6303 Little River Turnpike, Suite 345 Alexandria, VA 22312
Thoughtful, Conservative Care for Tongue & Lip Ties
At Little Dental Studio, frenectomies are never routine or rushed.
We take a careful, function-based approach to evaluating tongue and lip ties, always considering the whole child before recommending treatment.
Not every frenum requires intervention. Our goal is to understand how your child’s oral function, feeding, speech, comfort, and development are being affected — and to guide families thoughtfully and conservatively.
What Is a Frenum?
A frenum (also called a frenulum) is a small band of tissue that connects the tongue, lip, or cheek to the surrounding tissues. In some children, this tissue may be tight, thick, or restrictive.
When restriction is present, it can sometimes contribute to:
- Feeding difficulties in infants
- Speech challenges in older children
- Gum recession or irritation
- Dental crowding or spacing concerns
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Oral discomfort or muscle tension
- Mouth breathing and airway-related concerns
In many children, however, a frenum does not cause any functional concerns or oral health issues. For that reason, a thorough evaluation is essential rather than relying on assumptions alone.
Our Philosophy
Function First. Always.
We do not diagnose or recommend frenectomy based on appearance alone.
We consider:
- Tongue mobility and function
- Feeding history and development
- Speech development
- Oral posture and habits
- Growth and development patterns
- Oral comfort and muscle tension
- Collaboration with therapists when appropriate
Many children are simply monitored over time. When treatment is recommended, it is because function clearly supports it.
Dr. Angela's Experience & Expertise
Dr. Angela Austin is highly experienced in the evaluation and treatment of tongue and lip ties and is known for her advanced, conservative approach to laser frenectomy care. She was one of the first pediatric dentists in Northern Virginia to introduce the Solea CO₂ laser into her practice: a technology recognized for its precision, comfort, and excellent healing response.
This advanced laser allows for:
- Minimal discomfort
- Reduced bleeding
- Enhanced precision
- Faster healing and recovery
Families and referring providers trust Dr. Austin for her careful assessment, meticulous technique, and individualized treatment planning.
Infants, Children & Individualized Timing
We evaluate infants as young as 10 days old when feeding concerns are present, as well as toddlers and older children with speech, oral function, or developmental considerations.
Timing matters, readiness matters, and every child is different. We take all of this into account before recommending any intervention.
Collaboration & Whole-Child Care
We believe strongly in team-based care and frequently collaborate with:
- Myofunctional Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Feeding Specialists
- Lactation Consultants
- Pediatric Healthcare Providers
This collaboration helps ensure that when treatment is needed, it is part of a thoughtful, comprehensive plan. Not an isolated procedure.
What Parents Can Expect
- Honest, thoughtful recommendations
- Clear explanations
- No pressure
- Respect for your questions and concerns
- A calm, supportive experience for your child
Our goal is never to “sell” a procedure, it is to support your child’s long-term comfort, development, and wellbeing.
When a frenectomy is performed, we guide families through gentle post-procedure care and, when appropriate, exercises to support healing and function. We also work closely with therapists to encourage optimal outcomes. Our team provides clear guidance, education, and support every step of the way.
A Thoughtful Next Step
If you have concerns about your child’s tongue or lip tie, or have been referred for an evaluation, we would be happy to talk through your child’s unique situation.
Every child is different. Every recommendation is individualized.
FAQs About Frenectomies
What is a lip tie and is it the same as a tongue tie?
A lip tie involves a restrictive frenum connecting the upper or lower lip to the gum tissue. While similar to a tongue tie, lip ties affect different aspects of oral function. Both can be present at the same time and both are carefully evaluated at Little Dental Studio as part of a comprehensive assessment.At what age can a frenectomy be performed?
Dr. Angela evaluates infants as young as ten days old when feeding concerns are present. She also sees toddlers and older children with speech, developmental, or oral function considerations. Timing and readiness are always taken into account before any treatment is recommended, because every child develops differently.Does every tongue or lip tie need to be treated?
No. Many children with a visible frenum experience no functional issues at all and simply need to be monitored over time. Dr. Angela's approach is conservative and function-first. Treatment is only recommended when there is clear evidence that the restriction is meaningfully affecting your child's feeding, speech, comfort, or development.What laser does Little Dental Studio use for frenectomies?
We use the Solea CO2 laser, a technology recognized for its precision, minimal discomfort, reduced bleeding, and excellent healing response. She was one of the first pediatric dentists in Northern Virginia to introduce this advanced laser into her practice, and families and referring providers trust her for her meticulous technique and individualized treatment planning.Is laser frenectomy painful for my child?
The Solea CO2 laser is designed to minimize discomfort significantly compared to traditional methods. Most patients experience minimal pain during the procedure, and because the laser is so precise, there is less disruption to surrounding tissue, which supports a smoother and faster healing process.What does recovery look like after a frenectomy?
Recovery is typically straightforward, especially when the Solea laser is used. We provide clear guidance on gentle post-procedure care and exercises to support healing and function. Families are never left without direction, and our team is available to answer questions throughout the recovery process.