Lip & Tongue Tie Release for Children

At Smile Buddy Children’s Dentistry, we understand how important early oral function is for a child’s feeding, speech, and overall development. If your baby or child has difficulty nursing, swallowing, or speaking, a lip tie or tongue tie may be the cause.

Our experienced pediatric dental teams in Seton, Calgary and Beaumont offer gentle lip and tongue tie release procedures to help your child move, eat, and speak with comfort and confidence.

What Are Tongue Ties and Lip Ties?

Tongue and lip ties occur when the small piece of tissue (called the frenulum) under the tongue or upper lip is too tight or thick. This can restrict natural movement and lead to challenges such as:

• Poor latch during breastfeeding
• Clicking sounds or frequent breaks during feeding
• Gassiness or fussiness during feeds
• Difficulty sticking out the tongue or lifting it
• Speech delays or articulation challenges
• Gaps between teeth or feeding-related dental concerns

These conditions are quite common in infants and young children—and they can be treated safely and effectively.

Benefits of Lip & Tongue Tie Release

Releasing a tongue or lip tie can have a significant impact on your child’s health and development:

• Improved Feeding: Babies are often able to latch more easily and feed more efficiently after the release.
• Speech Development Support: Older children may experience improvements in pronunciation, clarity, and oral coordination.
• Better Oral Function: The procedure can improve tongue mobility, aiding in chewing, swallowing, and maintaining oral hygiene.
• Comfort and Relief: Releasing tight tissue can reduce oral discomfort or tension in the jaw and face.
• Preventive Health: Addressing ties early can prevent future challenges with teeth alignment, breathing, and speech.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At Smile Buddy, we use gentle and child-focused techniques to ensure a smooth experience:

• Evaluation: We begin with a thorough exam of your child’s mouth and function to confirm whether a release is recommended.
• Comfort Measures: We use a safe, quick approach with local anesthesia or laser technology to minimize discomfort.
• The Release: The tight frenulum is carefully snipped or released using a laser, improving mobility immediately.
• Aftercare Guidance: You’ll receive clear, simple instructions on how to care for your child’s mouth during healing.
• Follow-Up Visits: We check in to ensure your child is healing well and that function is improving.

We're Here to Support You

Our team understands that every child—and every family—is unique. Whether you’re a new parent dealing with feeding concerns or a caregiver noticing delayed speech, we’re here to guide you with compassion and expertise.