Tongue Tie and Lip - Dr. Billy Arnold

Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Interventions

Tongue and Lip Ties: What Most Parents Are Never Told

Tongue and lip ties are often missed by medical and dental providers because they aren’t taught to look for them. When feeding, speech, or sleep is off track, tongue and lip ties are often part of the picture.

Many families are told everything looks normal when something clearly isn’t working.

I approach ties differently. I don’t just look at the anatomy. I look at how your child breathes, feeds, speaks, and grows. We focus on how the tongue and lips function. Not just how they look.

For Infants:
feeding shouldn’t hurt

If your baby is clicking, fussing, gassy, refluxy, nursing for long stretches, or causing latch pain, there’s likely a functional issue. A restricted tongue or lip can prevent a good seal, making feeding difficult for both baby and parent.

I don’t base decisions on appearance alone. I watch your baby feed. I assess suck quality, latch, jaw tension, and movement. If a tie is impacting function, we’ll talk through a team-based plan: lactation support, bodywork, pre-release therapy if needed, and a gentle laser release only when everything is in place.

Why Your Pediatrician Might Not Catch a Tongue Tie

For Toddlers and Children: The Tongue Affects More Than Speech

Older kids often present with very different signs:

I watch how your child chews, speaks, swallows, and breathes. If function is affected and the tongue is restricted, we build a collaborative plan that may include therapy, oral habit retraining, and release when appropriate. A visible tie is not always a functional problem. And a functional problem can exist even when things “look fine.”

“Not All Tongue Ties Are the Same”

My Function-First,
Team-Based Process

Step
1

Functional Evaluation

We start by understanding how your child uses their tongue or lips in real life: feeding, speaking, sleeping, or chewing. I collaborate closely with lactation consultants, bodyworkers, and therapists as needed.

Step
2

Preparation and Therapy

If a release is recommended, we prepare the body and the brain. For infants, this may mean suck training. For toddlers or older kids, myofunctional exercises build tone and awareness. This step sets the stage for real improvement.

Step
3

Gentle Laser Release

When ready, I use a CO₂ laser for precision, comfort, and fast healing. Babies are often soothed with feeding right after. Older kids are guided step by step, with child-friendly language and calm support.

Step
4

Healing and Follow-Up

We stay in touch. You’ll receive detailed post-care instructions, see me for follow-up visits, and work with your child’s team as they adjust to their new range of motion. The goal is restored function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child too young for orthodontics?

If your child is 5 or older and has signs of jaw restriction or mouth breathing, now may be the best time to intervene. The earlier we start, the more gently we can guide growth.

What if my child already had braces?

Airway orthodontics is different. If traditional treatment didn’t address root causes like mouth breathing or tongue posture, relapse is possible. A functional evaluation may help prevent that.

Will the appliance affect speech or eating?

Some kids have a brief adjustment period, but most adapt quickly. We provide tips and support along the way. And we involve kids in the process so they feel empowered, not anxious.

Do expanders hurt?

Most children feel gentle pressure but not pain. The devices are kid-friendly and adjusted gradually. I always walk families through what to expect.

Will this change how my child looks?

Yes and in a positive way. When jaws grow as they should, facial balance improves. Cheekbones become more prominent, lips close more easily, and the smile looks naturally wide.

What Comes Next

If your child’s crowded teeth or tired eyes feel like part of a bigger story, trust that instinct. We can take a close look together and find out what’s really going on.

Schedule a virtual or in-person consultation when the time feels right.

We’ll explore your child’s breathing, jaw growth, and sleep patterns. Then we’ll build a plan that supports their health from the inside out.