Tongue ties and lip ties are surprisingly common, with some estimates placing it at 30%! Most go undiagnosed throughout life because most tongue and lip ties are caught at birth when babies have problems nursing. Dr. Jesse Witkoff treats lip and tongue ties in Boulder, CO, at Gunbarrel Dental Center. He works with patients and parents of children with tongue ties to improve their mouth function and comfort.
A common misperception is that tongue tie only impacts breastfeeding, but that could be further from the truth. This problem can cause many other issues with eating, speech, sleep, TMJ, neck and back pain, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Adults can also have an untreated tongue tie that impacts their everyday lives.
Tongue Tie Treatment at Gunbarrel Dental Center
Our goal is to support the well-being of families by addressing Restricted Oral Tissues (ROT). We offer frenectomy treatment options that can safely, effectively and efficiently address the issues and ensure optimal oral and overall health moving forward.
Our office caters to patients of all ages, from infants through adults, with an understanding of the diverse needs at each stage of life. We use the state-of-the-art CO2 “cold” laser. This laser provides for the fastest and most comfortable treatment during and afterward.
Dr. Jesse is a respected and nationally renowned speaker in the field, dedicated to delivering quality care. He collaborates with other allied therapists for a comprehensive approach. He supports the recovery and well-being of each patient and is committed to patient education. Our office is here to empower you with the knowledge to make well-informed decisions for you and your family.
How Tongue Ties Affect Different Life Stages
Tongue ties can cause problems at every age. Infants may struggle with breastfeeding, leading to poor weight gain. Children might develop speech delays or have trouble eating solid foods. Teens and adults often experience chronic issues like migraines, neck pain, or sleep problems. This problem can even affect your posture.
Treatment helps at any age. Dr. Jesse specializes in identifying how tongue ties uniquely impact each patient, whether they’re 2 weeks old or 65 years young.
What to Expect During Laser Frenectomy
Our CO2 laser treatment is quick (often under 2 minutes) and much gentler than traditional methods. Here’s how it works:
- Comfort first: We use safe numbing options for all ages
- Precision healing: The laser seals as it works, meaning less bleeding
- Quick recovery: Most patients resume normal eating same day
- Aftercare support: We provide simple stretches to ensure proper healing
Parents are often amazed how quickly babies feed better after the procedure. For older patients, many report improved speech or reduced pain within weeks.
Your Complete Healing Team
Getting a tongue tie released is just the first step. True healing comes from helping your body relearn how to function properly. That’s why we partner with specialized healthcare providers to give you comprehensive care tailored to your situation. For breastfeeding babies, we collaborate with lactation consultants who help with nursing challenges. If speech development is a concern, we’ll connect you with speech therapists who specialize in articulation issues.
For patients struggling with tongue posture or breathing patterns, myofunctional therapists provide targeted exercises to retrain oral muscles. When structural alignment needs attention, we work with skilled chiropractors and craniosacral therapists. Consider us your care coordinators. We’ll help assemble the right team of professionals to address all aspects of your tongue tie recovery for the best possible outcome.
Could Tongue Tie Be Affecting Your Family?
Tongue ties often go undiagnosed, but their effects can appear differently at various ages. Babies with tongue ties might make clicking sounds while nursing or spit up frequently. Children may develop picky eating habits, speech delays, or messy chewing patterns. Adults with tongue tie can experience morning headaches, crowded teeth, or chronic jaw pain at the TMJ joint.
Across all ages, common signs include habitual mouth breathing, poor sleep quality, and persistent neck or shoulder tension. Even mild symptoms can significantly impact daily comfort and function. We offer free virtual screenings to help you determine if a full evaluation would be beneficial. Proper tongue function is important for your health at every stage of life.
Our team understands how tongue ties can affect the whole body, and we’re here to help your family find solutions. We can guide you toward the right care path, whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development or an adult with long-standing issues.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Jesse is your tongue tie specialist in Boulder, CO. Call Gunbarrel Dental Center today at 720-881-0614. Click here to learn more about Restricted Oral Tissues (ties).