FAQs

Tongue, lip, and cheek ties — sometimes called tethered oral tissues — are tight or thick bands of tissue that limit the natural movement of the tongue, lips, or cheeks. These tissues, called frena, may be too short, stiff, or attached in a way that restricts motion. This can affect important functions like feeding, speech, breathing, or oral hygiene, depending on the severity and location of the tie.

Tongue, lip, and cheek ties are diagnosed through a hands-on oral evaluation by a trained provider, such as a pediatric dentist, lactation consultant, pediatrician, or oral surgeon. During the assessment, they examine the range of motion and appearance of the tissues, and look for signs that the ties may be affecting feeding, speech, or other functions.

Techniques like lifting the tongue or flipping the lip are often used to check for tension, blanching, or restricted movement. That said, ties can sometimes be subtle — and even well-meaning providers without specialized experience may miss or underestimate their impact.

This is why it’s helpful to see a professional who is specifically trained in evaluating tethered oral tissues, especially if you or your child are still experiencing unresolved symptoms.

The signs and symptoms of oral ties can vary based on the person’s age and the severity of the restriction. Some are noticeable right away, while others are more subtle and develop over time.

In infants and newborns, signs may include:

• Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding

• Clicking sounds or milk leaking from the mouth

• Gassiness, reflux-like symptoms, or excessive air intake

• Slow weight gain despite frequent feeding

• Nipple pain, blisters, or blocked ducts for the breastfeeding parent

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In children and teens, symptoms may include:

• Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds

• Mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep

• Trouble keeping food in the mouth or chewing efficiently

• Discomfort with brushing and flossing

• Orthodontic issues, such as persistent gaps or jaw tension

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In adults, symptoms may include:

• Jaw or neck tension, speech fatigue, or TMJ-like discomfort

• Difficulty speaking for long periods or public speaking avoidance

• Gum recession, tight cheeks, or food trapping

• Sleep disturbances, such as snoring or interrupted breathing

Because ties can present differently at each stage of life, it’s important to consider both function and symptoms — not just appearance — when deciding whether to seek an evaluation.

Treatment depends on how the tie is affecting feeding, speech, sleep, or other functions. In many cases, a simple procedure called a frenectomy is recommended. This involves releasing the tight tissue — or frenum — to restore natural movement.

At our office, we use a medical-grade CO₂ laser to perform frenectomies with precision and minimal discomfort. Laser treatment offers several benefits:

• Little to no bleeding

• Faster healing

• Reduced swelling

• No need for stitches

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Each patient is different, so we base treatment decisions on both the physical exam and your or your child’s symptoms. In some cases, we may also recommend working with a lactation consultant, speech therapist, or bodyworker to support full recovery and long-term function.

Yes — ties can absolutely be treated in adults. While it’s ideal to address them earlier in life, many adults live for years with undiagnosed oral restrictions that cause issues like jaw tension, speech fatigue, trouble chewing, or even sleep problems.

Laser frenectomy is a gentle and effective option for adults. The procedure is quick, often done in a single visit, and can bring significant relief from long-standing symptoms. If you're experiencing signs of a possible tie — even if they've been present for years — a consultation with a provider trained in tethered oral tissues can help determine whether treatment might improve your comfort and function.

Frenectomy procedures to release tongue, lip, or cheek ties are generally very safe — especially when performed with a CO₂ laser. As with any procedure, there are small risks, such as minor bleeding, temporary discomfort, or, in rare cases, infection or scar tissue.

Using a CO₂ laser significantly lowers these risks. The laser seals blood vessels as it works, which means less bleeding, minimal swelling, and a faster healing process. Most patients — including infants — recover quickly with very few side effects.

Before moving forward with treatment, your provider will review the procedure in detail and answer any questions to ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Recovery is usually quick, especially when a CO₂ laser is used. Most infants and children are able to feed or eat right after the procedure. Some may be a little fussy or sore for a day or two, but this typically improves quickly with comfort measures and aftercare support.

You may notice a white or yellowish patch at the treatment site — this is a normal part of the healing process, not a sign of infection. Your provider will give you specific stretching instructions to help the area heal properly and reduce the chance of reattachment.

Older children, teens, and adults may feel tightness or mild discomfort in the first few days, but most return to normal activities quickly.

While the release itself is a key step, full recovery often involves support that helps retrain the muscles and improve function. Depending on your or your child’s age and symptoms, additional therapies may be recommended to get the best long-term outcome.

Common post-treatment support may include:

• Lactation consultation (for infants) to help re-establish a deeper, more efficient latch

• Bodywork such as chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, or physical therapy to release tension and improve oral coordination

• Speech or myofunctional therapy (for older children, teens, and adults) to build new muscle patterns and correct compensations

• Stretching exercises to prevent reattachment during healing

Our team will guide you through the aftercare process and connect you with trusted professionals when needed. Every patient’s plan is personalized — but support after treatment plays a powerful role in long-term success.

Success looks different depending on the patient’s age and the symptoms being addressed. For infants, improvement is often seen in feeding — such as a deeper latch, more efficient milk transfer, or less nipple pain for the breastfeeding parent. In older children and adults, signs of success may include clearer speech, reduced jaw tension, improved oral hygiene, or easier chewing and swallowing.

It’s normal for progress to be gradual, especially in cases where compensations have developed over time. In many cases, follow-up support — like working with a lactation consultant, speech therapist, or myofunctional therapist — can enhance results and help the body fully adjust to its new range of motion.

Your provider will offer post-procedure check-ins to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.