A tongue tie, clinically called ankyloglossia. occurs when the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, thick, or tight to allow full tongue movement. A lip tie involves a similar restriction with the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth.
Both conditions are present at birth. In some cases they cause noticeable problems early. In others, patients spend years working around limitations they've come to accept as normal, difficulty with certain sounds, awkward chewing, tension in the jaw and neck, or unexplained gaps between teeth, without knowing the frenulum is the source.
At JB Dental Associates, tongue tie and lip tie evaluation is part of how Dr. Bahng approaches every patient. Because she simultaneously evaluates for TMD and airway concerns, she is positioned to see how restricted oral tissues contribute to a broader pattern, one that a standard dental exam might miss entirely.

A restricted tongue doesn't just affect speech. It changes how you swallow, how you breathe, how your jaw develops, and how much strain your neck and facial muscles carry to compensate for what the tongue can't do on its own.
Children with unresolved tongue tie may develop narrow palates, crowded teeth, and altered swallowing patterns that affect jaw growth over time. Adults who were never treated carry those compensations forward — sometimes as chronic jaw tension, TMJ strain, or airway restrictions that contribute to disrupted sleep.
Lip tie creates a different set of issues. A tight upper lip frenulum can pull on gum tissue, contribute to recession, create a gap between the upper front teeth, and make it difficult to properly clean along the gumline. In younger children it can also interfere with latching during feeding.
These are not minor cosmetic concerns. They are functional issues with downstream consequences, and they are treatable.

A frenectomy is the release of the restrictive frenulum tissue. At JB Dental Associates, this is performed with a dental laser, which offers several advantages over a traditional scalpel procedure.
Laser frenectomy is precise, minimizes bleeding, and typically requires no sutures. The laser energy sterilizes the treatment site as it works, which reduces infection risk and supports healing. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and a straightforward recovery.
The procedure itself is brief. A topical or local anesthetic is applied, the tissue is released, and the patient leaves with aftercare instructions the same day. For younger patients especially, the shorter procedure time and reduced bleeding make the laser approach significantly more manageable than conventional surgery.
Aftercare and stretching exercises are an important part of recovery. Following a frenectomy, specific stretching movements help prevent the tissue from reattaching as it heals. We walk every patient, or their parent, through exactly what to do and how often, and we follow up to confirm healing is on track.

Ready to book an appointment, or schedule a consultation for dental work you've been putting off? Request an appointment online, or call our friendly team today.

Trusted Dentist in Sterling VA

With more than 20 years of experience and over 1,000 continuing education
hours, Dr. Joyce Bahng provides honest, personalized care that goes beyond
routine dentistry. Every exam includes an evaluation for TMJ and sleep
apnea, so your smile, jaw, and airway are all cared for together.

Sterling, Virgina's Trusted Family Dentist. JB Dental Associates