Lip and Tongue Tie in Brentwood, TN

Simple Relief for a Problem Affecting Your Daily Life

Lip and tongue tie can interfere with feeding, speech, and comfort from infancy through adulthood. Treatment is straightforward, recovery is quick, and the difference you notice can be immediate. We help patients of all ages find lasting relief.
  • Gentle treatment appropriate for newborns through adults
  • Improved feeding, speech, and oral function after care
  • Caring team experienced with patients of every age and comfort level
  • Table of Contents
    Table of Contents

    Does This Sound Familiar?

    Lip and tongue tie affects people differently depending on age, but the frustrations it creates are real and consistent. If you or your child has been struggling without a clear explanation, you may be closer to an answer than you think.
  • Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
  • Speech sounds unclear or effortful
  • Discomfort when eating certain foods
  • Avoiding social situations due to self-consciousness
  • Oral tissues creating ongoing tension or restriction
  • Daily activities limited by an undiagnosed condition
  • If any of these feel familiar, you're not alone. A simple evaluation can clarify what's happening and what can be done.

    What Happens If You Wait?

  • Waiting on a known restriction Description

    Feeding difficulties, speech delays, and discomfort rarely resolve without treatment.

  • Speech patterns becoming habits Description

    Children who go untreated may compensate in ways that require speech therapy later.

  • Breastfeeding challenges compounding Description

    Unresolved latch issues can lead to early weaning before families are ready.

  • Discomfort that becomes routine Description

    Patients often adapt to restriction without realizing how much it limits normal function.

  • Missed developmental window Description

    Early treatment often produces faster, more complete results than treating later in childhood.

  • Adult symptoms worsening over time Description

    Jaw tension, speech patterns, and oral restrictions tend to deepen without correction.

  • The sooner a restriction is identified, the simpler and more effective treatment tends to be.

    Understanding Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment

    A lip tie or tongue tie occurs when the small band of tissue connecting the lip to the gum or the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or too tight. This tissue, called a frenum, can limit movement and affect how comfortably a person feeds, speaks, or moves their mouth. The condition is present from birth and affects infants, children, and adults alike.

    At Sullivan Dental Partners, we evaluate and treat lip and tongue tie in Brentwood using a careful, individualized approach that takes your specific situation into account. We use precise tools and thorough assessment to determine the extent of restriction and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your age and needs.

  • Treatment is appropriate for patients from newborn through adulthood
  • The frenulum (the tissue being released) is carefully assessed before any treatment
  • Most procedures are completed in a single, brief appointment
  • Transformations That Last

    Watch real patients share how their dental journey restored not just their smiles, but their quality of life. These personal stories capture the relief and joy that come with comprehensive, caring treatment.

    "From Losing My Entire Bottom Jaw To Fully Functional Again"

    "My Smile Line Was Disappearing. Now It's Completely Restored"

    Be our Next Success Story!

    Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.

    Benefits of Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment

    Treatment does more than address an immediate limitation. Understanding what changes after a frenectomy often helps patients and families feel confident that the decision is the right one for their situation.
  • Feeding feels natural and comfortable
  • Speech becomes clearer and easier
  • Oral movement improves noticeably
  • Tension and restriction disappear
  • Daily life feels more effortless
  • Development supported from an early age
  • See What's Possible for Your Smile

    These aren’t just teeth; they’re life-changing transformations that restore confidence and comfort. Each before-and-after photo represents a patient who trusted us with their smile journey.
    Same Day CEREC Crowns
    Cosmetic Dentistry

    Be our Next Success Story!

    Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.

    Is Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment Right for You?

    Many families and adults arrive unsure whether what they’re experiencing is actually related to a lip or tongue tie. The answer may surprise you. Restriction affects people across a wide range of ages and symptoms, and a simple evaluation is the clearest way to find out.
  • Struggling to breastfeed comfortably despite trying multiple approaches
  • Have a child whose speech sounds unclear for their developmental stage
  • Experiencing tension, difficulty eating, or limited oral movement as an adult
  • Been told by a lactation consultant or speech therapist to look into a frenectomy
  • Want to support your child's feeding and development as early as possible
  • Not Sure If You Qualify?

