A functional assessment comes first. When a release is appropriate, we pair it with CMDI functional therapy, because a release alone doesn't teach the tongue to move differently.
Tell us who this is for. Our treatment coordinator will reach out the same business day.
Releasing a tie removes the restriction — but after a lifetime of compensating, the tongue may still need to learn new movement patterns. That's why we assess function first and pair any release with therapy.
Every visit starts with a functional assessment of how the tongue and lips move. If a release is appropriate, care has two coordinated parts — the release and the retraining.
We release the tongue-tie or lip-tie with a Fotona laser. Laser and scissor or scalpel release are all accepted methods; we'll explain what to expect for your age group.
After an AssessmentThis is what makes it functional. Our CMDI approach guides the retraining of tongue and muscle movement after the release. Results vary.
The Difference-MakerTongue and lip restrictions can affect people at every age — in different ways. The concerns below have many possible causes, and a tie is only one of them, so we assess function before recommending a release.
We combine laser release with CMDI functional therapy for infants, children, and adults. Families and adults travel to Lafayette from across Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky for it.
We don't stop at the cut. The CMDI functional component is built into the care, not optional.
We connect tongue function to breathing, sleep, and development — part of our broader airway focus.
We coordinate with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and bodyworkers when helpful.
It's more than simply releasing a tongue-tie or lip-tie. It starts with a functional assessment. If a release is appropriate, it is paired with functional therapy — guided by our CMDI approach — to retrain how the tongue and lips move afterward. A release doesn't fix feeding or speech on its own, and results vary.
After years (or a lifetime) of compensating for a restriction, the tongue often hasn't learned to move correctly. Releasing the tie removes the restriction, but functional therapy helps retrain proper movement and coordination — which is why a functional frenectomy pairs the two.
Yes. We see infants (often for feeding and latch concerns); infant feeding concerns are evaluated with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) before any release is considered. We also see older children and adults, where tongue or lip restrictions can affect speech, eating, mouth breathing, and airway development. Care is tailored to age and goals.
After a functional assessment, we use a Fotona laser for the release. Laser and scissor or scalpel release are all accepted methods. The functional therapy component is then guided by our CMDI approach to support movement and healing.
Yes — we're glad to coordinate with lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, and bodyworkers. Working as a team keeps everyone's care consistent.
Request a consultation. We'll assess function first and explain whether a release, therapy, or both make sense — at any age.
Request a Consultation →Highland Creek Family Dental's general dentists: Dr. Melinda Bodine, DDS (East Office) · Dr. Han Na Park (South Office).
Dr. Shane Cope, DDS, is a specialist in periodontics, oral medicine, and orofacial pain. Dental services on this site outside periodontics, oral medicine, and orofacial pain are provided by general dentists. Your right to a Good Faith Estimate.