When your child struggles with feeding, speech development, or experiences oral discomfort, restricted oral tissues might be the underlying cause. These restrictions, commonly known as tongue ties and lip ties, can significantly impact various aspects of your child’s growth and development. At Flourish Tongue Tie, we understand the challenges these conditions present and offer specialized, compassionate care to address them effectively.
Dr. T.C. Hardy and our dedicated team provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for oral restrictions that may affect feeding, speech, and overall oral development. With our expertise and gentle approach, we help children of all ages overcome the limitations these conditions can cause, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Tongue Tie Treatment
Tongue tie is when the thin membrane below the tongue is unusually short, tight, or thick, restricting normal tongue movement. While some tongue ties are obvious and severe, others can be more subtle yet still cause significant functional issues. This restriction can affect multiple aspects of your child’s development throughout different life stages:
- Newborns may struggle with latching and milk transfer during breastfeeding, leading to poor weight gain, maternal discomfort, and early weaning.
- Infants might have difficulty transitioning to solid foods and developing proper swallowing patterns.
- Toddlers and children can experience challenges with certain speech sounds, particularly those requiring tongue elevation or extension.
- Older children may develop compensatory speech patterns that affect clarity and articulation.
- Problems with oral hygiene may arise as the restricted tongue cannot properly clean food debris from teeth and gums.
- Potential impacts on facial growth and jaw development can occur over time.
Our approach to tongue tie treatment begins with a thorough evaluation using advanced diagnostic techniques to assess the location, severity, and functional impact of the restriction. We consider not just the appearance of the tissue but how it affects your child’s specific abilities.
For treatment, we use precise, gentle techniques to release the restricted tissue, allowing proper tongue movement and function. Depending on the age of your child and the severity of the tie, we may recommend a simple frenotomy (release of the tissue) or a more comprehensive frenectomy. Both procedures are designed to be quick and cause minimal discomfort, with most children experiencing immediate improvement in tongue mobility.
Following treatment, we provide detailed guidance on exercises and techniques to maintain the results and prevent reattachment. Our team works collaboratively with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and other experts to ensure comprehensive care that addresses all your child’s needs.
Lip Tie Treatment
A lip tie is when the area connecting the upper lip to the gum is too tight or restrictive. This condition often accompanies tongue ties and can cause similar functional challenges. The effects of lip ties include:
- Difficulty creating a proper seal while nursing, leading to inefficient feeding and milk leakage
- Increased air intake during feeding, resulting in excessive gas, colic symptoms, and discomfort
- Challenges with bottle feeding and cup drinking as the child grows
- Potential dental issues, including gaps between front teeth and an increased risk of dental decay behind the upper front teeth
- Limitations in proper oral hygiene, as the tight tissue prevents adequate cleaning
- Possible impacts on facial appearance and smile aesthetics
Our lip tie treatment process begins with careful assessment to determine the extent and impact of the restriction. We evaluate how the lip moves during various functions and how it affects your child specifically. Using precise techniques and appropriate instruments, we gently release the restricted tissue to restore proper lip mobility.
The procedure is quick, with very little discomfort, and most children experience immediate improvement in lip movement. We provide comprehensive aftercare instructions tailored to your child’s age and specific needs to ensure optimal healing and function following the procedure.
Baby Tongue Ties
Early identification and treatment of tongue ties in infants can prevent numerous feeding challenges and developmental issues. The signs that your baby may have a tongue tie include:
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining a deep latch during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds while nursing, indicating a break in suction
- Feeding sessions that are prolonged, frequent, or never seem satisfying
- Poor weight gain despite frequent feeding attempts
- Maternal symptoms such as nipple pain, damage, or infection
- Excessive gas, reflux symptoms, or colic-like behavior
- Inability to hold a pacifier effectively
Our specialized treatment approach for baby tongue ties is designed with infant comfort and feeding success as primary goals. We use techniques that minimize discomfort and tissue trauma while effectively releasing restrictions. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and many mothers report immediate improvement in feeding comfort and efficiency.
We work closely with lactation consultants before and after the procedure to ensure comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of feeding challenges. Our team provides detailed guidance on appropriate aftercare, including gentle exercises to prevent reattachment and optimize healing.
Child Ties
Older children with undiagnosed or untreated oral restrictions may experience various developmental challenges that affect their daily lives and self-confidence. These can include:
- Speech articulation difficulties, particularly with sounds that require tongue elevation (l, r, t, d, n)
- Problems with certain food textures and picky eating behaviors
- Poor oral hygiene habits due to the inability to clear food debris with the tongue
- Sleep-related breathing issues, including mouth breathing and potential sleep apnea
- Social challenges related to speech clarity or eating difficulties
- Behavioral impacts due to ongoing frustration with communication or eating
Our approach to treating ties in children incorporates age-appropriate care, clear communication, and sensitivity to their concerns. We explain procedures in child-friendly terms, address their questions, and help them feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
For school-aged children, we use techniques that minimize discomfort and recovery time, allowing them to return to normal activities quickly. Our team may coordinate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other experts to ensure comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your child’s development and well-being.
What to Expect
When you visit Flourish Tongue Tie, we provide a thorough evaluation of your child’s oral anatomy and function. Our diagnostic process includes:
- Comprehensive oral examination with specialized assessment tools
- Detailed history of feeding patterns, developmental milestones, and challenges
- Evaluation of speech and articulation when applicable
- Discussion of symptoms, concerns, and goals for treatment
- Explanation of findings using visual aids and clear, non-technical language
If treatment is recommended, we explain all options and what to expect during and after the procedure. Most treatments are completed in a single visit, with minimal recovery time. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions and remains available for follow-up support to ensure optimal healing and functional improvement.
Begin Your Child’s Journey to Better Function and Comfort
At Flourish Tongue Tie, we understand that watching your child struggle with feeding, speech, or oral discomfort can be overwhelming. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing gentle, effective treatment that addresses the root cause of these challenges. We combine advanced diagnostic techniques with a family-centered approach to ensure both you and your child feel supported throughout the entire treatment process. From initial consultation through recovery, we’re here to help your child overcome oral restrictions and reach their full developmental potential.
Don’t let tongue or lip ties continue to impact your child’s growth and well-being. Take the first step toward resolution and relief today. Contact Flourish Tongue Tie at 720-251-4444 or schedule your consultation through our contact form to discover how we can help your child flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue Tie Treatment
Our tongue tie release procedure is a quick, minimally invasive process typically lasting 10-15 minutes. We use advanced laser or surgical techniques with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The procedure includes detailed post-treatment care instructions, recommended healing exercises, and a follow-up appointment to monitor recovery. Our goal is to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for both child and parents.
Tongue tie procedures can be performed at various life stages, with early intervention often providing the most significant benefits. We can safely treat newborns, infants, and young children, using specialized techniques tailored to each patient’s age and developmental needs. While older children and adults can also undergo the procedure, early treatment typically offers the most straightforward approach.
A tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual, potentially limiting tongue movement. This condition can impact breastfeeding, speech development, and oral motor skills. At Flourish Tongue Tie, we provide comprehensive assessments and precise treatments to address these potential challenges, ensuring your child can develop optimal oral function.
