Frenectomies

Treating lip and tongue ties the easy way

What Exactly is a Frenectomy?

Your lips and tongue are connected to your mouth by a small band of tissue. Sometimes, this tissue develops abnormally, leading to problems for babies and children. A simple but very specialized procedure called a frenectomy can restore function and fix issues caused by lip and tongue ties. Frenectomies can’t be performed by just anyone – Dr. Bill and Dr. Stephanie have specialized training and education that makes them uniquely qualified to perform this procedure!

How Lip/Tongue Ties Affect Small Smiles

When lip ties and tongue ties are left untreated, it’s no joke. Babies, toddlers, and older children can struggle with speech problems, poor nutrition, colic, reflux, drooling, sleep apnea, and tooth decay. Moms and babies show early signs of lip/tongue tie issues – keep an eye out for difficulties breastfeeding, poor weight gain, upper lip blistering, poor milk transfer, and long feeding times. Moms may also notice nipple trauma, painful breastfeeding, infected nipples, mastitis, and more nursing issues.

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little baby with blonde hair chewing on a block toy

The Frenectomy Procedure

Doing great things for you and your child means using the best tech and procedures available – especially with frenectomies. At Great Smiles, we use a specialized CO2 laser to perform frenectomies, so that moms and children can enjoy an easier time during and after surgery. What makes the CO2 laser the best is that it is the safest, least painful, most precise, and simplest option. Not only will babies and toddlers have less scar tissue and an easier recovery period, but moms will be able to avoid the post-op nursing complications of other procedures.

Frenectomies make an incredible difference for parents and children, so don’t hesitate to talk to us about how a frenectomy could help your family.

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Benefits of a laser surgical approach include:

Rapid ablation using CO2 laser as opposed to cutting the tissue
No need for general anesthesia
No need for local anesthesia
No sutures
Virtually painless

Nearly bloodless
Reduces bacteria
Precise and conservative
Decreased swelling
Reduced post-operative pain

Affording the Best Care

Finances should never stand in the way of getting your child or teen the best dental care in town. We want to make sure that you’re relaxed, not worried, when you visit us. Work with our team to find the best way to fit great dental care into your budget, with awesome payment options, maximized insurance benefits, and affordable solutions at every step.

Getting Started with Great Smiles

Patient Reviews

"I’m an adult patient and have never had braces before! Great Smiles is excellent! High end technology, great kind staff and super super efficient. Melissa was amazing at handling all aspects of my care process and she actually asked how my husband was doing as I had shared with her some medical issues he was having and she remembered thirty days later. That is a sign of a caring staff member. Serena Installed the Invisalign today and was very precise in explaining everything and was funny and sweet. If you have put off getting braces don’t. This place is very good at what they do! The picture is just my first set so this is not the final result!"

- Tom C.

"I started to have several issues with my teeth in my 50s and did not want traditional braces but with Invisalign I could get the results looking for without the hassle of braces. My experience at Great Smiles has been seamless, extremely helpful staff and Orthodontist exceeded my expectations and I am not even at the end of my journey. I would highly recommend this practice!"

- Donna H.

"It IS possible to go to the dentist and have a great time! Dr. Paul has set up an environment that is open, relaxing and FUN! And my teeth look great!!!"

- Jody C.

"Update: it’s been five months, my teeth ARE STRAIGHT! And the care is amazing.
NEW PATIENT: I was amazed at how fast they were. I didn't have time to complete my paperwork before they took me back. Very thorough, courteous, and took their time answering a ton of questions. Highly recommend."

- Rebecca R.

"Great Smiles has been so easy to work with. Anyone who has a child or teen needing some help getting their teeth in order Great Smiles is a great place. They have really helped guide us in this adventure!"

- Triple J Farm NC

"My daughter needed braces and they were so accommodating to get her in quickly for spring break. Super thankful for an orthodontist that is local and their staff is always so nice. They make it a priority to know their and take their time to listen to any concerns. Just a wonderful experience all around. Definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to take their child for braces!"

- Crystal J.

"I have just completed my three-year treatment course with Dr. Blackman and the Great Smiles staff. Every aspect of my journey with them was exceptional! Truly. I was impressed with the practice at my first visit - their professionalism, knowledge, kindness…. But I leave their care even more amazed that they consistently delivered the highest level of service I have ever experienced in any medical practice. As a doctor, myself, that means a lot. Every visit I left their office feeling nurtured and grateful I had chosen Great Smiles to handle my orthodontic needs The results of my treatment also far exceeded my expectations! My jaw pain and over-bite are gone. My teeth are perfectly aligned. I never thought this could be accomplished - especially given that my problems had existed for over 60 years!"

- Dr. Laura F.