Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treatment in Torrance, CA
- Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, and lip-tie is a condition where restricted tissue “frenulum” under the tongue and lips limits movement.
- It can affect breastfeeding, speech, chewing, and dental development.
- Not every tie requires treatment; a thorough evaluation determines the right approach. We require an evaluation with a speech therapist, IBCLC, or myofunctional therapist as appropriate before treatment.
- We perform laser frenectomies for faster recovery and minimal discomfort.
If your infant is struggling to latch, your toddler has difficulty with certain sounds, or your child seems to have trouble chewing, a tongue-tie or lip-tie could be a contributing factor. It is often overlooked because it does not always present dramatically, but when it affects daily function, early evaluation makes a meaningful difference.
At SoCal Pediatric Dentistry in Torrance, we provide thorough frenulum assessments and, when appropriate, laser frenectomy treatment for children from infancy through adolescence, including those with special needs. Dr. Brianne Hama (Dr. Bri) is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with advanced training at NYU College of Dentistry. Our preventive dentistry services are designed to support your child’s development from their very first tooth.
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About Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treatment in Torrance
At SoCal Pediatric Dentistry, we take a collaborative approach to tongue-tie and lip-tie care. We provide thorough frenulum assessments and, when appropriate, laser frenectomy treatment for patients in Torrance and throughout the South Bay. Dr. Bri evaluates each case individually and coordinates with speech therapists, IBCLCs, and myofunctional therapists as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
The Solea laser allows Dr. Bri to perform frenectomies with minimal bleeding, reduced discomfort, and a faster recovery than traditional scissor or scalpel techniques. Most infants can begin feeding immediately after the procedure, and older children are typically back to normal activities the same day.
What Is a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie?
Written by Dr. Brianne Hama
Tongue-tie occurs when the frenulum, the strip of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is shorter or tighter than typical. This limits tongue mobility and can interfere with several aspects of your child’s growth and function.
A lip-tie occurs when the frenulum connecting the lip to the gum is shorter or thicker than usual, restricting the lip’s movement. This tension can pull on the gums, often leading to a gap between the front teeth and making it difficult for a child to achieve a proper feeding latch or maintain good oral hygiene.
According to research published through the National Institutes of Health, ankyloglossia has been linked to breastfeeding difficulties, speech delays, and impacts on jaw development when left unaddressed. It’s worth noting that tongue-ties don’t always look the same. Posterior ties, which sit further back beneath the tongue, are especially easy to miss without a trained clinical eye, which is why an in-person evaluation is so important.
Signs a Tongue or Lip -Tie May Be Affecting Your Child
Parents often come in with a gut feeling that something is off, but aren’t sure whether it’s worth raising. We always want to hear your concerns. A proper evaluation is the only way to know for certain.
Common signs that may indicate a frenulum tie worth assessing include:
- Breastfeeding difficulty: Poor latch, frequent or prolonged feedings, or nursing pain for mom can all point to restricted tongue movement in a newborn.
- Speech challenges: Difficulty producing sounds that require the tongue to lift or reach the roof of the mouth.
- Trouble chewing or eating: Some children have difficulty moving food efficiently, which may show up as particularly picky or slow eating.
- Dental concerns: A tight frenulum can sometimes contribute to spacing between the lower front teeth or gum recession over time.
The presence of a frenulum tie doesn’t automatically mean treatment is needed. We always complete a thorough assessment and walk you through our findings before recommending any next steps.
Collaboration is an important part of tongue and lip tie treatment. Prior to treatment, patients are required to complete an evaluation with a speech therapist, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), or myofunctional therapist to help ensure a comprehensive approach and the best possible outcome for your child.
Why Early Tongue-Tie Evaluation Matters in Torrance
Frenulum ties are not always obvious, and the signs can be subtle. A newborn who has difficulty latching efficiently, a toddler who struggles with certain speech sounds, or an older child who has unexplained dental spacing issues may all benefit from an evaluation. The earlier a functional restriction is identified, the more opportunity there is for treatment to have a positive impact on development.
We require an evaluation with a speech therapist, IBCLC, or myofunctional therapist before proceeding with treatment. This collaborative approach helps ensure that a frenectomy is both indicated and supported by the right team of providers for your child’s specific needs.
Tongue-Tie Treatment at SoCal Pediatric Dentistry
When treatment is the right call, we perform a frenectomy to release the restricted tissue and restore your child's range of motion. We use laser dentistry to perform this procedure, which means less bleeding, reduced discomfort, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional methods.
Why Early Treatment Is Important
When a tongue and/ lip-tie is identified and addressed early, there’s a greater opportunity for the release to have a meaningful impact on development. For infants, timely treatment can be the difference between a comfortable breastfeeding experience and one that never quite works. For older children, a frenectomy can support progress in speech therapy, improve eating, and, in some cases, improve sleep.
If you’ve been holding onto a concern or looking for a second opinion, we’d be glad to take a closer look.
Schedule a Tongue-Tie Evaluation in Torrance, CA
SoCal Pediatric Dentistry is a privately owned practice that truly cares about the families we see. Dr. Bri brings her board certification, specialty training from NYU, and behavioral management expertise to every appointment at our Torrance office. We treat children from infancy through adolescence, including those with special needs, and we take the time to answer questions and make sure you feel confident walking out the door.
We accept most PPO insurance plans and also offer CareCredit and Sunbit for families who need flexible payment options. If you are in Torrance or the surrounding South Bay area and want to have your child evaluated, we would be glad to help. Learn more about our preventive dental care for kids in Torrance or explore our children’s dental exams to see how we support your child’s full oral health. Contact our office to get started.