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Lip & Tongue Tie Correction in Bloomfield,
Clifton, Montclair, Nutley, NJ
Some children are born with extra tissue called frenum under their tongue or upper lip. These are known as tongue-ties and lip-ties and can cause difficulty with speech, breastfeeding, weight gain, and even dental decay. If not treated during childhood, the adverse effects of tongue and lip-ties can follow children into adulthood. Headaches, neck and shoulder pain, sleep issues, and speech problems are all signs of untreated tongue and lip-ties. Parents in northern NJ are encouraged to contact Dr. Sultan of Dentistry for Children to learn more about treatment options and how to help their child thrive.
Why Should My Infant Undergo a Frenectomy?
Infant with tongue-tie and lip-ties may
- Have difficulty nursing or taking a bottle
- Drip milk out of their mouth when eating
- Have trouble gaining weight
- Click their tongue or smack their lips when eating
- Have reflux or symptoms of colic
- Be continually fussy, often due to gas
Older children with tongue-tie and lip-ties may:
- Have trouble sleeping
- Experience a strong gag reflex
- Have delayed speech
- Speak softer than average or have difficulty being understood
- Choke when eating or drinking
- Be a picky eater or eat their food slowly
- Sleep with their mouth open, snore or grind their teeth
LightScalpel Benefits
Dentistry for Children is thrilled to introduce our latest addition: the LightScalpel Laser! The accompanying video highlights the reasons behind our decision to opt for LightScalpel for our tongue tie and laser frenectomy procedures. Dive in to see the difference it makes!
How We Perform Frenectomies
A frenectomy is the release of the frenum to allow for added range of motion. This quick and straightforward procedure is the first step in a healthier child.
In the past, most frenectomies were performed by a doctor using a scalpel under general anesthesia and left children with stitches. Infants were often denied this procedure due to the risks of babies undergoing anesthesia.
However, thanks to modern laser technology, we can now perform frenectomies in our office with no anesthesia. These treatments take just a few minutes, don’t require stitches, and leave patients with little to no bleeding or swelling.
Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment and Airway Health
Lip ties and tongue ties are restrictions in the connective tissue that can limit the normal movement of the lips or tongue. While these conditions are often discussed in relation to breastfeeding or speech, they can also play an important role in breathing, airway development, and facial growth.
At Dentistry for Children + Orthodontics, our evaluation focuses not only on anatomy, but also on how the mouth functions as part of the airway system.
Restricted tongue mobility may contribute to:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding in infants
- Speech development challenges
- Mouth breathing
- Poor tongue posture
- Sleep disturbances or snoring
- Narrow palate or altered jaw development
The tongue plays a critical role in guiding proper palate development and supporting nasal breathing. When tongue movement is restricted, it may influence how a child breathes, sleeps, and grows.
A Functional and Airway-Focused Evaluation
Not every tongue tie requires treatment. Our approach is centered on function, not just appearance.
During your child’s evaluation, we look at:
- Tongue mobility and coordination
- Breathing patterns (nasal vs. mouth breathing)
- Tongue posture at rest
- Feeding or speech concerns
- Sleep quality and airway development
This comprehensive assessment helps determine whether treatment may improve your child’s function, breathing, and overall oral development.
Specialized Training in Airway and Tongue Tie Care
Dr. Hassam Sultan has completed advanced training in airway-focused dentistry through The Breathe Institute and is proud to serve as a Breathe Institute Ambassador.
This training focuses on the relationship between:
- Tongue function
- Nasal breathing
- Jaw growth
- Sleep health
- Pediatric airway development
Our goal is to provide families with a thoughtful, evidence-based approach that considers the whole child — not just the tie itself.
Collaborative Care
Successful treatment often involves a team approach. Depending on your child’s needs, care may involve collaboration with:
- Lactation consultants
- Myofunctional therapists
- Speech therapists
- Pediatric ENT specialists
This collaborative approach helps ensure the best outcomes for feeding, breathing, and long-term development.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is simple:
We treat function, not just anatomy.
Every child is unique, and our goal is to help support healthy breathing, growth, and development from the very beginning.
Experience Almost Instant Benefits
Thanks to this quick and nearly painless treatment, your child or infant can resume their daily routine right away following their tongue-tie. Many older children return straight to the playground after their procedure.
Since breast milk contains many healing properties, breastfed infants are encouraged to nurse immediately following the procedure. Our experience has also been that older children who may be picky eaters or children who have difficulty gaining weight will often experience better appetites.
Some smaller children introduce new words to their vocabulary the day of their procedure. Older children will speak clearly with fewer restrictions, boosting their confidence. You can also expect infants and children to sleep throughout the night, improving their behavior during the day.
Our office believes oral restrictions shouldn’t hold children back, and tongue-tie and lip-ties are entirely treatable. We invite you to schedule a consult today to learn how a frenectomy can positively impact your family’s future.
