Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie

Tongue-tie and lip-tie care starts with function, not appearance

A visible frenum does not automatically need treatment. Tongue-tie and lip-tie decisions should start with what the tissue is actually doing, or preventing a child from doing. SmileWorks evaluates function, symptoms, age, feeding or oral-hygiene concerns, and the broader clinical picture before recommending a frenectomy.

Educational content only. Your child's diagnosis and treatment plan require an in-person dental evaluation.

Reviewed by Dr. Gabriela Asensi, DMD, MPH · Last updated September 22, 2026

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SmileWorks evaluates and treats tongue-tie and lip-tie in infants, children, and teens at our Tallahassee office. When a frenectomy is clinically appropriate, it is performed with the Solea or LightScalpel laser. Dr. Gabriela Asensi, a board-certified pediatric dentist and certified myofunctional therapist, provides pre- and post-frenectomy myofunctional aftercare in-house, so the release and the follow-through happen with one team.

What is a frenulum?

A frenulum is a normal band of tissue that connects parts of the mouth. The lingual frenum sits under the tongue; the labial frenum connects the lip to the gums.

The presence of a prominent frenum by itself is not a diagnosis. The important question is whether it is functionally restrictive and whether that restriction is contributing to a meaningful problem.

Why families seek an evaluation

Reasons vary with age. In infants, feeding concerns may lead to evaluation. In older children, families may ask about tongue mobility, speech-related concerns, oral hygiene, gingival tension, or other functional issues.

Because these symptoms can have multiple causes, frenectomy should not be presented as an automatic solution.

We see infants for tongue-tie and lip-tie evaluation and, when indicated, frenectomy. If your baby's pediatrician or lactation consultant has raised a concern, call us and we will schedule an evaluation.

Laser frenectomy at SmileWorks

When a frenectomy is clinically appropriate, SmileWorks uses laser technology for precise soft-tissue treatment. Laser procedures can reduce bleeding and may improve comfort compared with traditional cutting instruments in selected cases.

We perform frenectomies with two lasers, the Solea and the LightScalpel, choosing the one that fits the patient's age and the tissue being treated. Both allow precise release with minimal bleeding, and in many cases no sutures are needed.

Frenectomies at SmileWorks are performed by:

Dr. Gabriela Asensi, DMD, MPH, board-certified pediatric dentist and certified myofunctional therapist
Dr. Brion Long, DMD, MS, orthodontic specialist

Both doctors evaluate function first; the laser and the provider for a given patient depend on age, the tissue involved, and scheduling.

Myofunctional therapy before and after

Releasing tissue is only part of the picture. Dr. Gabriela Asensi is a certified myofunctional therapist, and SmileWorks provides pre- and post-frenectomy myofunctional aftercare in-house: guidance on tongue posture, movement, and the exercises or stretches that help the release heal into better function rather than scarring back down.

Having the evaluation, the procedure, and the aftercare with one team means the plan stays consistent from the first visit through follow-up.

A team approach can matter

Depending on age and symptoms, effective evaluation may involve a pediatrician, lactation professional, speech-language pathologist, or other clinician in addition to the dentist. Releasing tissue without addressing the functional problem around it may not produce the desired result, which is why myofunctional follow-through is built into our care.

Aftercare and follow-up

Post-procedure recommendations depend on the child's age, treatment site, and reason for frenectomy. Families receive individualized guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all exercise sheet from the internet, and a follow-up visit to check healing and function.

FAQ

Questions families ask

Does every tongue-tie need to be released?

No. A visible or short frenum does not automatically require treatment. The decision should be based on functional limitation and the clinical context.

Can a frenectomy fix feeding problems?

It can help selected children when a restrictive frenum is a meaningful contributor, but feeding difficulties can have many causes. Evaluation should consider the full feeding picture, often together with your lactation professional or pediatrician.

Can tongue-tie cause speech problems?

Tongue mobility can affect some speech tasks, but speech concerns are multifactorial. A speech-language evaluation may be useful before deciding whether surgery is appropriate.

Why use a laser?

Laser treatment can provide precise soft-tissue removal with good hemostasis and may reduce the need for sutures in selected cases. The exact experience depends on the procedure and patient.

Do you see babies?

Yes. We evaluate infants for tongue-tie and lip-tie and perform frenectomies when they are indicated. Call us to schedule; tell us about any feeding concerns so we can plan the visit.

What is myofunctional therapy?

Guided exercises and habits that train tongue posture and movement. Dr. Asensi is a certified myofunctional therapist and provides this care before and after frenectomy so the release heals into better function.

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