Tongue Tied Treatment in Joliet, New Lenox and Morris, IL

What is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the lingual frenulum (the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual.

When this tissue is restricted, it can limit the tongue’s freedom of movement. Because the tongue plays an important role in feeding, speech, and oral function, tongue-tie can affect people differently depending on their age and the severity of their condition.

Types of Tongue-Tie

  • Anterior tongue-tie: The frenulum is easily visible near the tip of the tongue and clearly restricts movement.
  • Posterior tongue-tie: The restriction is deeper and less visible, but can still significantly limit tongue function.

Not all tongue-ties cause problems, but when movement is restricted, symptoms may appear.

Signs & Symptoms of Tongue-Tie

Common Signs In Infants

  • Difficulty latching or staying latched during feeding
  • Long, tiring, or painful feeds
  • Clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding
  • Poor weight gain
  • Maternal nipple pain or damage
  • Excess gas, fussiness, or reflux-like symptoms

Common Signs In Children

  • Speech articulation challenges or lisping
  • Difficulty chewing certain foods
  • Trouble licking lips, ice cream, or food residue
  • Oral hygiene difficulties (food getting stuck, difficulty clearing mouth)

Common Signs In Adults

  • Speech fatigue (tiredness, strain, or articulation difficulty)
  • Limited tongue movement affecting eating, kissing, and other or oral tasks
  • Mechanical challenges with wind instruments or dental care

Causes & Risk Factors of Tongue-Tie

Tongue-tie is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. It may run in families, suggesting a genetic component. In some cases, it appears alongside other oral or developmental conditions, though many people with tongue-tie are otherwise healthy.

How Tongue-Tie Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • A physical examination of the frenulum
  • Assessment of tongue movement and function
  • Simple functional scoring tools (such as Hazelbaker or Coryllos classifications), explained in plain terms
  • Evaluation of feeding, speech, or oral function concerns

For infants, diagnosis often includes collaboration with lactation consultants. For older children or adults, speech therapists may also be involved.

When Treatment Is Recommended

Treatment is considered when tongue-tie causes functional problems, such as:

  • Ongoing feeding difficulties or maternal pain
  • Speech challenges that do not improve with therapy alone
  • Oral hygiene issues
  • Mechanical limitations affecting daily activities

In mild cases without symptoms, watchful waiting is recommended.

Tongue-Tie Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Options

  • Feeding support and lactation guidance
  • Speech therapy (for children and adults)

Surgical Options

  • Frenotomy: A simple release of the frenulum
  • Frenuloplasty: A more involved release with sutures, used in certain cases

Different tools (such as scissors or a laser) may be used. No single approach is universally “better” since the best option depends on age, anatomy, and clinical needs.

What to Expect During the Procedure

  • The procedure itself is typically brief
  • Infants often feed immediately afterward
  • Older children or adults may receive local anesthesia
  • Sensations range from mild pressure to temporary discomfort
  • Recovery varies by age and procedure type

Your provider will explain what to expect based on your specific situation.

Benefits of Tongue-Tie Treatment

Potential benefits may include:

  • Improved feeding comfort and efficiency
  • Reduced maternal pain
  • Better weight gain in infants
  • Clearer speech articulation
  • Increased tongue mobility
  • Improved oral hygiene and eating function

Risks & Possible Complications

While complications are uncommon, they may include:

  • Minor bleeding
  • Infection (rare)
  • Re-attachment or scarring
  • Temporary pain or discomfort
  • Need for repeat treatment
  • Oral aversion in some infants or children

Your provider will review risks and benefits before treatment.

Aftercare & Recovery

Care after tongue-tie treatment may include:

  • Feeding guidance and soothing strategies for infants
  • Gentle oral exercises or stretches (when clinically appropriate)
  • Pain management recommendations
  • Follow-up visits to monitor healing

Improvement timelines vary: some changes are immediate, while others take time.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your provider if you notice:

  • Excessive or persistent bleeding
  • Signs of infection (fever, redness, swelling)
  • Poor feeding or refusal to feed
  • Ongoing pain or concern about healing

FAQs About Tongue-Tie

Does tongue-tie affect speech?

Tongue-tie can affect speech, particularly if tongue movement is significantly restricted.

Can babies outgrow tongue-tie?

Outgrowing tongue-tie is possible. Some mild cases improve over time, while others continue to cause symptoms.

Does tongue-tie treatment hurt?

Tongue-tie treatment discomfort is usually brief and manageable, especially in infants.

Is laser better than scissors for tongue-tie?

Both laser and scissor approaches are effective. Your doctor can help you determine the best method for you,

Does insurance cover tongue-tie treatment?

Tongue-tie treatment coverage varies by plan. Your provider’s office can help clarify.

How soon will breastfeeding improve after tongue-tie treatment?

After infant tongue-tie treatment, some parents notice improvement immediately, while others see gradual changes.