A tight tongue-tie or lip-tie can affect how a child eats, speaks, and develops. Many parents in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Westmont, and nearby areas search for answers when they notice feeding or speech concerns. This guide explains what a frenectomy is, common signs to watch for, and how treatment works.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a quick procedure that releases a tight frenum, the small band of tissue under the tongue or inside the lip.
The two most common conditions in children are:
- Tongue-tie: The tongue’s movement is restricted.
- Lip-tie: The upper lip doesn’t move freely due to a thick or tight attachment.
Both can impact feeding, speech, dental development, and comfort.
Signs Your Child May Need a Frenectomy
1. Feeding Difficulties in Infants
Parents often report:
- Shallow latch
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Long or stressful feeding sessions
- Poor weight gain
- Maternal discomfort during breastfeeding
2. Speech Concerns
A restricted tongue may make certain sounds difficult, such as L, R, T, D, N, and TH.
3. Challenges Eating Solid Foods
Some children:
- Gag easily
- Prefer soft foods
- Struggle to move food around the mouth
4. Dental or Orthodontic Issues
A tight lip-tie can:
- Pull on the gums
- Create spacing between front teeth
- Make brushing uncomfortable
5. Sleep or Breathing Problems
Tongue restriction may contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep.
6. General Oral Discomfort
Older kids may say their tongue feels “stuck” or they can’t lift it high enough.
Laser Frenectomy at Band & Wire Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry
At Band & Wire Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Clarendon Hills, we offer gentle, precise frenectomies using the Solea laser. Families visit us from Hinsdale, Westmont, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Western Springs, and other nearby communities for this advanced treatment.
The Solea laser makes the procedure:
- Almost painless
- Fast and quiet
- Suture-free
- Low-bleeding or bloodless
- More comfortable for anxious or sensitive children
Most kids feel only mild warmth or pressure. There are no scalpels or stitches, and healing is typically smooth. Many infants can feed immediately after the procedure, and older children return to normal activities the same day.
For very young, nervous, or special-needs children, we also offer safe in-office sedation options.
How the Procedure Works?
A laser frenectomy usually takes only a few minutes.
Your child sits comfortably while the dentist gently releases the tight tissue with the Solea laser.
There is minimal bleeding, and recovery is generally quick.
Your provider may recommend simple stretching exercises to prevent the tissue from reattaching.
When You Should See a Pediatric Dentist?
If your child has feeding challenges, speech delays, difficulty eating, or signs of restricted movement, a professional evaluation is the best next step.
A pediatric dentist can assess whether a tongue-tie or lip-tie is contributing to the problem and recommend the right treatment plan.
Families in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Westmont, Downers Grove, and surrounding suburbs often schedule an evaluation when concerns first appear, early diagnosis can make a big difference.
We’re Here to Help
At Band & Wire Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle and effective laser frenectomies for infants, toddlers, kids, and teens. If you’re in Clarendon Hills or a neighboring community and have questions about feeding, speech, or oral development, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.