    That uncertainty is completely understandable, and it’s one of the most common things we hear before a lip and tongue tie consultation. An evaluation will help determine whether restriction is present and what treatment, if any, makes sense for you or your child.

    What to Expect During Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment

    Many patients and parents tell us this is the part they were most anxious about, and also the part that surprised them most positively. We design every step around comfort, clarity, and a smooth experience from start to finish.
    1

    Consultation and Assessment

    You'll meet with one of our dentists to discuss your concerns and review what's happening. We take a close look at the frenum, assess the degree of restriction, and ask about feeding, speech, and any other symptoms. By the end of this step, you'll have a clear picture of what we're seeing and what we recommend.

    2

    Preparing for Treatment

    If treatment is the right path forward, we'll walk you through exactly what to expect. For infants and young children, we explain the process to caregivers in detail. For adult patients, we discuss comfort options and answer any remaining questions. This step is about making sure you feel informed and settled before we proceed.

    3

    The Release Procedure

    The actual treatment is brief. We use precise techniques to release the restricted tissue carefully and gently. For younger patients, topical or local anesthetic is applied first to keep them comfortable. Most patients are surprised by how quickly it's over, and by how little discomfort they notice during the process.

    4

    Aftercare Guidance and Support

    Before you leave, we provide clear aftercare instructions and walk you through any stretches or exercises that support healing. We want the transition home to feel straightforward, and we're available if questions come up during recovery.

    Ready to Take the Next Step?

    Recovery After Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment

    Most patients and caregivers are relieved to find that recovery is far more manageable than they anticipated. Healing is typically quick, and our team provides everything you need to feel supported through the process.

    First 24-48 Hours

    Some mild tenderness or sensitivity in the treated area is normal and typically easy to manage. For infants, you may notice brief fussiness that settles within a day. We'll give you specific guidance on feeding, soothing, and any soft food recommendations that apply to your situation.

    Every patient heals at their own pace, and we tailor aftercare instructions to your specific procedure and circumstances. Our team is easy to reach if questions or concerns come up during recovery.

    Have Questions About Recovery? We're here to help.

    Flexible Payment Plans for Your Smile

    We believe everyone deserves quality dental care, regardless of budget. Our flexible financing options and in-house payment plans help you get the treatment you need with comfortable monthly payments that work for your situation.
    CareCredit, a trusted healthcare financing option, offers convenient payment plans to fit your budget. Invest in your oral health with confidence.

    NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

    Bite-sized payments, big smiles! Cherry Payment Plans offer easy-to-use financing options to make your dental care more accessible.

    NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

    Alphaeon Credit simplifies dental financing. Explore their flexible plans designed to fit your budget and treatment needs.

    NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

    Streamline your dental care investment with Proceed Finance. Their flexible plans make achieving your smile goals easy and affordable.

    NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

    Sunbit technology approves 85% of applicants for dental financing from $50 to $20,000 with flexible pay-over-time options.

    NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

    PatientFi offers friendly monthly payment plans for dental care with soft credit checks and transparent terms you can understand.

    NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

    Don't Wait to Smile. Check out Our Payment Options.

    Lip and Tongue Tie FAQs

    Questions before treatment are completely normal, and we want you to feel fully informed before making any decisions. Here are the answers we hear patients asking most often.

    How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?

