Lip and Tongue Ties in Kids: A Fort Lee Parent's Guide to Laser Frenectomy
out. Or your toddler can't stick out their tongue past their lips, or your preschooler has trouble with certain sounds. Maybe your pediatrician or lactation consultant mentioned the words "tongue tie" and you aren't sure what comes next. If you live or work in Fort Lee, this guide is for you.
At Beam City Dental on Linwood Plaza, the pediatric team checks for lip and tongue ties in babies, toddlers, kids, and teens. This guide covers what a tie is, the signs to watch for, how laser treatment works, and what recovery looks like at home.
The best first step is an exam with a pediatric dentist who can check how your child's lip and tongue move and explain your choices in plain terms. Book a tongue tie evaluation in Fort Lee to get clear answers before deciding on anything.
What is a lip or tongue tie?
Everyone has small bands of tissue called frenums. One connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Another connects the upper lip to the gums. In some children, these bands are short, thick, or tight. That can limit how far the tongue or lip can move.
A tight band under the tongue is called a tongue tie. Its medical name is ankyloglossia. A tight band under the upper lip is called a lip tie. Some children have one, some have both, and many have neither. A tie is something a child is born with. It is not caused by anything you did.
What are the signs my baby or child may have a tie?
Signs look different at different ages. Not every child with a tie has problems, which is why an exam matters more than how the tissue looks.
In babies, parents often notice:
Trouble latching, or slipping off the breast or bottle.
Clicking sounds while feeding.
Long feedings that leave your baby still hungry.
Fussiness, gas, or swallowing a lot of air.
Sore or cracked nipples for the nursing parent.
In toddlers and older kids, signs may include:
Trouble moving the tongue side to side or lifting it to the roof of the mouth.
A heart-shaped tongue tip when they stick their tongue out.
Trouble saying certain sounds, like "l," "r," "t," or "th."
Picky eating or gagging on textured foods.
Food getting trapped under the upper lip, or a gap between the front teeth.
If you notice any of these, the birth to 2 years parent guide is a helpful place to learn what is typical at each stage.
Does every tongue tie need to be treated?
No. Some ties are mild and never cause problems. The pediatric team looks at how the tongue and lip work, not just how the tissue looks. They also ask about feeding, speech, eating, and sleep.
If a tie isn't getting in the way, the team may simply suggest keeping an eye on it. If it is affecting feeding or speech, they will talk with you about treatment. Many families also work with a lactation consultant, speech therapist, or feeding specialist, and the team is happy to coordinate with them.
How does a laser frenectomy work?
A frenectomy is a quick procedure that releases the tight band so the tongue or lip can move more freely. Beam City Dental uses a CO2 laser for this treatment. The laser gently releases the tissue with less bleeding than traditional tools, and it seals the area as it works.
Most visits follow the same simple steps:
Exam and plan. The dentist checks the tie, answers your questions, and explains what will happen.
Comfort first. A numbing gel or local anesthetic keeps your child comfortable. For babies, the treatment itself usually takes just a few minutes.
Release. The dentist uses the laser to release the tight tissue.
Right back to you. Babies can usually nurse or take a bottle right after, which also helps soothe them.
For older kids who feel nervous, the team may suggest sedation options for kids to help the visit go smoothly. You can read more about the procedure on the lip and tongue tie treatment page.
What does recovery look like at home?
Most children heal quickly, and many parents are surprised at how fast their child is back to normal. Here is what to expect:
A white or yellow patch. This forms where the tissue was released. It is a normal part of healing, not an infection.
Mild soreness. Some fussiness for a day or two is common. The team will tell you which pain relief is safe for your child's age.
Simple stretches. You will get easy aftercare exercises to help the area heal well. The team shows you how to do them before you leave.
Follow-up visit. The dentist checks healing and answers any new questions.
Call the office if your child has a fever, bleeding that won't stop, or refuses to eat. The dental emergencies guide also walks you through when to call right away.
How can I help my child feel calm before the appointment?
For babies, the best thing you can do is plan to feed them right after the visit. Bring a favorite blanket or pacifier too.
For older kids, a few tips help:
Keep it simple and positive. Say the dentist will "help your tongue move better."
Skip scary words like "cut," "shot," or "hurt."
Bring a favorite toy or comfort item.
Plan something fun for after, like a smoothie or a trip to the park.
The Beam City team works with babies and nervous kids every day and knows how to go at your child's pace.
How much does a frenectomy cost in Fort Lee?
Cost depends on whether your child needs a tongue release, a lip release, or both. The team gives you a clear cost estimate before any treatment begins.
A few details that make budgeting easier:
Beam City Dental works with most PPO dental plans and verifies your benefits before treatment, so there are no surprise charges later. The practice does not accept Medicaid or HMO plans. See the dental insurance page for details.
HSA and FSA funds can be used for this treatment.
Flexible payment options are available. See the Beam City Dental financing page for details.
Call (201) 482-0006 to ask the front desk about your coverage before your visit.
Why Fort Lee parents choose Beam City Dental for tongue tie care
Beam City Dental is a pediatric dental and orthodontic practice built around kids, from first teeth to the teen years. Parents describe the team as gentle, patient, and clear about what treatment involves and what it costs. The practice was named a 2024 and 2023 Favorite Kids' Docs by NJ Family Magazine, which reflects its focus on young patients.
Because pediatric dentistry, laser frenectomy, sedation, and children's orthodontics all live in one office, your child can get the care they need without being sent across Bergen County. The office at 144-148 Linwood Plaza in Fort Lee is set up to make each visit simple, from the first exam to the final follow-up.
Ready to get answers about your child's tie?
A lip or tongue tie doesn't have to be a big worry. Beam City Dental in Fort Lee, New Jersey makes care simple, with a gentle exam, clear explanations, and a plan you understand before anything starts. Schedule your child's visit online or call (201) 482-0006 to talk with the team.
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