Tongue Tie Treatment in Boulder, CO

What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, known medically as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the band of tissue under the tongue is too short, thick, or tight, limiting movement. It can affect feeding, speech, breathing, and oral development in patients of any age.

The lingual frenulum normally lets the tongue move freely, reaching the roof of the mouth and extending past the lower lip. When this tissue is too restrictive, everyday functions like swallowing, speaking, and even resting the tongue properly become difficult. Tongue Tie Treatment in Boulder CO at Gunbarrel Dental Center addresses this issue at any stage of life.

Tongue ties fall into two general categories:

• Anterior tongue tie: The frenulum attaches closer to the tip of the tongue and is often visible.
• Posterior tongue tie: The restriction sits further back and may be harder to identify without a careful exam.

Lip ties are a related concern. A tight upper lip frenulum can affect infant feeding, contribute to gaps between the front teeth, and interfere with oral hygiene.

Tongue ties don’t only affect newborns. Children, teens, and adults can carry symptoms that were never properly diagnosed, from speech challenges to jaw tension. Dr. Rachel Barone evaluates patients of all ages and helps identify whether restricted tongue movement is contributing to broader health concerns.

What Are the Benefits of Tongue Tie Treatment?

Releasing a restrictive frenulum can bring meaningful improvements at every stage of life. When the tongue can move without restriction, much of daily function gets simpler, from feeding an infant to sleeping restfully as an adult.

Here’s what patients often notice after treatment:

• Clearer speech development. Certain sounds (like “l,” “r,” “t,” and “th”) require full tongue mobility. Children with a restricted frenulum may develop speech patterns that a release can help correct, often alongside speech therapy.
• Healthier dental and jaw development. Proper tongue posture supports palate shape and jaw growth. Freeing the tongue can reduce the likelihood of crowding, narrow arches, and bite issues later on.
• Improved sleep and airway function. A tongue that rests too low can contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep-disordered breathing. As a Member of the World Dentofacial Sleep Society, Dr. Barone understands how tongue mobility connects to airway health.
• Easier eating, swallowing, and oral hygiene. Cleaning the teeth, chewing food thoroughly, and swallowing without effort all depend on tongue movement. Many adults report noticeable relief after treatment.

So you can focus on what matters most to you, we take time to explain how treatment may address the specific concerns you or your child are experiencing.

How Does a Laser Frenectomy Work?

A laser frenectomy is a quick, gentle procedure that releases the restrictive frenulum using focused light energy instead of a scalpel. The treatment itself takes only minutes, involves minimal bleeding, and allows most patients to resume normal activities the same day.

Here’s what to expect at Gunbarrel Dental Center:

Step 1: Careful evaluation and diagnosis

Dr. Barone examines the tongue’s range of motion, attachment point, and function. For infants, this often includes discussing feeding patterns with parents. For older children and adults, we assess speech, swallowing, and airway concerns.

Step 2: Gentle laser release of the frenulum

Using laser dentistry, Dr. Barone precisely releases the restrictive tissue. The laser cauterizes as it works, which means less bleeding, less swelling, and reduced risk of infection compared to traditional methods. Local anesthetic is used to keep patients comfortable.

Step 3: Aftercare and stretching exercises

Proper healing depends on gentle post-op stretches to prevent the tissue from reattaching. We walk you through each exercise, provide written instructions, and schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress.

Advantages of the laser approach include:

• Precision that protects surrounding tissue
• Faster healing times
• Minimal discomfort during and after
• Reduced need for sutures in most cases

Signs You May Need Tongue Tie Treatment

Good candidates for tongue tie treatment are patients experiencing functional problems tied to restricted tongue movement, regardless of age. What matters most is whether symptoms are affecting daily life, health, or development, whether that’s an infant who can’t latch or an adult with chronic jaw tension.

Signs vary by age. Use the table below to see how symptoms may show up at different stages:

Some patients live with these symptoms for years without realizing a tongue tie could be the cause. Adults often discover the connection when seeking help for jaw pain, sleep problems, or ongoing speech concerns.

When should you seek an evaluation? Consider scheduling if:

• An infant is struggling to feed or gain weight
• A child shows persistent speech delays despite therapy
• You experience unexplained jaw tension, headaches, or poor sleep
• A speech-language pathologist or lactation consultant recommends assessment

Dr. Barone works in respectful partnership with pediatricians, lactation consultants, speech therapists, and myofunctional therapists to coordinate the best care for every patient.

Why Choose Gunbarrel Dental Center

Choosing where to receive care matters, especially for a procedure that affects long-term function and comfort. At Gunbarrel Dental Center in Boulder, our patients benefit from decades of clinical experience paired with modern laser technology.

• Experienced provider. Dr. Rachel Barone, DDS, brings advanced training and a person-centered approach to every visit. She completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency and is Pankey Institute-trained, with ongoing continuing education from the SPEAR Study Club.
• Recognized expertise. Dr. Barone was named a Top Dentist by 5280 Magazine (2025). She is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI), and a Past President of the Boulder/Broomfield Dental Society.
• Gentle care for all ages. From infants to adults, we tailor each visit to the patient’s comfort level and specific needs.
• Laser dentistry technology. Our laser equipment allows for precise, comfortable treatment with faster recovery.
• Convenient Boulder location. We serve Boulder, Gunbarrel, Longmont, Niwot, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, and Superior families.

This is person-centered dentistry built on respectful partnership with every patient we see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tongue tie treatment painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during a laser frenectomy. We use local anesthetic to numb the area, and the laser causes less trauma than traditional surgical methods. Infants often nurse right after the procedure, and older patients manage any soreness with over-the-counter pain relief for a day or two.

How long does a frenectomy take to heal?

Initial healing takes about one to two weeks, with tissue fully remodeling over several weeks. Following the prescribed stretching exercises is the most important part of recovery. This prevents the frenulum from reattaching and preserves the improved range of motion.

Is my child too young or too old for treatment?

There’s no age limit for tongue tie treatment. Infants as young as a few days old can benefit from a release, and adults in their 60s and 70s have also seen improvements in sleep, speech, and jaw comfort. Dr. Barone evaluates each patient individually to determine whether treatment is appropriate.

How much does tongue tie treatment cost in Boulder?

Cost varies based on the patient’s age, the complexity of the release, and whether additional evaluations are needed. During your visit, we’ll provide a clear estimate before any treatment begins. Our Office Membership Plan is also available for patients without dental insurance.

Does insurance cover a frenectomy?

Coverage depends on your specific dental or medical insurance plan. Some plans cover frenectomies when they’re medically necessary, such as for infant feeding issues. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and file claims on your behalf.

Are there risks or complications?

Laser frenectomies are generally very safe. Possible minor issues include temporary swelling, mild bleeding, or reattachment if aftercare exercises are skipped. Dr. Barone reviews all risks with you beforehand so you can make an informed decision.

Schedule Your Tongue Tie Consultation in Boulder

Ready to find out if tongue tie treatment could help you or your child? We’d love to meet you. At Gunbarrel Dental Center, Dr. Rachel Barone provides gentle, careful evaluations for patients of every age, from newborns to adults.

Call us at (303) 530-4145 or schedule a consult online to get started. Our Boulder dental center serves families throughout Gunbarrel, Longmont, Niwot, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, and Superior, and we make it easy to find a time that fits your schedule.