Tooth Truth: Unraveling Tongue and Lip Ties — The Power of a Simple Frenectomy
- naytoghlo
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
What’s a Frenectomy Anyway?
A frenectomy is the simple release of a small band of tissue — called the frenum — that’s too tight, thick, or restrictive.
It’s a simple, gentle procedure that can make a big difference — for both kids and adults!
We commonly treat two types of restrictive frenums:
We commonly treat two types:
➔ Lingual frenectomy (under the tongue)
➔ Labial frenectomy (upper lip)
Labial Frenectomy: Small Tissue, Big Impact
A tight labial frenum (the tissue connecting your upper lip to your gums) can cause:
Persistent Diastemas:
➔ A noticeable gap between the front teeth that resists closing even after braces.
Gum Recession:
➔ Constant tension from a thick frenum can pull the gums away from teeth over time.
Occlusion Disruption:
➔ While less direct than tongue ties, an open bite or poorly stabilized front teeth can subtly alter the way teeth come together during chewing.
Speech Challenges:
➔ It may affect certain lip sounds like “f,” “v,” “p,” and “b.”
Hygiene Difficulties:
➔ A tight upper lip can make it harder to brush and floss near the gumline, increasing plaque and gingivitis risk.
The good news?
A simple diode laser labial frenectomy can gently release the restriction — improving function, esthetics, and comfort!
Lingual Frenectomy: Freeing the Tongue for Better Speech and Eating
A tight tongue-tie can cause:
Speech articulation problems (especially “l,” “th,” “r,” “s”)
Eating and swallowing difficulties
Oral hygiene challenges (can’t sweep food from teeth)
Neck/jaw tension from restricted tongue movement
For young children especially, releasing a tongue-tie can make a world of difference in speech development and eating habits.
And for adults, it can bring new ease and comfort you didn’t even realize you were missing.
A gentle diode laser lingual frenectomy can restore mobility — usually with minimal discomfort and fast healing.
What to Expect After Your Frenectomy
Healing well is about two things:
Stretching + Patience!
Stretching Exercises:
➔ 4–6 weeks of regular, easy exercises to prevent the tissue from reattaching tightly.
Post-Op Instructions:
➔ Set yourself up for a smooth recovery — download your post-op stretching guide below:
[Download Our Labial Frenectomy Post-Op Stretching Guide]
(Note: For lingual frenectomy patients, instructions may vary slightly.)
Real-Life Before and After
Swipe to see the difference a few millimeters of freedom can make!
Final Tooth Truth:
“When a small strip of tissue gets in the way of your smile, speech, or health — a quick, gentle frenectomy can make all the difference. Freedom is just one visit away!”
Whether you’re here for your child or considering treatment for yourself, remember:
➔ You are never “too young” or “too old” to benefit from a frenectomy.
If you’ve been struggling with a gap, speech concerns, eating challenges, or even just discomfort under the lip or tongue — don’t hesitate to ask.
We’re happy to guide you toward better function, more comfort, and a healthier smile!
“Wondering if a frenectomy could help you or your child? Let’s chat — schedule a consultation today!”
Dr. Noor N. AyToghlo
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