Referral
We Are a Premier Treatment Center for Correcting Lip-Ties and Tongue-Ties in Newborns
Take baby steps to better feeding with lip & tongue tie treatment in Red Lion & York. At F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics, our dentists are your premier treatment center for lip-ties and tongue-ties in newborns. We can, of course, also treat lip-ties and tongue-ties in other age groups, but our passion is addressing these issues as early as possible to make breastfeeding a wonderful experience for mothers and a healthy one for your new bundle of joy!
New parents will find us under a variety of circumstances, including referral from a physician, lactation consultant, midwife, friend, family member, and/or an internet search. The reason for referral is almost always the same: breastfeeding is painful, and traditional approaches alone are not working.
It’s very important that you understand and we make one thing very clear: BREAST FEEDING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAINFUL!
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What Happens if a Newborn Has Lip and Tongue Tie?
Mothers Suffer
In newborns with lip-ties and tongue-tie, mothers often suffer from at least one, if not many, of the following:
- Moderate to severe pain during attempted latch
- Nipple infection or thrush
- Engorged or unemptied breasts
- Mastitis
- Frustration and exhaustion
- Depression
Newborn Frustration
The newborn often experiences at least one, if not many, of the following:
- An ineffective and/or unsustained latch
- Unsatisfied and non-nutritional breastfeeding episodes
- Lack of weight gain
- Clicking and associated air intake during feeding
- Colic
- Chronic crying
Ignoring Has Consequences
Later in life, your child may suffer from one, if not many, of the following as a result of an untreated lip-tie and tongue-tie:
- Malocclusion and/or crooked teeth
- Speech issues
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Messy eating
- Dental decay
F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics has been investing for years in the best technology available to address ties, including Solea CO2 laser technology. The procedure used to address a tie is called a ‘revision,’ and the use of this laser technology results in a quick procedure, minimal bleeding, and a very short healing period, during which your newborn will likely be able to latch shortly after the revision. Many mothers note an immediate, positive change with feeding, and we expect that to only improve with time.
Benefits Of Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment
When you choose F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics for sleep apnea treatment in Red Lion & York, you take a crucial step towards better health and quality of life. Here’s what you can expect during your consultation:
01.
Improved Breastfeeding Experience
Our lip and tongue tie treatment ensures a better latch, reducing pain and frustration for mothers. It promotes a more efficient and satisfying newborn feeding experience, leading to healthier weight gain.
02.
Prevention of Complications
By addressing lip and tongue ties early on, you can prevent mastitis, chronic pain, and even depression in mothers. This treatment empowers mothers to enjoy the bonding experience of breastfeeding without pain and worry.
03.
Enhanced Speech Development
Correcting lip and tongue ties in infancy can promote proper speech development in children. Avoiding speech issues later in life is an invaluable benefit of our treatment.
04.
Quality Sleep for All
Improved feeding means better sleep for both baby and parents. Say goodbye to sleepless nights caused by colic, chronic crying, snoring, and sleep apnea.
05.
Oral Health
Treating lip and tongue ties early can prevent dental issues like malocclusion and crooked teeth, reducing the need for orthodontic treatment. It also minimizes the risk of dental decay associated with improper oral function.
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If you suspect your newborn is lip-tied and tongue-tied, please contact us for an examination and to answer your questions. Before your appointment, please attempt to print and fill out the child health history form located on our New Patients page, and if you have dental insurance, contact your insurance company to have your newborn added to your policy. We look forward to meeting you and, even more so, to improving your and your baby's health!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment
What are lip-ties and tongue-ties in newborns?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the thin band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is too short, tight, or thick, restricting tongue movement. A lip-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum (the labial frenulum) is too tight, limiting the lip's ability to flange outward during feeding. Both conditions are present at birth and can interfere with breastfeeding, speech development, and oral health if left untreated. At F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics in Red Lion & York, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these conditions early.
What are the signs that my baby may have a lip-tie or tongue-tie?
Common signs in babies include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, falling asleep quickly at the breast without feeding well, clicking sounds during feeding, excessive air intake or gassiness, poor weight gain, prolonged feeding sessions, and frequent fussiness or colic. Mothers may experience painful latching, cracked or bleeding nipples, recurrent thrush or mastitis, low milk supply, and exhaustion. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation with us for a thorough assessment.
How is a lip-tie or tongue-tie treated?
At F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics, we treat lip-ties and tongue-ties using a procedure called a frenectomy, also known as a revision. We use advanced Solea CO2 laser technology, which allows for a quick, precise procedure with minimal bleeding, no stitches, and a very short healing period. The laser also reduces discomfort and allows most newborns to latch and feed shortly after the procedure is complete. Many mothers notice an immediate improvement in feeding right away.
Is the laser frenectomy procedure painful for my baby?
The laser frenectomy is a very gentle, minimally invasive procedure. Babies may cry briefly during the procedure, but this is typically due to being held still rather than from pain. Because the Solea CO2 laser cauterizes as it works, there is minimal bleeding and very little discomfort afterward. Most babies are able to nurse immediately after the procedure, which provides natural comfort and helps with healing.
At what age should a lip-tie or tongue-tie be treated?
The earlier a tie is treated, the better, ideally within the first few weeks of life. Treating early helps establish successful breastfeeding, prevents complications for both mother and baby, and supports proper oral and facial development. However, we also treat older babies, toddlers, children, and adults at our Red Lion & York office when ties cause feeding difficulties, speech problems, dental issues, or other complications later in life.
What happens if a lip-tie or tongue-tie is left untreated?
Untreated ties can lead to a range of issues throughout your child's life. Short-term consequences include breastfeeding difficulties, poor weight gain, colic, and reflux. Long-term complications may include speech delays or articulation problems, picky or messy eating habits, dental decay due to poor oral hygiene, crooked teeth or malocclusion, mouth breathing, snoring, and even sleep apnea. Early intervention helps prevent these issues and supports healthy development.
What is recovery like after a laser frenectomy?
Recovery after a laser frenectomy is typically quick and uneventful. Most babies are able to nurse right away, and many mothers report immediate improvement in latch and feeding comfort. Mild swelling or fussiness for a day or two is normal. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including gentle stretching exercises to perform several times a day for the first two to three weeks to prevent reattachment of the tissue and ensure the best healing outcome.