Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment at DentalCareXtra: What to Expect
If you’ve been struggling with feeding difficulties, unclear speech, or jaw tension and haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause, lip and tongue tie could be worth exploring. At DentalCareXtra in Mackay, QLD, Dr Hany (Registered Dentist) assesses and treats patients of all ages for this condition, and many are surprised to learn how straightforward the treatment process can be.
What Is Lip & Tongue Tie?
Lip and tongue tie occur when a small band of tissue called a frenum (or frenulum) is unusually short, thick, or tight, restricting movement of the tongue or lip.
– Tongue tie (ankyloglossia): The lingual frenum runs along the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is restricted, it limits the tongue’s range of motion.
– Lip tie: The labial frenum connects the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. A tight lip tie can restrict how freely the lip moves.
The two conditions frequently occur together and are present from birth, though they aren’t always identified straight away.
Symptoms of Lip & Tongue Tie
Symptoms can look quite different depending on the patient’s age. Here are some of the more common signs to be aware of:
In Infants:
– Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
– Prolonged or frequent feeding sessions
– Poor weight gain
– Clicking or gulping sounds while feeding
– Excessive wind, reflux, or unsettled behaviour
In Children and Adults:
– Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (such as “t”, “d”, “l”, “r”, or “th”)
– Lisping or generally unclear speech
– Difficulty moving food around the mouth or licking lips
– A gap between the upper front teeth caused by a tight lip tie
– Mouth breathing, snoring, or disrupted sleep
– Chronic jaw tension or headaches
If any of these sound familiar, it may be worth having a chat with Dr Hany to explore whether lip & tongue tie is a contributing factor.
How Lip & Tongue Tie Affects Infants vs Adults
Is it too late to treat lip & tongue tie in adults? It isn’t, though there are some differences in how the condition presents and how treatment is approached across age groups.
In Infants
In newborns, lip and tongue tie most commonly comes to light through breastfeeding difficulties. Mothers may experience nipple pain, recurrent blocked ducts, or low supply, while the baby struggles to latch and feed effectively. Early assessment and treatment in this group can make a meaningful difference to both mother and baby.
In Children
As children begin developing speech and transitioning to solid foods, restricted tongue movement can become more apparent. Some children are referred by speech pathologists or paediatric health professionals who notice potential restrictions affecting articulation or oral development.
In Adults
Many adults with lip and tongue tie have unknowingly adapted around the restriction for years. A history of speech therapy, persistent jaw tension, or difficulty with certain foods and textures are common experiences. Treatment in adults is still very achievable, though post-operative exercises or support from a myofunctional therapist are often beneficial to help retrain the surrounding muscles.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure used to release the restrictive frenum tissue. Frenectomy surgery involves carefully cutting or releasing the frenum to allow the tongue or lip to move more freely.
At DentalCareXtra, Dr Hany performs frenectomy procedures using a gentle, minimally invasive approach. For infants, the procedure is typically brief and well-tolerated. For older children and adults, a local anaesthetic is used to keep the area comfortable throughout.
What the process generally involves:
– The procedure itself usually takes under 30 minutes
– Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two
– Post-operative stretching exercises are commonly recommended to support healing
– Older patients may benefit from working with a speech pathologist or myofunctional therapist following frenectomy surgery to optimise outcomes
As with any procedure, individual experiences and results can vary. Dr Hany will discuss what to expect based on your specific circumstances during your consultation.
Pricing and Insurance
The cost of frenectomy treatment at DentalCareXtra will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s individual needs. During your consultation, Dr Hany will outline the recommended treatment and provide clear information about associated fees before any procedure is carried out.
It’s worth contacting your private health insurer to check whether frenectomy treatment is covered under your extras. Cover varies between funds and policies, so it’s always best to confirm your entitlements directly with your provider.
Call to Schedule an Appointment Today
Whether you’re concerned about a newborn, a school-aged child, or your own long-standing symptoms, DentalCareXtra is here to help. Give us a call today on (61) 7 4942 5111 to book a consultation with Dr Hany and take the first step toward understanding your options.
Individual results vary. A clinical assessment is required to determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
