The frenulum is the thin band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the upper lip to the gumline. When it's too short or tight, a condition called tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie, it restricts movement in ways that can be surprisingly disruptive. In newborns, it often makes breastfeeding painful and inefficient. In children, it can affect skeletal growth and later speech development. In adults, the same restriction may contribute to jaw tension (grinding and clenching), mouth breathing, acid reflux or other digestive issues, and sleep-disordered breathing — commonly known as sleep apnea.
Laser frenectomy is a meaningful improvement over traditional scissors or scalpel techniques. The laser seals blood vessels as it works, so there's little to no bleeding, no sutures are needed, and healing is faster and more predictable. The procedure takes minutes. Most people, from newborns to adults, resume normal activity the same day.
Dr. Vy Le is the only provider in the Fox Valley area who performs laser frenectomy for patients of all ages, with the nearest alternative located approximately 46 miles away in De Pere, WI. She evaluates each case carefully and confirms whether a tie is clinically significant before recommending treatment. If you suspect your child — or you — has a tie, a consultation is the right first step.
