If your child’s dentist has ever mentioned a “tongue tie” or “lip tie,” you may have walked out of that appointment with more questions than answers. These small, often overlooked tissue connections in the mouth can have a surprisingly big impact on everything from breastfeeding and speech to bite development and oral hygiene, and knowing whether your child is affected is the first step toward helping them thrive.
At SmileWorks in Midtown East, Manhattan, our award-winning team of dental specialists is proud to serve families across New York City with compassionate, comprehensive pediatric dentistry care. If you’re a new parent in Long Island City, wondering why your baby is struggling to latch, or a parent in Harlem noticing your toddler has trouble pronouncing certain sounds, our team is here to help you find answers and get the right treatment.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that releases or removes the frenum, a small band of soft tissue in the mouth. There are two types commonly affecting children: a lingual frenectomy, which addresses a tongue-tie (when the tissue beneath the tongue is too short or tight), and a labial frenectomy, which addresses a lip-tie (when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is too restrictive). Both types can limit the range of motion in ways that affect feeding, speaking, and even how baby teeth align.
Research published by the National Institutes of Health in 2024 found that tethered oral tissues, including tongue- and lip-ties, can interfere with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and overall infant oral development. When left untreated, these restrictions may continue to affect a child as they grow, contributing to speech delays, concerns about jaw development, and challenges with dental hygiene.
Signs Your Child May Need a Frenectomy
Wondering if your child might have a tongue-tie or a lip-tie? There are several signs worth paying attention to, and many parents are surprised to learn they don’t have to wait for a dentist to bring it up first. Watch for these common indicators:
- Notched or heart-shaped tongue tip: Visible when the tongue is extended
- Restricted tongue movement: Difficulty moving side to side or reaching the roof of the mouth
- Speech challenges: Particularly with sounds like “l,” “r,” “t,” “d,” or “n”
- Gap between upper front teeth: Caused by a thick labial frenum
These symptoms can appear at different stages of childhood, which is why regular first pediatric dental visits are so valuable. Our team screens for these issues early so families throughout Manhattan, Chelsea, and the surrounding areas don’t miss a critical window for intervention.
What to Expect During the Procedure
For many parents, the word “procedure” sounds a lot more intimidating than it actually is. A frenectomy is typically fast, straightforward, and well-tolerated by children of all ages. At SmileWorks, our frenectomy treatment uses modern techniques designed to minimize discomfort and recovery time. The tissue is carefully released or removed, with anesthesia used as appropriate based on your child’s age and needs.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery is generally quick. Young patients may experience mild soreness for a day or two, but most children return to normal activity right away. Depending on your child’s age, our team may recommend a short series of tongue or lip exercises after the procedure to help maintain mobility and prevent reattachment. For older children, addressing a tongue-tie early can also positively affect orthodontic development, making it easier for the teeth and jaw to grow into proper alignment over time.
Why Timing Matters
Acting sooner rather than later gives your child the best opportunity for a smooth outcome. In infants, treating a tongue tie early may resolve breastfeeding difficulties within days. In toddlers and older children, addressing the issue before certain habits or speech patterns become ingrained tends to make follow-up therapy more effective. Families throughout Midtown and across Manhattan’s pediatric dentistry community regularly turn to SmileWorks for this type of early, proactive evaluation.
Find Out if Your Child Needs a Frenectomy at SmileWorks NYC
SmileWorks is an award-winning, multi-specialty dental practice located in Midtown East, Manhattan, equipped with state-of-the-art 3D X-ray, scanning, and printing technology. Our team of dental specialists is passionate about treating every patient like family, ensuring your child receives the personalized attention they deserve from day one.
If you suspect your child may have a tongue-tie, lip-tie, or another concern affecting their oral development, we are happy to help you get a clear picture and a personalized plan. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile for your little one.