Frenectomy Procedures: Treating Lip and Tongue-Tie in Infants and Children
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Choosing a family dentist near Allen, TX can feel overwhelming, especially if you're concerned about your child's feeding, speech, or oral development. One often-overlooked cause of these issues is tongue-tie in infants, a condition that can limit the tongue or lip's range of motion. At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Yvonne Felli uses advanced laser dentistry for infants and children to perform gentle, effective frenectomy procedures that safely correct tongue- and lip-ties early in life.
What is a tongue-tie in infants?
A tongue-tie occurs when the thin tissue under the tongue restricts its movement. A related condition, lip-tie, affects the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums. These tight or shortened connections can interfere with everyday functions, especially in babies and toddlers. Signs of concern may include:
- Difficulty maintaining a latch during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- Audible clicking while feeding
- Irritability during meals or slow weight gain
- Unclear speech or delayed language development
- Spacing between teeth or frequent gum irritation
If you're noticing these symptoms, it may be time to explore treatment options that can relieve tension and restore mobility.
What are the benefits of laser frenectomy for kids?
A laser frenectomy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses concentrated light energy to release restrictive tissue. Unlike traditional methods involving scissors or scalpels, laser technology is more precise and gentler on young mouths.
Key benefits of laser frenectomy for kids include:
- Short procedure time, often under five minutes
- Very little bleeding during and after treatment
- Minimal post-procedure discomfort
- Faster healing with reduced swelling
- No need for stitches or sedation
- A calmer, more comfortable experience for children and parents
This treatment is especially helpful for infants and toddlers who need quick recovery and minimal disruption to daily routines.
Is tongue-tie treatment safe for children?
Parents are often concerned about the safety of procedures for babies, and rightfully so. The good news is that safe tongue-tie treatment for children is available thanks to advancements in pediatric dental technology. At Cuddly Smiles, we use laser systems that are gentle enough for infants yet effective enough to achieve lasting results. Infants as young as a few weeks old can undergo treatment with minimal stress and excellent outcomes. Dr. Felli and her team provide full aftercare instructions and are available to guide you through the recovery process step by step.
Early treatment matters
When oral restrictions go untreated, they may lead to more complex developmental issues later in life. These can include difficulty with chewing and swallowing, improper jaw growth, disrupted breathing during sleep, and long-term orthodontic concerns. Early identification and treatment can support better speech development, more effective feeding, and improved oral coordination. With the support of our experienced team, families in and around Allen can confidently address these concerns and prevent more involved care in the future.
Schedule a consultation with a family dentist in Allen, TX
At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are proud to support families throughout Allen, McKinney, Plano, and nearby communities. If you're searching for answers about tongue-tie in infants near Allen, TX, we're here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yvonne Felli to learn how laser dentistry for infants and children can improve comfort, oral function, and quality of life. We look forward to helping your child eat, speak, and smile with ease.