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Frequently Asked Questions2025-07-30T12:14:46-04:00

Frequently Asked Questions

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (frenulum) is too tight, thick, or short. This can limit tongue movement and affect feeding, speech, and oral health.

We use a questionnaire to identify all symptoms that could be related to a lip or tongue tie. We thoroughly interview the parent to document the child’s history and discuss any functional issues. Next, we document and perform a full clinical evaluation of the child to determine the degree of restriction. If a restriction does exist, we take photos inside the mouth with our special camera to make sure we can visualize the unique structure of the tongue or lip tie before developing a plan for treatment.

Symptoms include difficulty breastfeeding, poor latch, clicking sounds while feeding, prolonged feeding times, dribbling milk, and weight gain issues.

Yes, untreated tongue ties can lead to speech problems, difficulty chewing, picky eating, oral health issues, and even headaches or digestive problems as children grow.

A tongue tie can prevent a baby from achieving a proper latch, leading to nipple pain for the mother, low milk transfer, and reduced milk supply.

The most common treatment is a frenectomy or frenotomy, a simple procedure that releases the tight frenulum. This is often done with a laser or scissors and involves minimal discomfort and fast healing.

Not necessarily. The decision to treat is based on the presence of symptoms or the likelihood of future problems, such as difficulty feeding, speech delays, or other functional challenges.

Recovery is typically quick, with most babies resuming normal feeding within a few days. Follow-up appointments and stretches are often recommended to support proper healing.

Yes, tongue ties can sometimes impact articulation, causing lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Addressing the tie early may prevent or reduce speech-related issues.

Post-treatment therapy, such as feeding therapy or oral exercises, is often recommended to ensure proper function and maximize the benefits of the release.

Yes, tongue ties are sometimes overlooked during routine newborn checks. If you’re noticing feeding struggles or other symptoms, consult a specialist for a thorough assessment.

A tongue tie affects the mobility of the tongue, while a lip tie restricts the movement of the upper lip. Both can impact feeding and may require treatment if symptoms are present.

Tongue-ties and lip-ties can be tricky to diagnose properly, and training in this area is lacking among healthcare professionals. The subject is not covered in dental or medical schools, or even in residency programs. A provider must seek out additional training and continuing education to be up on the latest trends and diagnostic factors. Dr. Ray Tseng attends several tongue-tie-related conferences every year and is up-to-date on the latest tongue-tie information. We are happy to evaluate your child and, if there is a restriction, give you our recommendation for treatment. Often times, parents will sense that something is not right, even after another provider has told them there is no restriction. They come to us for a second opinion and we evaluate the child, identify the restriction, and provide treatment. After the child receives the care they need, the issue resolves. Unfortunately, this scenario happens weekly in our office, so Dr. Tseng is working on several research projects to help educate not only providers but also parents.

Yes, tongue ties often run in families. If you or a sibling had a tongue tie, there’s a higher chance your baby may have one, too.

Coverage varies by provider and policy. Some insurance plans cover evaluations and frenectomy procedures, while others may not. Check with your insurance provider for details.

We find that initial visits and consultations are covered by most medical and dental insurances. Medical/health insurance plans may cover both the exam and procedures, however the coverage limits vary greatly, and may depend on the age of your child, the functional symptoms they’re experiencing, which therapies you’ve already tried, and many other factors. Our guest services team will walk you through every step, and our office will advocate for you when working with your insurance company. Give us a call for more information regarding your specific medical or dental insurance.

Our payment options include cash, credit card, and CareCredit, which offers no-interest financing for six months. Your payment (as defined by your insurance) is due in full at the time the exam or procedure is performed. The procedure is an investment in your child’s current and future health, as we see issues with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, eating solids, speaking resolve after the procedure.

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We Work With Your Insurance

Navigating insurance can be tricky, but we make it easy! With deep expertise in medical and dental insurance, we’ll quickly help you understand your costs. We’re in-network with select providers and offer super bills for others. Our pricing is always clear – no surprises, thanks to upfront transparency and preauthorization.

Simple, All-Inclusive Pricing

No insurance? No problem! Our straightforward cash-pay option is perfect for those with out-of-network plans, high deductibles, or no coverage. You get one price with no hidden fees – ever.

One-Year Guarantee

Need a second release within a year? We’ve got you covered – completely free!

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