What happens if I dont fix my babys lip-tie?

Understanding Lip Tie in Infants
A lip tie occurs when the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums, is unusually tight or thick. This condition can restrict the movement of the upper lip, potentially leading to various complications, particularly in infants. While some cases may be mild and go unnoticed, others can significantly impact a baby’s feeding and overall development.
Potential Consequences of Not Addressing a Lip Tie
If a lip tie is left untreated, several issues may arise:
1. Breastfeeding Difficulties: One of the most common concerns associated with lip ties is the potential for breastfeeding challenges. Babies with a lip tie may struggle to latch properly, which can lead to inadequate milk intake. This difficulty can result in poor weight gain and nutritional deficiencies, as the baby may not be able to extract enough milk during feeding sessions.
2. Oral Development Issues: Over time, a restricted lip can affect the development of the oral cavity. Proper lip movement is essential for various oral functions, including speech development and the ability to eat solid foods later on. If the lip tie is severe, it may hinder the baby’s ability to move their lips adequately, which could lead to speech delays or articulation problems as they grow.
3. Dental Problems: As the child grows, a lip tie can contribute to dental issues. The restricted movement may affect the alignment of teeth and the overall structure of the mouth. This misalignment can lead to complications such as gaps between teeth or an increased risk of cavities due to difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene.
4. Social and Emotional Impact: While it may seem less tangible, the social and emotional effects of a lip tie should not be overlooked. Children who experience difficulties with feeding or speech may face challenges in social interactions, which can affect their confidence and self-esteem as they grow older.
Conclusion
In summary, while a lip tie may not always require immediate intervention, neglecting to address it can lead to a range of complications that affect a child’s feeding, oral development, and social interactions. Parents concerned about their baby’s lip tie should consult with a healthcare professional to evaluate the situation and discuss potential treatment options. Early intervention can help mitigate these risks and support healthy development.

How much does it cost to fix a lip tie?

Frenectomy usually costs between $400 and $2500, with an average cost of $800.

What are the risks of lip tie surgery?

In some cases Upper lip tie release can cause some swelling under the lip. This usually resolves within 48 hours. Damage to the tongue, gum or submandibular ducts: although extremely rare, this is a possibility.

What happens if I don’t get my baby tongue tie fixed?

Risks of Tongue Tie
Oral health problems: These can occur in older children who still have tongue tie. This condition makes it harder to keep teeth clean, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Gaps between the front bottom teeth can also develop.

How much does lip tie surgery cost?

How much does a frenectomy cost? Frenectomy usually costs between $400 and $2500, with an average cost of $800.

Can a baby live with a lip tie?

Lip ties in older babies and toddlers are typically less troublesome. Still, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association notes that a significant lip tie may cause challenges with spoon-feeding and, later, with finger foods; these difficulties could cause frustration and ultimately lead to picky-eating habits.

What happens if a tongue-tie goes untreated?

People with a tongue-tie usually develop unhelpful habits by the time they reach adulthood. An adult with tongue-tie may experience malnutrition due to their inability to chew and swallow their meals properly. As a result of the restricted movement of the tongue, they may suffer from speech impairment or sleep apnea.

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.

How much does a frenectomy cost without insurance?

On average, a frenulectomy costs usually costs between $500 to $1,500; however, the cost will vary greatly depending on the clinic where the frenectomy is performed, whether the procedure can be performed in one visit, and whether sedation is used, and if so, what kind.

Can you leave a lip tie alone?

Some babies have a lip tie that is so minor, that it does not cause any issues and can be left alone. Other babies may have a more severe lip tie that needs to be treated by a doctor. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding lip ties, and it is important to be aware of the facts.

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.