At JW Dentistry, we believe every patient — from infants to adults — deserves to experience healthy, comfortable oral function.
A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (the labial frenulum) is too thick or tight, restricting natural movement. This small issue can create big challenges, from difficulty breastfeeding in infants to gum recession or speech concerns in older patients. Using gentle laser technology, Dr. Joon Woo Sohn provides safe and precise lip tie treatment to restore proper movement, improve comfort, and support long-term oral health.
What Is A Lip Tie?
A lip tie is a condition where the tissue (frenulum) that attaches the upper lip to the gums is unusually short, thick, or stiff. While this tissue is naturally present in everyone, an overly restrictive frenulum can interfere with everyday activities. In babies, it often leads to breastfeeding challenges — difficulty latching, poor weight gain, or prolonged feeding times. In older children and adults, a tight lip tie may contribute to spacing between the upper front teeth, gum irritation, and even difficulty maintaining oral hygiene.
By identifying and treating a lip tie early, we can prevent these complications and help ensure healthy development and function.
Signs You Or Your Child May Have A Lip Tie
Recognizing a lip tie isn’t always easy, but some common signs can indicate a problem. These may vary depending on age and severity:
- Difficulty latching or feeding in infants
- Clicking sounds or prolonged feeding times
- Milk leaking from the corners of the mouth during feeding
- Gap between the upper front teeth
- Gum recession near the upper front teeth
- Discomfort when lifting or moving the upper lip
- Challenges with brushing or flossing due to limited mobility
If you notice any of these symptoms, a quick evaluation with Dr. Sohn can determine whether a lip tie is the cause and what treatment option is best for you or your child.
Laser Frenectomy: Modern Treatment For Lip Tie
At JW Dentistry, we use advanced dental lasers to perform a quick and gentle procedure called a frenectomy — the release of the restrictive frenulum. Unlike traditional methods that require scalpels or stitches, laser treatment offers a minimally invasive alternative with remarkable precision and comfort.
During the procedure, a focused laser beam safely releases the tight tissue, allowing for improved lip movement and flexibility. The laser simultaneously sterilizes and seals the area, resulting in minimal bleeding and faster healing. Most patients — even infants — tolerate the procedure very well, with little to no discomfort afterward.
Benefits of laser lip tie treatment include:
- Gentle, precise tissue release with minimal discomfort
- No need for scalpels or sutures
- Reduced bleeding and swelling
- Faster healing time
- Improved feeding, speech, and oral hygiene function
Lip Tie Treatment For Infants
For infants, a lip tie can make breastfeeding difficult for both the baby and the mother. Babies may struggle to form a proper seal, causing poor milk transfer and maternal discomfort. By releasing the tight frenulum with laser technology, we restore proper lip movement, making feeding easier and more effective.
Laser frenectomy is a quick procedure, often lasting just a few minutes. Babies typically feed right after treatment, which helps soothe the area and reinforce proper motion. Parents often notice immediate improvements in feeding comfort and efficiency.
Lip Tie Treatment For Children & Adults
While lip ties are commonly diagnosed in infancy, they can persist into childhood or adulthood if untreated. Older patients may experience tension in the upper lip, gum irritation, or gaps between teeth. In these cases, a laser frenectomy can help restore natural mobility and improve oral health.
For adults, lip tie treatment may also be part of a comprehensive plan to address cosmetic or periodontal concerns. By releasing the tight tissue, Dr. Sohn helps create a healthier foundation for other dental treatments — from orthodontics to restorations — while improving comfort and function.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery from laser lip tie treatment is typically fast and comfortable. You may experience mild tenderness for a day or two, but most patients resume normal activities immediately. For infants, feeding right after the procedure promotes healing and prevents tissue reattachment. Older patients should follow Dr. Sohn’s simple aftercare instructions, which may include gentle stretching exercises and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Because laser treatment minimizes trauma and seals the tissue as it works, the healing process is smooth and predictable — often without the need for follow-up sutures or medications.
Experience Compassionate, Precise Care At JW Dentistry
At JW Dentistry in La Mirada, CA, Dr. Joon Woo Sohn combines advanced laser technology with a gentle, patient-first approach to provide exceptional results for patients of all ages. With over 100 hours of continuing education each year, Dr. Sohn stays at the forefront of modern dental innovation to deliver safe, effective, and comfortable treatments.
If you suspect a lip tie in your child — or you’re experiencing discomfort yourself — don’t wait to seek relief. Schedule your consultation at JW Dentistry today and experience the difference that precision, compassion, and modern care can make.