come up at home.
Will my baby need therapy afterward?
Some infants benefit from feeding therapy or bodywork to help retrain tongue movement. We guide parents on whether additional support makes sense based on their baby's individual needs and feeding patterns. We coordinate with local lactation consultants in both St. Augustine and Palm Coast.
What's the difference between tongue-tie and lip-tie?
A tongue-tie restricts how freely the tongue moves — the tissue beneath it is too short or tight. A lip-tie restricts upper lip movement — the tissue connecting the lip to the gums is too tight. Both can affect feeding and oral development, and both are treated with the same gentle laser frenectomy.
Can older children have tongue-tie treatment?
Absolutely. Untreated tongue-ties in older children can impact speech clarity (especially L, R, T, D, and S sounds), jaw development, and dental hygiene. We see children of all ages. For anxious older patients, we offer safe sedation options to keep them comfortable.
What is Waterlase™ technology?
Waterlase iPlus is an advanced laser that uses water energy instead of heat to release restricted tissue. This means little to no bleeding, no stitches needed, faster healing, and a much more comfortable experience — especially important for infants and young children.
Explore More Pediatric Services
Preventive Dental Care
Routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to keep your child's smile healthy from infancy through the teen years.
Learn About Preventive Care →Sedation Options for Anxious Kids
For children who need extra comfort during dental visits or procedures, we offer safe nitrous oxide and IV sedation at both locations.
View Sedation Options →Pediatric Emergency Dental Care
Accidents happen. We offer same-day emergency appointments for children in St. Augustine and Palm Coast.
Emergency Dental Guide →Ready to Help Your Baby? We're Accepting New Patients.
You don't need a referral. You don't need to wait. If something feels off with your baby's feeding — trust that instinct and reach out. A quick evaluation can give you real answers and a clear path forward.
📍 St. Augustine
1301 Plantation Island Dr, Ste 305 · St. Augustine, FL 32080
Mon–Thu 8–4 · Fri 8–2
📍 Palm Coast
105 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste D · Palm Coast, FL 32164
Mon–Thu 8–4 · Fri 8–2