A tongue-tie or lip-tie can affect far more than speech. It can influence feeding in infants, eating and dental development in children, and even breathing, sleep, and neck tension in adults. At Bay Area Dental Airway & Sleep in Fremont, Dr. Jonathan Weisman uses a gentle laser frenectomy to release restricted oral tissue for patients of every age, from newborns to grandparents.
If you have been searching for a tongue-tie release near you and want a calm, careful approach rather than a rushed one, here is what a laser frenectomy involves and who it can help.
What is a laser frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a short procedure that releases a frenum, the small band of tissue that can tether the tongue to the floor of the mouth (a tongue-tie) or the lip to the gums (a lip-tie). When that band is too tight or attached too far forward, it limits normal movement.
A laser frenectomy uses a soft-tissue dental laser instead of a scalpel to make the release. The laser seals tissue as it works, which usually means little to no bleeding, a shorter appointment, reduced need for stitches in many cases, and a more comfortable recovery. For anxious patients and for infants, that gentler experience matters.
Who a frenectomy can help
Babies and infants
For a nursing baby, a tongue-tie or lip-tie can make it hard to latch and stay latched. Parents often notice clicking sounds during feeding, long or frustrating sessions, poor weight gain, or nipple pain for the nursing parent. A gentle baby laser tongue-tie release can improve latch and feeding, often with a quick recovery. We coordinate with lactation and feeding support so the whole family sees the benefit.
Children
In children, an unaddressed tie can play a role in speech sound difficulties, picky or messy eating, gaps between the front teeth, and mouth breathing. Because we are an airway-focused practice, we evaluate how the tongue rests and functions, not just how it looks, so treatment supports healthy oral and facial development. Learn more about our approach to care for children.
Adults
Many adults live for years with an undiagnosed tongue-tie. Common signs include a tongue that cannot reach the roof of the mouth, difficulty clearing food, neck and jaw tension, snoring or disrupted sleep, and speech that feels effortful. A laser release, often paired with myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue posture, can bring meaningful relief. If you are an adult wondering whether your symptoms trace back to a tie, an evaluation is the place to start.
Not sure if a tie is the cause?
A focused evaluation is the fastest way to get a clear answer for you or your child. Request an evaluation or call our office to get started.
Why we choose laser over traditional release
A laser release offers a precise, controlled release of the exact tissue involved, with little to no bleeding since the laser seals as it works. It often means no need for stitches, depending on the case, and shorter chair time that helps infants and nervous patients. Most families describe a smooth recovery. The right technique still depends on the individual, and every plan is confirmed after a hands-on exam.
What to expect at your visit
Evaluation
We assess function and appearance, review symptoms, and for older children and adults may use imaging when helpful.
The release
The laser frenectomy itself is quick. We keep the room calm and, for babies, work efficiently so feeding can resume soon after.
Aftercare
We show you simple stretches or exercises to support healing and prevent reattachment, and we schedule follow-up as needed.
Recovery
Recovery varies by age and by the extent of the release. Infants often feed shortly afterward. Children and adults are usually back to normal routines quickly, with mild soreness for a few days. Gentle post-release stretches are important, and for many adults, pairing the release with myofunctional therapy produces the best long-term result.
What does a laser frenectomy cost?
Cost varies case by case. It depends on the patient’s age, the type of tie, and whether additional care such as myofunctional therapy is recommended as part of the plan. Some cases, particularly those involving infants and feeding difficulties, may have insurance considerations worth exploring. Rather than quote a one-size-fits-all figure, we review the specifics with you at your evaluation so you have a clear picture before moving forward.
If cost is a concern, mention it when you reach out. We are happy to talk through your options.
Serving Fremont and the greater Bay Area
Families travel to our Fremont office for gentle tongue-tie and lip-tie care from across the East Bay and Peninsula, including Newark, Union City, Hayward, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Pleasanton, and Dublin, as well as San Jose, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, and San Mateo. If you have been searching for a frenectomy or tongue-tie specialist near you, we welcome patients of all ages.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit for a tongue-tie release?
No. We treat newborns, children, teens, and adults. The right timing and technique depend on the person and their symptoms, which is what the evaluation determines.
Can adults get a tongue-tie release?
Yes. Adults often benefit from a laser release, especially when it is paired with myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue movement and posture.
Does a laser frenectomy hurt?
Most patients report minimal discomfort. The laser is precise and gentle, appointments are short, and we tailor comfort measures to each patient, including infants.
How long is recovery?
Many patients resume normal routines within a day or two, with mild soreness that fades over several days. Following the aftercare stretches supports smooth healing.
How do I book a frenectomy near me in Fremont?
Request an evaluation through our contact page or call our office. We will confirm whether a release is right for you or your child and walk you through next steps.
Gentle tongue-tie treatment for every age
Book an evaluation with Dr. Weisman and get clear answers for your family. You can schedule your evaluation online or call our Fremont office.
Related reading: Tongue-Tie vs Lip-Tie, our tongue and lip tie services, and what a tongue-tie looks like in newborns.