At what age should a lip tie be corrected?

Understanding Lip Tie: Timing for Correction
Lip tie, a condition where the upper lip is tethered too closely to the gums by a band of tissue, can impact oral health, feeding, and speech development. The question of when to correct a lip tie is multifaceted, involving considerations of physical development, potential symptoms, and the individual circumstances of the child.
The Importance of Early Detection
Healthcare professionals emphasize the significance of early detection of lip ties. Parents are often advised to monitor their infants closely for signs that might indicate the need for correction. These signs may include difficulty breastfeeding, poor weight gain, or challenges with oral hygiene.
Timing for Intervention: In many cases, if a lip tie is suspected, it is beneficial to consult a pediatrician or a specialist in pediatric dentistry or lactation. Early intervention is often recommended, particularly within the first year of life. This is a critical period as babies are developing their feeding techniques and beginning to explore oral motor skills.
When to Consider Correction
While some lip ties may not necessitate surgical intervention, others can lead to complications if left untreated. Here are some scenarios where correction might be advised:
1. Breastfeeding Difficulties: Infants experiencing pain during breastfeeding or unable to latch effectively may benefit from early correction.
2. Speech Development Issues: If a child shows signs of speech delays or articulation problems as they grow, addressing a lip tie might facilitate better oral function.
3. Dental Health: Lip ties can contribute to gaps in teeth or other dental issues. Corrective procedures may help align the teeth properly as the child grows.
4. Social and Emotional Factors: As children reach school age, visible lip ties can sometimes impact self-esteem. Parents may choose to address these concerns to support their child’s social interactions.
The Correction Process
The procedure for correcting a lip tie is typically straightforward. A frenotomy, a quick surgical procedure, is often performed in a pediatrician’s office or dental clinic. This involves snipping the tight frenulum to release the upper lip. The procedure is usually quick, often completed in a matter of minutes, and can be done under local anesthesia.
Post-Correction Considerations
After the procedure, parents should monitor their child for any signs of discomfort or complications, though most children recover quickly. Engaging in gentle exercises and following a care plan provided by healthcare professionals can aid in proper healing and adaptation.
Conclusion
In summary, the optimal age for lip tie correction often falls within the infancy stage, particularly if feeding or developmental issues arise. However, each case is unique, and parents should engage in open discussions with healthcare providers to ensure the best outcome for their child. Early intervention can pave the way for healthier oral development, better feeding practices, and improved overall well-being.

What happens if I don’t fix my baby’s lip tie?

If a tongue tie or lip tie isn’t addressed when baby is young, they may experience challenges later in life. Babies with untreated tongue tie or lip tie can go on to have difficulty eating from a spoon or eating finger foods, and may struggle with speech difficulties when older.

Is it worth fixing a lip tie?

Since a lip tie can impact the transition into solid foods, it can negatively impact eating for adults. Having a lip tie release can avoid speech delays and other speech problems. Your baby will ultimately likely grow into a comfortable and healthy adult after avoiding so many dental issues.

Can you get a lip tie cut at any age?

Children can have this procedure at any age. Often, a baby gets accustomed to breastfeeding in spite of this condition. However, later in life, the parent may wish to remove the frenulum for cosmetic reasons or for the child’s comfort. Most parents elect to do the surgery early on.

When should I be concerned about a lip tie?

Level 1 and Level 2 lip ties are typically left alone and do not require revision. If there’s a tongue tie as well as a lip tie restricting your baby’s ability to feed, a pediatrician may advise you to “revise” or “release” them both, even if the lip tie is considered to be Level 1 or Level 2.

Is lip tie surgery covered by insurance?

This procedure is not typically covered under medical insurance; however, it is based on the type of plan that you have. If you think that your medical insurance will cover this procedure, and would like to seek reimbursement from them, we are happy to provide any necessary documentation you may need to submit a claim.

What is the best age to fix a lip tie?

A frenectomy is used to correct lip or tongue tie. It is recommended your child has the simple procedure before the age of 12 months to prevent the need for anesthesia or sedation; however, it can be performed when they are older as well. The entire treatment generally takes less than one minute to complete.

Is lip tie surgery painful for babies?

The surgery is virtually painless
No medical or dental operation is free of risks. However, lip tie laser surgery should not cause much pain at all for young patients. There is very little bleeding with the procedure, so the dentist will not need to use stitches.

What age is too late to fix a tongue tie?

It’s usually never too late to get tongue-tie surgery. However, the sooner tongue-tie is corrected, the fewer possible side effects this condition will likely cause you. The surgery to correct tongue-tie is called a frenectomy.

How painful is lip tie revision?

The surgery is virtually painless
However, lip tie laser surgery should not cause much pain at all for young patients. There is very little bleeding with the procedure, so the dentist will not need to use stitches. Also, the dentist will not have to use a local anesthetic in the process.

Can you naturally fix a lip tie?

Lip-ties often improve on their own as a child gets older, and there’s no good evidence that surgery to correct lip-ties is needed. Ask your baby’s doctor to weigh in if you’re concerned, and talk to a lactation consultant if you’re having trouble breastfeeding.