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Lip & Tongue-Tie Laser Release

Gentle, precise laser lip-tie and tongue-tie release (frenectomy) for infants, children and adolescents — helping families improve feeding, speech, breathing and long-term oral development through functional, evidence-based care.

An infant with their tongue out — tongue-tie can restrict normal tongue movement.
Infant & Adolescent Care

What is a lip-tie or tongue-tie?

A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the thin band of tissue under the tongue restricts normal movement. A lip-tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip is too tight.

These conditions can affect:

  • Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
  • Speech development
  • Chewing and swallowing
  • Sleep and airway
  • Dental spacing or hygiene

Early evaluation can prevent long-term challenges. If you're looking for tongue-tie release or a trusted provider for your baby or child, we're here to help.

Know What to Watch For

Signs your child may have a tongue-tie or lip-tie

Infants

  • Poor latch during breastfeeding
  • Clicking sounds while feeding
  • Gassiness, fussiness or reflux
  • Slow weight gain
  • Maternal nipple pain
  • Short feeding sessions or constant hunger

Toddlers & Children

  • Speech delays or articulation problems
  • Trouble chewing or picky eating
  • Mouth breathing
  • Poor sleep or snoring
  • Gaps between front teeth
  • Difficulty brushing teeth or clearing food
Advanced Dental Laser

Why parents choose our laser frenectomy

Our office uses an advanced dental laser for fast, minimally invasive lip-tie and tongue-tie release — considered the most precise and comfortable method for releasing restrictive oral tissues.

  • Little to no bleeding
  • No stitches required
  • Short procedure time (usually under 10 minutes)
  • Minimal discomfort
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Faster healing
  • Immediate feeding after infant treatment
Before Any Treatment

What to expect during your child's evaluation

We provide a comprehensive, functional assessment that may include:

  • Review of feeding history (for infants) or speech and behavior (for older children)
  • Evaluation of tongue and lip mobility
  • Digital photos when needed
  • Collaboration with lactation consultants, pediatricians, speech therapists or myofunctional therapists

Our goal is not just to identify a tie, but to determine if it is functionally restrictive.

The Procedure

The lip-tie & tongue-tie laser release

The procedure typically takes only a few minutes. Most families notice immediate improvement in feeding or mobility, with continued progress over the following days and weeks.

1

Comfort first

Your child is made comfortable with age-appropriate anesthesia options.

2

Precise laser release

Our provider gently releases the tight frenulum with a precise dental laser.

3

Feed right away

Infants can breastfeed or bottle feed immediately after the procedure.

4

Aftercare guidance

Parents receive full guidance on aftercare and the stretches that support healing.

Support Every Step

Aftercare, stretches & follow-up

We provide individualized aftercare instructions based on your child's age and needs. This may include:

  • Oral stretches to prevent re-attachment
  • Feeding support or latch assistance
  • Speech or myofunctional therapy referrals when appropriate
  • Follow-up visits to ensure proper healing

Every child is unique. Our dental team takes the time to evaluate function, answer questions and discuss all treatment options — safe, comfortable and effective tongue-tie and lip-tie treatment right here in Atchison, Kansas.

Common Questions

Lip & tongue-tie FAQ

Answers to the questions parents ask us most.

A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue under the tongue (the frenulum) is too tight or thick, limiting normal movement. This can affect feeding, speech, breathing, and oral development.
A lip-tie is when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is overly tight, preventing the lip from moving freely. This can cause breastfeeding difficulties, dental spacing issues, or challenges with oral hygiene.
Common signs include difficulty latching, clicking sounds while feeding, gassiness, reflux, slow weight gain, or maternal nipple pain during breastfeeding. For toddlers and children, symptoms may include speech issues, picky eating, mouth breathing, or gaps between teeth.
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases the tight tissue (frenulum) under the tongue or lip. At our office, we perform frenectomies using an advanced dental laser for minimal discomfort and fast healing.
Yes. Laser frenectomies are widely considered safe for newborns and infants. The procedure is quick, precise, and typically involves minimal bleeding. Babies can often feed immediately afterward.
The laser release usually takes just a few minutes. Including evaluation and aftercare instructions, most visits last around 20–30 minutes.
We use age-appropriate comfort measures, such as topical anesthetic or local anesthetic when needed. Most infants cry more from being swaddled than from the procedure itself.
Many parents notice immediate improvements in latch or mobility. Speech and feeding patterns often continue to improve over the next days or weeks as the tongue or lip regains proper function.
Yes. Gentle post-procedure stretches help prevent the tissue from re-attaching during healing. We provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions for parents.
Some children benefit from additional support — especially if they developed compensations before treatment. We work closely with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and myofunctional therapists to support full recovery.
Lip-tie and tongue-tie releases can be performed at any age, from infants to adolescents. Earlier treatment may help prevent long-term feeding or speech issues, but we evaluate and treat patients of all ages.
We offer prompt appointments for families needing feeding support or tongue-tie/lip-tie assessments. Call our office or request an appointment online.

Wondering if a tie is affecting your family?

Schedule a consultation and we'll evaluate carefully and honestly, then talk through whether a laser release makes sense.

Request an Appointment (913) 367-0212

Atchison Dental Associates · 111 N 5th Street, Atchison, KS 66002