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. Dr. Danae collaborates with Anne on every case to ensure your child gets the support they need before, during, and after a frenectomy.
Connect with Our Frenectomy Coordinator

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.

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. 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.
example of tongue tieExample of lip tie

Signs of a Problematic Lip or Tongue Tie

Blue check icon
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

Blue check icon
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

Blue check icon
Speech & Airway Issues

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

Blue check icon
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

If you suspect a tongue or lip tie

You’re not alone — we’ll guide you through each step with understanding and support.
Step 1
Connect with Our Frenectomy Coordinator
Call our office and speak with Naomi, our dedicated frenectomy coordinator. Naomi will walk you through the process step by step, answer all your questions, and ask thoughtful questions to help prepare Dr. Danae and Anne for your visit. From the first phone call, we want you to feel supported and understood.
Step 2
Schedule a Consultation
Book a consultation with Dr. Danae and Anne. This is a personalized assessment where they’ll evaluate your baby’s tongue and lip ties, discuss feeding or oral concerns, and determine the best next steps
Step 3
Meet with Dr. Danae and Anne
During the consultation, Dr. Danae and Anne collaborate to create a custom care plan. Depending on your baby’s needs, this may include:
Blue check icon
Performing a frenectomy using our gentle laser
Blue check icon
Working with Anne on feeding support before or after the procedure
Blue check icon
Monitoring if treatment isn’t immediately necessary
Step 4
Coordinated Care and Ongoing Support
Dr. Danae and Anne work closely together on every case to ensure your baby’s care is fully coordinated, personalized, and supportive before, during, and after the procedure. You’ll have a caring team by your side every step of the way.
What Happens During a Frenectomy Consultation?
Arrow right blue icon
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?
Arrow right blue icon
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?
Arrow right blue icon
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.
What should I expect after the procedure?
Arrow right blue icon
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?
Arrow right blue icon
If necessary, a frenectomy is performed using our gentle laser to release the tight tissue. The laser 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.
Will my child feel pain during the procedure?
Arrow right blue icon
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.
Still Have Questions?
Arrow right blue icon
We're here to help. Give us a call to speak with Naomi, our Frenectomy Coordinator. 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

Schedule a Consultation

Connect with our Frenectomy Coordinator

3112 North Wellness Drive,
Holland MI 49424

About
Meet the TeamPayment OptionsOur OfficeLittle Red Reviews
Services
Pediatric Dentistry ServicesAnesthesiaFrenectomiesSolea Laser Dentistry
Resources
(616) 377-7333
Schedule a VisitPrivacy Policy
© Little Red Pediatric Dentistry 2025 • Built by Austin at Launch Kit