If so, we can help! Treatment can be done as young as 24 hours old.

Lip-Tie

What is it?

A congenital condition that interferes with normal movement and function of the upper lip. The labial frenulum is too thick, tight or attached too low on the maxilla.

 

Tongue-Tie

What is it?

A congenital condition that restricts the tongue's range of motion. An unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth.

 
“You can’t know how much it means to us that you noticed his ties that day. R.D. went from constantly wanting to be latched on or crying to an amazingly happy and dream baby. It breaks my heart that there was something wrong for even as long as it was and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Let me know if there is any other way I can help get the word out!”
— T.D.
“Dr.B revised my daughter’s lip tie when she was 2 months old, no referral req’d, took 30s at most and all [breast feeding] issues gone within a week following. He was very patient with all my questions as a paranoid first time mom and also encouraged me to breastfeed immediately after the procedure.”
— B.M.
 

Why does this matter?

Immediate problems for the mother and infant:

Infant - inadequate latch which may result in:

  • "colic" gassiness
  • reflux
  • poor weight gain
  • inadequate milk intake
  • unable to sustain a latch
  • shallow latch
  • unable to hold a pacifier
  • early weaning from the breast
 

Mother

  • Difficulty or inability to breastfeed
  • Painful breastfeeding
  • Mastitis, engorgement, thrush
  • Anxiety, stress and fatigue
  • Post-partum depression
  • Early cessation of lactation
  • Bleeding, cracked and flattened nipples
  • Low milk supply

Long-term concerns when infants cannot breastfeed:

Source: The American Academy of Pediatrics 

Potential risks for the mother:

  • Increased risk of postpartum depression
  • Accusations of child abuse when infants fail to thrive
  • Increased risk of breast and other reproductive cancers

Potential risks for the infant:

  • Reduced immunity to disease (pumping reduces this)
  • Increased risk of juvenile type diabetes, allergies
  • G.I. problems
  • Increased risk of heart disease and obesity as an adult
  • Orthodontic problems and facial development
  • Increased risk of dental decay
  • Spinal development abnormalities
  • Speech defects
  • Increased risk of SIDS

Why use a laser to correct a lip and tongue-tie?

  • Reduced pain and discomfort 
  • No need for sedation or operating room 
  • Takes less than 2-3 minutes
  • Infant is not away from the mother
  • More precise surgery
  • Drugs are not required
  • Significantly reduces any risk of bleeding