Mom-Founded. Female-Owned. Family-Focused Care.
May 16, 2026
As a parent, you want your child to thrive, especially when it comes to their health and development. But what happens when something as simple as feeding or speech becomes a daily struggle? For many families, the culprit is a condition that’s often overlooked: a lip tie.
If your baby has trouble latching, feeding, or seems unusually fussy during nursing, it could be due to a lip tie. The good news? Modern solutions, like a laser frenectomy, can help in a safe, comfortable, and minimally invasive way.
At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry, helmed by board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Neelon Patel, we’ve helped countless Naperville families navigate concerns like lip and tongue ties. We’re here to bring relief to you and your little one, because we’re parents too, and we understand how important these early milestones are.
A lip tie occurs when the frenulum, the small tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums, is too tight or restrictive. While some tightness in the frenulum is normal, a severe lip tie can interfere with your child’s basic oral functions, including feeding, facial expressions, and even proper dental hygiene as they grow older. The signs and symptoms of a lip tie in infants may include:
For older children, untreated lip ties can lead to issues like difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, a gap between the front teeth, or recurring oral discomfort due to restricted movement. While these symptoms can be overwhelming to navigate, it’s comforting to know that solutions like laser frenectomy can provide long-lasting relief.
Treating a lip tie doesn’t have to be a stressful or painful experience. At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry, we use the Solea CO2 laser, a state-of-the-art tool designed to gently release the tight frenulum with precision and care. Why choose a laser frenectomy over traditional methods? Here’s what sets it apart:
The Solea laser allows us to complete the frenectomy without the need for anesthesia or invasive surgical tools. This not only minimizes pain but also reduces recovery time significantly. For babies and young children, this means less discomfort and more bonding time with parents post-procedure.
A frenectomy with the Solea laser typically takes only a few minutes. With no sutures or lengthy aftercare involved, it’s a stress-free option for both parents and children. Plus, the laser cauterizes as it works, meaning minimal bleeding or swelling.
Many parents report improved feeding and latching immediately after the procedure. For older children dealing with speech or dental concerns, a laser frenectomy opens the door to improved functionality and comfort.
Traditional frenectomy methods use scissors or scalpels, which can increase the risk of infection or complications. The laser technique at our Naperville office ensures a safer and more hygienic alternative, ideal for even the tiniest patients.
We know that every child is unique, and their care should reflect that. At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Neelon Patel brings not only board-certified expertise but also a compassionate, mom-founded perspective that prioritizes families' concerns. Here’s how we ensure your experience is as comfort-driven as it is effective:
If your baby is having difficulty nursing, gaining weight, or seems extra fussy after feeding, it’s worth scheduling a consultation. Dr. Patel will carefully assess their symptoms to determine whether lip tie treatment is the right option.
Absolutely. The Solea CO2 laser is designed to be precise and gentle, making it an excellent choice for treating lip ties in babies. Our team will explain every step of the process to ensure you feel confident and informed.
Most babies return to their routines almost immediately after the procedure. Older children may need an adjustment period to adapt to their newfound range of motion, but discomfort is minimal and easily managed.
At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that choosing the right care for your child can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to make pediatric dentistry simple, joyful, and uniquely tailored to your family’s needs.
Whether you’re struggling with your child’s lip tie or just want reassurance about your baby’s oral health, our goal is always the same. We want to create happy, healthy smiles in an environment where kids feel safe, and parents feel heard.
Your pinky promise starts here. Take the first step toward relief and call us today at (630) 687-9292 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel. Let’s work together to give your child the brightest start possible.
We accept all PPO insurance plans. We do not accept Medicaid or HMO policies. For our uninsured patients, ask us about our Membership Plan, Pinky Perks!
