Laser Dentistry for Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment Loveland

Lip & Tongue Tie Release for Children

This is how we approach the procedure for toddlers and young children who may have speech, sleep, or feeding concerns.

1. Comprehensive Evaluation
   • We’ll start by reviewing symptoms such as speech delays, picky eating, mouth breathing, and/or sleep disturbances.
   • A functional exam is performed to evaluate overall mobility and restriction.
2. Parent Discussion & Conservative Planning
   • Our team will always focus on symptoms, not just anatomy. Treatment is only recommended when function is clearly impacted.
   • Multiple options are presented, and parents are empowered to choose what feels right!
3. Preparation & Comfort Planning
   • We’ll discuss sedation options (if needed), sensory accommodations, and how to prepare your child emotionally for the procedure.
   • Visual aids and child-friendly language are always available to help reduce anxiety.
4. Laser Release Procedure
   • This is performed in office using the LightScalpel CO₂ laser in a calm, supportive setting.
   • The procedure is quick and precise, with minimal discomfort and no sutures.
5. Post-Op Care & Healing Guidance
   • Parents will receive detailed instructions for healing, pain management, and gentle stretches (see below).
   • We provide tips for helping your child eat, speak, and sleep comfortably during recovery.
6. Follow-Up & Functional Support
   • A follow-up visit will be scheduled to assess your child’s healing and overall progress.
   • Collaboration with speech therapists, myofunctional therapists, or occupational therapists may be recommended.

Lip & Tongue Tie Release for Teens

This approach is specifically designed for adolescents who have speech, orthodontic, or airway concerns.

1. Detailed Symptom Review & History
   • We’ll get started by discussing long-term symptoms that your child has faced, such as speech challenges, jaw tension, sleep apnea, or orthodontic relapse.
   • A thorough oral exam and mobility assessment will be performed.
2. Collaborative Planning & Education
   • Both teens and parents will be involved in the decision-making process.
   • Our team will explain how tethered tissues may affect airway, posture, or oral function – and when release may help.
3. Procedure Preparation
   • Sedation options are discussed if needed, though many teens tolerate the procedure well with topical anesthetic.
   • We will always provide clear expectations and answer all questions!
4. Laser Release Procedure
   • This is performed in office using the LightScalpel CO₂ laser in a calm, private setting.
   • The procedure is quick, precise, and minimally invasive, with reduced bleeding and fast healing.
5. Post-Op Recovery & Support
   • Teens will receive tailored aftercare instructions, including stretches and recommended exercises (see below).
   • We will provide guidance on speech, breathing, and oral function during the healing process.
6. Follow-Up & Functional Integration
   • A follow-up visit will always be scheduled so that we can assess your teen’s healing and progress.
   • Collaboration with orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, or airway specialists may be part of the long-term treatment plan.

Child Oral Exercises (1-8 Years)

These exercises are typically done 3-5 times per day for 3-4 weeks. Use playful language and visuals to help your child engage! Here are the steps:

1. Create a Routine
   • Choose consistent times for the stretches (after meals, before bed, etc)
   • Use a mirror or a visual chart to help your child follow along
2. Lip Lift Stretch (if lip tie was released)
   • Have your child open wide and lift their upper lip towards their nose.
   • Hold for 3 seconds and then relax.
   • Repeat this action 5 times.
3. Tongue Elevation Stretch
   • Ask your child to touch the roof of their mouth with their tongue.
   • Use a clean finger or tongue depressor to gently assist if needed.
   • Hold for 3 seconds and then repeat 5 times.
4. Tongue Side-to-Side Movement
   • Encourage your child to move their tongue left to right, just like a windshield wiper.
   • Make it a game – let’s see how many “swipes” they can do!
5. Tongue Pops & Clicks
   • Ask your child to make clicking sounds with their tongue.
   • This action builds strength and coordination in a fun way.
6. Reward & Reassure
   • Use stickers, praise, and/or a small chart to celebrate consistency.
   • Reassure them that these exercises will help their tongue get stronger and smarter over time.

Teen Oral Exercises (9+ Years)

Teens may need these exercises 2-3 times per day for 2-3 weeks, depending on their healing and symptoms. Encourage independence while also offering support! Here are the steps:

1. Set Expectations
   • Explain the purpose of these exercises: improved speech, breathing, and comfort.
   • Let them choose when and where to do the exercises.
2. Lip Stretch (if applicable)
   • Open wide and lift the upper lip towards the nose.
   • Hold it for 5 seconds and then relax.
   • Repeat this action 5 times.
3. Tongue Elevation Stretch
   • Press the tongue firmly to the roof of the mouth.
   • Hold for 5 seconds and then repeat 5 times.
   • Use a mirror to check for full elevation.
4. Tongue Circles & Swipes
   • Move the tongue in slow circles inside the mouth.
   • Swipe left to right across the palate.
   • Repeat this 10 times.
5. Tongue Push-Ups
   • Press the tongue against a spoon or tongue depressor that’s held at the roof of the mouth.
   • Hold for 5 seconds and then repeat 5 times.
6. Track Progress & Reflect
   • Keep note of changes to their speech, sleep, or comfort. Journaling or voice notes can help!
   • Celebrate milestones and improvements together.

Here’s an extra tip: Teens respond well to purpose-driven care. Connect exercises to their overall goals (this could include clearer speech, better sleep, improved confidence, etc).