Tongue Tie and Lip Tie

Tongue Tie and Lip Tie services offered in Pomona and Bronx, NY and Greenwich, CT

Tongue tie and lip tie are common childhood conditions, but finding a dentist with the skills and training to correct these issues is not always easy. Many parents in Greenwich, Connecticut, as well as Pomona, New York, and the Bronx borough of New York City, rely on cosmetic and general dentistry specialists Sangeeta Sethi, DDS, and Ramji Sethi, DDS, of Sethi Dental for these procedures. Book your visit online or by phone to learn more.

Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Q & A

What is tongue tie?

Tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth among some infants. During development, a thin piece of tissue called a frenulum guides the formation of a baby’s mouth. This tissue usually thins and wears down before birth.

In some infants, the frenulum does not separate or recede. It remains in place as an abnormally thick and tight piece of tissue that anchors or “ties” the tongue to the bottom of the mouth.

This can interfere with your baby’s ability to nurse properly, increasing the risk of poor nutrition. Without treatment, tongue tie can also cause speech problems and make it hard to properly clean all areas of the mouth.

What is lip tie?

Lip tie occurs when the band of tissue in your baby’s upper lip does not thin or recede prior to birth. This prevents the lip from moving freely, and can cause problems with breastfeeding. Some infants with lip tie experience significant pain during breastfeeding.

Left untreated, lip tie can prevent proper nutrition. The risk of tooth decay increases because food particles and bacteria can accumulate in the space between the upper lip and teeth. Lip tie can also cause a gap between upper teeth by interfering with the tooth eruption process.

How can laser treatments resolve tongue tie and lip tie?

Sethi Dental uses an advanced laser treatment platform to alter the thick band of tissue that holds your baby’s lip or tongue in an abnormal position. The laser releases the tissue, allowing the tongue or lip to move freely.

Laser technology allows for highly precise treatments. Your dentist can target and treat the exact area of tissue needed to correct tongue tie or lip tie.

Is my child a good candidate for tongue tie and lip tie treatment?

The best way to determine if your little one needs treatment for tongue tie or lip tie is to bring them in for a quick assessment. Your dentist can determine if treatment would improve your baby’s ability to nurse, and avoid some of the additional risks of lip tie or tongue tie.

If you decide to move forward, your dentist explains all of the steps involved in these procedures. You’re encouraged to ask questions throughout. Booking that visit is as simple as a phone call or a few moments online.