Free Consults For Frenectomies in
‍West Loop Chicago, IL

A lip or tongue tie is a common condition that occurs when the thin piece of tissue called the frenulum, which connects the lip to the gum or the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is unusually tight or restricts normal movement. In babies with lip ties, the frenulum attaches closer to the tip of the upper lip, while in tongue ties, it may extend further toward the tip of the tongue, affecting its mobility.

During the evaluation, we carefully observe your child's feeding patterns and oral function, taking into consideration any symptoms they may be experiencing. We will discuss with you any challenges you may have noticed during breastfeeding or other oral activities. Our team will also examine the positioning of the frenulum, assessing whether it is restricting normal movement of the lip or tongue. We use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to ensure accuracy and precision in our evaluation.

The recovery after frenectomies is generally quick and straightforward. We provide comprehensive aftercare instructions, including guidance from our network of specialists, to ensure a smooth healing process and improve the breastfeeding experience for both you and your child.

There’s no universal “perfect” age for a frenectomy—it really depends on your child’s symptoms, developmental stage, and specific needs. That said, many children benefit from early evaluation and treatment. For infants, frenectomies are often performed within the first few weeks of life, especially if the tongue- or lip-tie is interfering with breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Signs may include poor latch, clicking sounds during feeding, prolonged feeding times, gassiness, or slow weight gain. In these cases, timely treatment can help both the baby and the breastfeeding parent feel more comfortable and successful.

However, some ties aren’t obvious right away. As children grow, restricted oral tissue may begin to affect speech development, chewing, or oral hygiene. Toddlers and preschoolers might experience frustration when trying to articulate certain words, become picky eaters due to restricted tongue movement, or struggle with brushing because they can’t properly sweep food away from their teeth. Older children may even show signs of social anxiety or embarrassment related to their speech.

At Floss Academy, we believe in personalized care. If you’re unsure whether your child might benefit from a frenectomy, we invite you to come in for a gentle, judgment-free evaluation. We’ll take the time to assess not just the anatomy, but also how the tie is impacting your child’s daily life. And we’ll help you decide—together—whether treatment now or later is the best path forward.

The good news is that most children recover from a frenectomy quickly—especially when the procedure is performed with a CO₂ laser. Unlike traditional surgical tools that may cause more trauma to surrounding tissues, the laser’s precision results in a much gentler experience and a smoother healing process. In fact, many infants can breastfeed or bottle-feed immediately after the procedure, and parents often notice improvements in latch, suction, and feeding comfort within the first day or two.

For toddlers and older children, recovery typically lasts between one to three days. Some may feel a little sore or swollen at first, but this usually subsides quickly. Because there are no stitches and very little bleeding, kids are often back to their regular routines—including eating, talking, and playing—within a day or two. We’ll provide you with clear, easy-to-follow aftercare instructions, including how to manage any mild discomfort and how to support optimal healing.

In some cases, especially when treating older children, we may recommend simple stretching exercises to help prevent the tissue from reattaching. We’ll walk you through how to do these gently and effectively. And of course, we’re always just a phone call away if you have any concerns or questions during the healing process. Our goal is to make recovery as calm, quick, and worry-free as possible—for both you and your child.

We understand how concerning it can be to imagine your baby undergoing a procedure—but rest assured, a laser frenectomy is typically very quick and surprisingly gentle. At Floss Academy, we use a CO₂ soft tissue laser, which minimizes discomfort by sealing nerve endings as it works. This means your baby may feel pressure or a brief sensation, but most do not seem to experience significant pain during the procedure itself.

Many babies are able to feed immediately after their frenectomy, which not only helps soothe them but also encourages healing. Some infants may be fussy or unsettled for a few hours following treatment, and it's normal to notice a bit of swelling or mild irritation. However, this usually improves within 24–48 hours. We’ll provide thorough aftercare guidance and feeding support to make the transition as smooth as possible for both of you. Our team is also happy to coordinate with your lactation consultant to ensure your baby’s feeding improves in a way that’s supportive and sustainable.

Your baby’s comfort is our top priority. Every step of the process is handled with gentleness, patience, and compassion—because we know that a calm, supported experience makes all the difference for families.

Frenectomy coverage can vary depending on your insurance provider, your specific plan, and your child’s age. In many cases, especially when the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Insurance may cover part or all of the cost if it includes feeding difficulties, speech challenges, or other functional concerns. Some plans may require documentation showing that the tie is impacting your child’s health or development.

At Floss Academy, we’re happy to help you navigate the insurance process. Our team can provide the clinical notes and codes needed to submit a claim or request preauthorization if required. We also work with many PPO plans and can provide estimates in advance to help you make an informed decision.

For families without insurance, or if your plan does not offer coverage, we offer flexible payment options and will walk you through the costs before anything is scheduled. We never want financial concerns to be a barrier to getting the care your child needs.