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Frenectomies

Helping babies feed, speak, and grow comfortably

‍A frenectomy is a simple, gentle procedure that releases a tight or short piece of tissue under the tongue (tongue tie) or along the upper lip (lip tie). These small bands of tissue can sometimes make it hard for babies to feed, chew, or even speak clearly as they grow.We partner with Anne Dalton, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, a specialized speech-language pathologist and lactation consultant. Anne collaborates with Dr. Danae on every case to ensure your child gets the support they need before, during, and after a frenectomy.
Reserve a Time

Meet Our Partner Specialist

Anne Dalton, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC – Speech-Language Pathologist & Lactation Consultant
Anne specializes in helping babies and children with feeding and swallowing, from newborns through childhood. She has over 14 years of experience in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health settings, including the NICU. Anne has a special interest in tongue and lip ties, and the ways they can affect feeding, oral function, and airway development.

We reserve time in our schedule specifically for Anne and Dr. Danae to assess and support infants with tongue and lip ties. While Dr. Danae performs the frenectomies, she and Anne collaborate on every case to ensure your baby’s care is fully coordinated, personalized, and supportive before, during, and after the procedure.
Little Red Pediatric Dentistry partner specialist - Anne Dalton
What is a Tongue or Lip Tie?
‍Almost everyone has a tongue and lip tie—they’re the small bands of tissue that keep your tongue from falling back into your throat and your lips from flapping open.
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Problems arise when these bands are too short or tight, limiting movement. This can make it difficult for babies to feed, chew, or speak normally.
Think of it like the webbing between your fingers: if it’s close to the tips, you can still move your fingers, but some motions are restricted. Tongue and lip ties work the same way.
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When a tongue tie is involved, it’s also called ankyloglossia.
example of tongue tieExample of lip tie

Signs of a Problematic Lip or Tongue Tie

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Feeding Difficulties (Breast or Bottle)

• Trouble latching or staying latched
• Clicking or popping sounds while feeding
• Milk leaking from the corners of the mouth
• Long feeding sessions with little satisfaction
• Wanting to eat again shortly after feeding
• Falling asleep while feeding
• Gumming or chewing on the nipple
• Reflux, gassiness, or colic

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Growth & Development Concerns

• Poor weight gain or “failure to thrive”
• Picky eating or gagging on certain textures
• Constant drooling or messy eating
• Gap between the front teeth

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Speech & Airway Issues

• Speech delays or difficulty with certain sounds
• Mouth breathing or snoring

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Signs in Mom (for breastfeeding infants)

• Severe nipple pain during feeds
• Creased, blanched, or bleeding nipples
• Infected nipples or plugged ducts
• Poor milk supply or incomplete breast drainage

Breastfeeding problems with tongue tie

Laser Frenectomy – Why It’s Different

At our office, Dr. Danae performs frenectomies using a gentle laser, rather than the traditional scissors approach. Using a laser offers several important benefits for your baby:

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Minimal bleeding during the procedure
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Greater precision for a safer, cleaner release
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Less discomfort, so your baby stays calm and comfortable
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Faster healing and recovery
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Lower risk of infection

The laser allows your baby to resume feeding and oral activities more quickly, making the procedure smoother and more comfortable for both baby and parents.

What to Do If Your Baby Shows Symptoms
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If your baby is having trouble feeding or you suspect a tongue or lip tie, we recommend scheduling a consultation.

During the consultation:
Dr. Danae and Anne will collaborate on a thorough assessment of your child’s tongue and lip ties

Together, they will create a personalized plan, which may include:
• Releasing the tie with our gentle laser (sometimes same-day)
• Working first with a lactation consultant or other specialists
• Monitoring if treatment isn’t immediately necessary

We dedicate specific appointment times with Anne to ensure infants with tongue and lip ties receive the attention and care they need, all coordinated with Dr. Danae.
What If My Child Is Older?
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Tongue or lip ties can still affect children as they grow. Untreated ties may lead to:
• Speech or texture-related feeding issues
• Misalignment of teeth or jaws
• Sleep or airway problems

Dr. Danae will carefully evaluate older children and guide you toward the right next steps for your child’s health and comfort.
Why choose Dr. Danae?
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Dr. Danae's commitment to supporting families extends beyond her professional expertise—it's deeply personal. After facing her own challenges with breastfeeding and discovering that both of her daughters had tongue and lip ties, she chose to perform their frenectomies herself using a laser at just two weeks old. This hands-on experience not only deepened her understanding but also fueled her passion for helping other families navigate similar struggles.

Her dedication to providing the best care led her to seek out advanced training from Dr. Bobby Ghaheri in Portland, Oregon—one of the leading experts in the field. This training, combined with her personal experience, ensures that Dr. Danae offers a compassionate, knowledgeable, and family-centered approach to frenectomy care.

Dr. Danae is here to support you and your baby every step of the way, from the initial consultation through post-procedure care, ensuring a journey that is as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
Still Have Questions?
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We’re here to help. Give us a call to speak with our care coordinator for frenectomy families—she can answer your questions and help you set up a consultation.

For more in-depth information, resources, and videos about tongue and lip ties, we also recommend visiting Dr. Bobby Ghaheri’s website

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a frenectomy consultation?
During the consultation, Dr. Danae will thoroughly assess your child’s symptoms and oral tissues to determine the best course of action. In some cases, the frenectomy can be performed the same day. However, Dr. Danae may also suggest working with additional specialists or postponing treatment, depending on your child’s specific needs.
Will my child feel pain during the procedure?
With the advanced laser technology used at Little Red Pediatric Dentistry, most children experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. The laser is gentle and efficient, and local anesthesia may be used to ensure your child feels comfortable throughout the process.
What should I expect after the procedure?
After the frenectomy, most babies can breastfeed immediately, and older children can return to normal activities within a few hours. There may be some mild soreness, but recovery is typically quick. Our team will provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
How is a tongue or lip tie treated?
If necessary, a frenectomy is performed using our advanced laser technology to release the tight tissue. This procedure is quick and minimally invasive, often allowing immediate improvement in your baby’s ability to feed. Treatment plans may also involve working with lactation consultants or other specialists to ensure the best results.
If you have any other questions, Get in touch with our team.

Learn More About:

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Anesthesia. Comfortable and safe anesthesia options for stress-free treatments.  
Frenectomies red icon
Frenectomies. Quick and gentle treatment for tongue and lip ties to improve movement.
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Solea Laser. Pain-free dental procedures using the advanced Solea laser.

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3112 North Wellness Drive,
Holland MI 49424

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