At Fresh Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in providing gentle, child-focused laser frenectomy treatments to correct lip and tongue ties. Using advanced laser technology, our Montclair pediatric dentist ensures a safe, quick, and comfortable frenectomy procedure that helps your child feed, speak, and smile with confidence. Using safe, minimally invasive techniques (including soft tissue laser technology when appropriate), we perform frenectomies in a calm, kid-friendly setting.
Lip and tongue ties (also known as ankyloglossia) are common conditions where the frenum, the tissue connecting the lip or tongue, restricts movement. Left untreated, ties can cause problems with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, swallowing, speech, and even jaw or airway development.
A frenectomy can often be performed in minutes and dramatically improves function. At Fresh Pediatric Dentistry, we work closely with lactation consultants, pediatricians, and speech therapists to provide comprehensive care and long term benefits for your child.
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Lip and tongue ties affect nearly 5 to 10% of newborns and often go undiagnosed, despite causing issues with feeding and growth. Early treatment can support healthier development as part of a strong pediatric preventive dentistry approach.
At Fresh Pediatric Dentistry, we take a compassionate, collaborative approach to frenectomies combining clinical precision with family-centered care. Our providers are skilled in evaluating tongue and lip ties at all stages, from infancy through childhood, and offer personalized treatment plans that align with your child’s needs.
We use minimally invasive methods, such as soft-tissue lasers, for faster healing, reduced discomfort, and virtually no bleeding. Our team ensures you feel informed, supported, and confident before, during, and after your child’s procedure.
Laser technology for gentle, accurate treatment.
We collaborate with lactation consultants and pediatricians.
Care that supports long-term speech development.
Minimally invasive with quick, comfortable recovery.
See real patient success stories.
For infants, tongue and lip ties can make it difficult to latch, nurse efficiently, or bottle-feed comfortably. A frenectomy can lead to immediate improvements in latch, milk transfer, and feeding duration. Many babies also experience fewer symptoms like reflux, gassiness, or fussiness during feedings, leading to better sleep and more consistent weight gain.
As children grow, an untreated tongue or lip tie can limit tongue movement, leading to difficulties with speech articulation, swallowing, and even chewing. Releasing the tie allows the tongue to move freely, improving clarity of speech and supporting proper jaw and airway development. In some cases, these concerns may also connect with broader issues addressed through pediatric airway dentistry.
Lip ties can contribute to gaps between the upper front teeth, gum recession, or misaligned bite patterns. Tongue ties may prevent the tongue from properly cleaning the mouth or maintaining posture. By releasing restrictive tissue early, frenectomies help support balanced dental arch development and may reduce the future need for treatments such as early interceptive orthodontics.
We begin with a gentle oral assessment to evaluate the frenum’s appearance, function, and impact on feeding, speech, or development. If needed, we collaborate with your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or speech therapist.
If treatment is necessary, we use a soft tissue laser (or traditional method) to release the tie in a quick, low discomfort procedure usually completed in just a few minutes with minimal bleeding.
We provide clear aftercare instructions, including post-op exercises to prevent tissue reattachment. Most babies and children return to feeding and normal activity the same day with minimal recovery time. We may also continue monitoring long term growth and function through regular dental checkups.
Tongue and lip ties are collectively known as “tethered oral tissues” or TOTs. They occur when the bands of tissue that connect the tongue or the lips to the mouth become overdeveloped to the point that proper mouth movement is restricted.
Minor tongue and lip ties may not cause any feeding problems, or contribute to speech impediments.
However, serious tongue and lip ties can make it hard for your child to breastfeed or use a bottle properly, resulting in poor feeding and inadequate nutrition. If you think that your child is having trouble feeding because of tongue or lip ties, you should get help from a pediatric dentist right away.
Feeding problems are the most common signs of tongue and lip ties. Your child’s lips and tongue need to be able to move properly to latch onto the nipple and stimulate it for proper feeding. If they seem to be having trouble making a proper seal, milk dribbles out from their mouth while feeding, or they frequently stop and start feeding, they may be having latching issues due to tongue or lip ties.
You can also look for visual signs of tongue and lip ties. For the lips, you can fold back your child’s upper lip and look at the frenulum. If it is difficult to lift the lip or it seems like your baby is unable to move their upper lip on their own, they may have a lip tie.
Signs of tongue ties include an inability for your child to stick their tongue out past their front teeth, or problems moving the tongue from side to side. Tongue ties can also be identified visually. A common sign of tongue ties is a “heart-shaped” tongue. When your child sticks their tongue out, the restriction caused by the tongue tie may cause it to look “notched” or heart-shaped, instead of appearing as a smooth “U” shape.
We take extra care to minimize any pain or discomfort. With laser dentistry, your child will experience zero to minimal bleeding, and they will be able to recover from tongue or lip tie treatment quickly and with low levels of post-operative discomfort.
A frenectomy will typically be covered by dental insurance, so you can get your child the care they need without worrying about high out-of-pocket expenses. Even if you do not have insurance, the cost of a frenectomy is quite low. Insurance plans vary, so make sure you consult with your dental insurance company to make sure your child is covered for their treatment.
To care for the surgical site, you will need to clean the treatment area twice a day to prevent infection and keep it healthy. Your child’s dentist may also recommend some stretches for the tongue and/or lips. These stretches will help ensure that when the frenulum heals, it will not reattach and restrict your child’s oral range of motion. Follow the instructions given to you and make sure you regularly perform all stretches recommended to you by your child’s dentist.
At Fresh Pediatric Dentistry, we are proud to be centrally located at 39 S Fullerton Ave Suite 10, Montclair, NJ 07042, making it easy for families across Essex County to access trusted pediatric dental care. Our office is just minutes from surrounding communities such as Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Verona, and Cedar Grove, with convenient access from major roads and public transportation. Whether you’re coming from work, school, or home, our location ensures stress-free visits that fit into your busy schedule.
Designed with families in mind, our children’s dental office offers a welcoming environment where kids feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. With plenty of parking, a cheerful play area, and modern amenities like TVs in the ceiling, every visit is made enjoyable. Parents appreciate the ease of online scheduling, flexible appointment times, and acceptance of most dental insurance plans, making Fresh Pediatric Dentistry the go-to pediatric dental office near Montclair, NJ.
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At Fresh Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle, compassionate dental care designed just for kids. From preventive checkups to specialized treatments, our team creates a fun and comfortable experience while helping children build healthy smiles for life.
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