Laser release, right here in our office
Tongue Tie & Lip Ties
For babies, nursing moms, kids and even grown-ups: we release tongue and lip ties with a laser, in the office.
What is a frenectomy?
What we do
World Of Smiles is pleased to announce that we now offer frenectomies in the office. A fren-ect-a-what you say?! This simple procedure refers to the removal of a flap of tissue called a frenum that prevents an organ or tissue from achieving free range of motion.
Our doctors are most concerned with the frena in the upper lip and the one beneath the tongue. A baby with a tight frenum under their tongue is described as “tongue tied”. In order to help both parents and providers identify the severity of this concern, Dr. Stafford has put together her own diagnostic scales for both tongue and lip ties. High quality PDFs of these scales can be downloaded by clicking the thumbnail images below.
Tongue Tie scale (PDF)
Lip Tie scale (PDF)Why Dr. Stafford is passionate about tongue ties
After experiencing the effects of a severe tongue tie with her first baby, Dr. Stafford was unhappy with the traditional treatment options, so she sought more education on the issue to be able to offer the laser procedure to release tongue and lip ties in office.
See it for yourself
Photos & video
Real World of Smiles patients, before and after a laser release.
From a family
"I couldn't be happier"
"My 3 year old son was referred to Dr. Michelle Stafford for his tongue tie. During his exam we got to discussing my tongue tie and the correlation between it and my consistent headaches. (A little background about me, I have had consistent headaches for nearly 20 years and have seen multiple Physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, naturopaths, and I have had MRI's done on my head & neck. Nothing really has helped.) Dr. Stafford took interest right away & examined my tongue tie & gave me the option of releasing it along with my sons that same day. After discussing the benefits it could have on my headaches I decided to go ahead with the procedure. I went first & while she was lasering I could feel the tension in my jaw muscles release! This in turn released the strain in my neck muscles! Since this procedure roughly 2 months ago my headaches frequency & severity have decreased dramatically, my wife says I don't snore anymore & I have less tension in my neck. I couldn't be happier with the out come if this procedure! As for my son, he came through the procedure great! We were a little nervous wondering how he would do especially being all by himself, but he is a determined little guy, & Dr. Stafford & her staff were so caring and compassionate, he came through it just fine. He now has more mobility with his tongue & we are so thankful for that." -Phillip Willis, Google Review