Tongue Tie Treatment

WHAT IS A TONGUE TIE OR LIP TIE?

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A tie occurs when the frenum — the band of tissue attaching the lips or tongue to the gums and jaw — is shorter, thicker or tighter than usual, restricting movement. Left unaddressed, this can contribute to difficulties at different life stages:

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• Babies — breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding difficulties

• Toddlers — eating and speech difficulties

• Children — speech difficulties, jaw development, teeth alignment

• Adults — speech difficulties, gum recession, sleep and postural issues

 

A frenectomy releases the tie, can involve the tongue, lip and/or cheek (buccal) tissue.

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We use the Fotona LightWalker Er:YAG laser to perform the release. Compared with traditional scalpel and stitch techniques, a laser approach precisely targets the restrictive tissue, generally does not require sutures, and often does not need general anaesthesia — meaning most patients, including babies, recover quickly and return to normal feeding or routine soon after.

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INFANT FRENECTOMY AT THE LASER DENTAL CLINIC

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We support babies and breastfeeding parents where a tongue, lip or cheek tie may be contributing to feeding difficulties.

 

Signs parents sometimes notice include:

• Difficulty getting a deep, comfortable latch

• Feeds that take a long time, or a baby who seems to tire before finishing a feed

• Clicking sounds during feeding

• Nipple pain or damage for the breastfeeding parent

• Excessive gassiness or unsettled behaviour after feeds

• Poor weight gain

 

Not every baby with a tongue-tie or lip-tie needs treatment, and not every feeding difficulty is caused by one - which is exactly why proper assessment matters.

 

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WORKING ALONGSIDE YOUR LACTATION CONSULTANT

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Every infant frenectomy at The Laser Dental Clinic involves a current referral from one of the lactation consultants we work with, with your lactation consultant closely involved in both before and after procedure care.

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Feeding difficulties can have several contributing causes, and a lactation consultant is best placed to assess positioning, latch, and technique, and to support you as your baby adjusts afterwards. Research on frenectomy outcomes consistently points to better results when the procedure is paired with proper lactation support, rather than treated as a stand-alone fix.

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If you do not yet have a lactation consultant, we would be glad to point you toward those we regularly work with.

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If you have you been referred by your lactation consultant or IBCLC, get in touch to book your appointment with Dr Susan Chen.

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WHAT YOUR APPOINTMENT INVOLVES

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1. Referral - Your lactation consultant refers you to us, having already assessed your baby's feeding function.

2. Consultation with Dr Susan Chen - A thorough medical history review and functional assessment of your baby's tongue, lip and cheek movement. We take the time to talk it through properly, so you understand what is involved and feel comfortable with the plan before moving ahead.

3. The Procedure - Laser assisted release of the tongue, lip and/or cheek tie.

4. Post Treatment Management - Guidance on aftercare and stretches/exercises to support healing, coordinated with your lactation consultant.

5. Follow Up - We are always available if you have any questions or concerns as your baby heals. Many families are comfortable with a phone check-in; others prefer to come in for a review appointment - whichever suits you.

 

Suitability for treatment, and expected outcomes, depend on your baby's individual circumstances and will be discussed with you and your lactation consultant throughout the process.

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COST

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The total cost of the appointment is typically $1,000-$1,500, and depends on which ties need to be released - confirmed during your consultation.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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1. Do I need a referral to book?
   Yes. We require a current referral from one of the lactation consultants we work with before booking a frenectomy consultation.

2. I don't have a lactation consultant yet, can you recommend one?
   Yes, we're happy to point you toward the lactation consultants we regularly work with in your area.

3. Will my baby need a follow up appointment?
   Whatever suits you best - some families are happy with a phone check-in, others prefer to come in. You are always welcome to call us if anything comes up.

4. What ages do you treat?
   We assess infants referred to us by our partner lactation consultants — your consultant can advise whether a referral to us is appropriate for your baby's age and circumstances.

5. Where do your patients come from?
   We see families from across Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Gold Coast and regional areas.

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