Tongue Tie & Lip Tie Treatment
We serve families throughout Kalispell, Whitefish, Polson, and Libby, as well as provider referrals across Northwest Montana.
Big Sky Care. Little Smiles.
Gentle, Comprehensive Care for Infants, Children & Teens
If something feels “off” with your child’s feeding, speech, sleep, or oral development, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it. Tongue ties and lip ties are more common than many realize, and they’re often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
At Big Sky Pediatric Dentistry, our doctors have advanced training in tongue-tie and lip-tie evaluation and laser treatment, providing thoughtful, evidence-based care for infants, children, and teens. We focus on identifying restrictions accurately, explaining findings clearly, and guiding families through treatment decisions with confidence.
Tie or Lip Tie
What Is a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight, thick, or restrictive. A lip tie involves restricted tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums.
These oral restrictions can interfere with normal movement and function — sometimes in subtle ways — and may affect:
- Feeding and nursing
- Speech development
- Sleep and airway function
- Oral hygiene and dental development
- Neck tension, headaches, or jaw discomfort (especially in older children)
While not every tongue or lip tie requires treatment, restrictions that affect function should be properly evaluated.
Tie or Lip Tie?
Why Tongue
Why Tongue Ties Are Often Missed
Education around tongue ties has improved, but many cases are still dismissed or misunderstood — especially posterior tongue ties, which are harder to see without proper training.
Parents are sometimes told:
- Breastfeeding is supposed to hurt.
- Your baby is just a picky eater.”
- They’ll grow out of it.
- Speech will improve on its own.”
While these statements may be well-intentioned, they can delay identification of an underlying issue. Research suggests tongue ties may affect far more children than previously thought, particularly when posterior restrictions are considered.
Symptoms
Signs & Symptoms by Age
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight, thick, or restrictive. A lip tie involves restricted tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums.
Infants
Tongue or lip ties in infants may contribute to:
- Difficulty latching or staying latched
- Painful or inefficient breastfeeding
- Poor weight gain or frequent feedings
- Excessive gas, reflux, or fussiness
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Prolonged feeding times
Even infants gaining weight can still struggle with inefficient feeding.
Older Children & Teens
In older children, tongue ties and lip ties may contribute to:
- Speech issues that aren’t resolving
- Difficulty keeping teeth clean
- Tension in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Headaches
- Sleep concerns or fatigue
- Limited tongue mobility (unable to touch the roof of the mouth)
Toddlers & Young Children
As children grow, restrictions may present as:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Food aversions or picky eating
- Speech delays or articulation issues
- Mouth breathing
- Sleep disturbances
Signs & Symptoms
Evaluation Process
Our Comprehensive Evaluation Process
At Big Sky Pediatric Dentistry, we don’t rely on a quick glance or a “snip-and-go” approach.
Our evaluation includes:
- Listening carefully to parent concerns
- Reviewing feeding, speech, and sleep history
- Assessing tongue and lip mobility
- Evaluating function — not just appearance
- Discussing findings and treatment options openly
If a restriction is present but not functionally limiting, we may recommend monitoring rather than immediate treatment.
Tie or Lip Tie?
Tie or Lip Tie
Laser Tongue Tie & Lip Tie Treatment
When treatment is recommended, we use advanced CO₂ laser technology to perform precise, gentle frenectomies.
Benefits of Laser Treatment
- Minimal bleeding
- Reduced swelling and discomfort
- Short procedure time
- Faster, smoother healing
- Lower risk of infection
Our doctors use FDA-cleared LightScalpel® laser technology, a trusted tool in modern pediatric dentistry.
During the Procedure
What to Expect During the Procedure
- The procedure is quick and precise
- No general anesthesia or sedation is used
- Infants and children remain awake
- Parents receive clear aftercare guidance
Our goal is to fully release the restriction correctly the first time, avoiding incomplete treatment that may lead to persistent symptoms.
Care Beyond
This collaborative approach helps support optimal feeding, speech, and function long-term.
Care Beyond
Care Beyond the Procedure
Successful outcomes don’t end when the procedure is complete.
We guide families through:
- Post-procedure exercises (when recommended)
- Healing expectations
- Coordination with lactation consultants, speech therapists, or other providers when appropriate
- Follow-up care to monitor progress
We believe families deserve answers, not dismissal — and treatment plans built around their child’s unique needs.
Why Families
Why Families Choose Big Sky Pediatric Dentistry
- Advanced training in tongue-tie and lip-tie care
- Board-certified pediatric dentists
- Experience treating infants through teens
- Gentle, laser-based treatment approach
- Clear communication with parents
- Trusted referrals from healthcare providers across Montana
Provider Referrals
Provider Referrals Welcome
We work closely with:
- Lactation consultants
- Pediatricians
- Speech-language pathologists
- Myofunctional therapists
- Other healthcare providers
If you’re a provider seeking a trusted referral partner for tongue-tie or lip-tie evaluation, we welcome collaboration.
Care Begins
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re concerned about feeding, speech, sleep, or oral development, we’re here to help.
Request a consultation today with Big Sky Pediatric Dentistry to learn whether tongue-tie or lip-tie treatment may be appropriate for your child.
info@bigskypediatricdentistry.com
E-mail address
(406) 752-8302
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