What Parents Should Know
-
Tongue-tie is a functional diagnosis (how the tongue moves and works), not just what it looks like.
-
Not every tie needs treatment. Sometimes reassurance or feeding support is the right answer.
-
Feeding struggles can happen with breast or bottle and deserve support either way.
Section 1: Basics
Q: What is a tongue-tie?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the band of tissue under the tongue (the frenulum) is tight, thick, or positioned in a way that can restrict normal tongue movement.
Q: What is a lip-tie?
A lip-tie describes tissue that limits the upper lip from flanging outward. In some babies it may affect latch and seal. Lip anatomy varies widely, so we focus on function and symptoms.
Q: Can a tongue-tie be “posterior” or hard to see?
Yes. Some restrictions are subtle and may not look dramatic. That’s why a proper assessment includes tongue mobility and feeding function—not appearance alone.
Q: Does every baby with a tongue-tie have problems?
No. Many babies have a visible frenulum and feed well. We only consider treatment when the tie is associated with real functional issues.
Section 2: Signs in infants
(breast + bottle)
Q: What are common signs a tongue-tie may be affecting breastfeeding?
Possible signs include painful latch, clicking, frequent unlatching, long feeds, baby falling asleep quickly at the breast, poor milk transfer, or slow weight gain.
Q: Can tongue-tie affect bottle feeding too?
Yes. Bottle-fed infants may click, leak milk, take very long to finish a bottle, swallow excess air, have frequent breaks, or seem fatigued during feeds.
Q: Are gassiness or reflux symptoms related to tongue-tie?
Sometimes. If a baby can’t maintain a seal, they may swallow more air, which can contribute to gas and discomfort. Reflux has many causes—so we look at the full picture.
Q: What about “colic” or fussiness?
Fussiness can have many causes. If it clusters around feeding and your baby seems uncomfortable, a feeding-focused evaluation can help identify contributing factors.
Q: My baby is gaining weight—could there still be a problem?
Yes. Some babies compensate with very frequent or very long feeds. Weight gain is important, but so are efficiency, comfort, and parent pain.
Section 3: Evaluation approach (function-first)
Q: What happens during an infant tongue-tie evaluation?
We review feeding history and symptoms, observe oral function and tongue mobility, and discuss how the tongue and lips are working during feeding. Our goal is to give you clear answers and a plan.
Q: Do you work with lactation consultants or other providers?
Yes. Many feeding challenges improve best with a team approach (pediatricians, IBCLCs, feeding therapists/SLPs as needed). Collaboration is part of the process.
Q: If my baby has a tie, do you automatically recommend release?
No. We match recommendations to function and symptoms. Sometimes the best plan is feeding support, exercises, or monitoring—sometimes release is appropriate.
Section 4: Treatment (if indicated)
Q: What is a frenectomy/frenotomy?
It’s a procedure that releases restrictive tissue under the tongue (and sometimes the lip) to improve mobility when function is impacted.
Q: How do you decide if release is appropriate?
We consider symptoms, feeding function, tongue mobility, and whether conservative strategies have helped. Your goals and comfort matter too.
Q: Is the procedure painful for babies?
Babies may be fussy briefly—like with many infant procedures. We focus on gentle care and clear aftercare instructions. (We’ll discuss what comfort measures are used at your visit.)
Q: What are possible risks?
As with any procedure, risks can include bleeding, infection, re-attachment, persistent symptoms, or need for additional support. We review risks and expectations in detail before any treatment.
Section 5: Aftercare & support
Q: Do we need exercises or stretches afterward?
Some babies benefit from specific aftercare routines to reduce the chance of re-attachment and support mobility. We provide clear instructions tailored to your baby.
Q: How quickly do families notice changes?
Some improvements can happen quickly; others take time and support—especially if feeding patterns have been difficult for weeks. We’ll outline what “normal progress” can look like.
Q: Do we still need lactation/feeding therapy after release?
Often, yes. Release improves range of motion, but babies may need help learning new patterns. Think of it as “mobility + coaching” for best outcomes.
Section 6: Cost & insurance
(simple, parent-friendly)
Q: Do you accept insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider. Many families can still receive reimbursement, depending on their plan.
Q: What does your office provide for insurance reimbursement?
We provide documentation families can submit to their insurance, and guidance on the process.
Q: What are typical fees?
Evaluation fee: $80 (waived if procedure completed same day)
Procedure fee: $495 per site (includes any necessary follow-up visits )