    Signs in newborns often include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, clicking sounds while nursing, slow weight gain, or a nipple that appears flattened or misshapen after feeding. A consultation with our team can help confirm whether restriction is present and what degree of treatment, if any, is appropriate.
    Absolutely. Adults seek treatment for a range of reasons, including difficulty with speech, oral tension, discomfort while eating, or challenges related to dental work and oral appliances. Treatment is appropriate at any age, and the procedure is the same straightforward process we use for younger patients.
    We take comfort seriously for patients of every age. For infants, we apply a topical anesthetic before treatment to minimize any sensation. The procedure itself is brief, and most babies calm quickly once reunited with a caregiver. Parents consistently tell us the anticipation was harder than the actual appointment.
    In some cases, yes. A frenectomy releases the physical restriction, but speech patterns that developed as a result of the tie may need additional support to fully resolve. We’ll give you an honest assessment based on your child’s specific situation and can coordinate with speech therapists when appropriate.
    The actual release typically takes just a few minutes. The full appointment, including assessment and aftercare discussion, is generally completed within 30 to 45 minutes. We build in time to answer your questions and make sure you feel ready before you leave.
    We provide specific guidance based on your procedure. Stretching exercises help prevent the tissue from reattaching as it heals, and we’ll walk you through exactly how to do them before you leave the office. Most exercises are simple and take only a minute or two to complete.
    Coverage varies depending on your plan and the reason for treatment. We work with several insurance providers and are happy to help clarify your benefits during the consultation process. Payment options are also available if needed.
    A frenectomy is the clinical term for the release of a frenum, which is the small band of tissue that connects the lip to the gum or the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When that tissue is too tight or short, a frenectomy releases it to restore comfortable movement. We use the term plainly so you know exactly what we’re describing.
    For breastfeeding infants, many families notice improvement within the first few feedings after treatment. For speech-related concerns, changes may be more gradual and benefit from exercises or therapy support. We’ll set realistic expectations based on your situation during the consultation.
    That’s one of the most common places families and adults find themselves, and a consultation is specifically designed to answer that question. We’ll evaluate what’s present, discuss what we see, and give you a clear recommendation. There’s no obligation to proceed, and the information you leave with is valuable regardless.

    Still Have Questions?​

    Can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, we've got your back! Give us a shout anytime - we'd love to chat and help you out personally.

    Meet your Doctors

    Four Generations of Family Care, One Trusted Team

    Our dentists combine decades of experience with genuine compassion for every patient. We treat you like family, providing comprehensive care from routine cleanings to complex smile transformations, all under one roof.
    A lifelong Brentwood resident, Dr. Sullivan has spent over 35 years creating healthy smiles throughout the Nashville community.
    Dr. Sully earned the Dean’s Award for Clinical Excellence and now focus on complex cases, including smile makeovers, full mouth reconstructions, and implant-supported dentures.
    Dr. Bandy brings a passion for patient comfort and is specially trained in oral sedation for those who need extra relaxation during treatment.
    A fifth-generation dentist in her own family, Dr. Pierce understands the value of dental legacies. Her connection to the Sullivans spans generations.
    General dentist at Sullivan Dental Partners, providing comprehensive general, restorative, and cosmetic care with a calming, patient-first approach at every visit.

    Ready to Meet Your Dentist?

    Our team takes the time to listen, plan carefully, and treat you like family from day one.

    1300+

    Review on Google

    98%

    Satisfaction Rate

    20+

    Services Offered

    4.9

    Average Rating

    2,000+

    Implants Placed

    What Our Patients Say

    Real Stories From the Families Who Trust Us Most

    From restored confidence to comfortable visits that feel like family, our patients share experiences that changed how they feel about dentistry. With over 1,000 five-star reviews, their words reflect the lasting relationships we build every day.
    The staff was wonderful! Kayla was so welcoming and explained everything great!

    Isabelle Northam

    2 days ago
    Very good visit!!!!

    Rob Purdy

    4 days ago
    Great new patient visit today. From check-in, to intake, to cleaning, the whole experience was seamless and top notch. I was impressed by the office and diagnostic tech they were using, but mostly appreciated the kindness and thoroughness from Jenna and Dr. Keely. Looking forward to the next visit.

    John Cantu

    5 days ago
    10/10. The atmosphere was so inviting and less intimidating. The staff is very friendly and attentive to your needs and concerns. I can’t just choose a specific member that helped me because all were great. Definitely grateful to have found such a wonderful place. -Tab Taylor 2026

    Tabitha Hosea

    5 days ago
    Sullivan Dental Partners sets the standard for what patient care should actually look like. The staff is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but exceptionally accommodating in a way that immediately stands out. What truly separates them, though, is their ability to treat you like a person, not just a patient on a schedule. I walked in on a particularly difficult day, and instead of pushing me through like a transaction, they took the time to talk with me, to listen, and to genuinely care about what I was dealing with. That is not just good business, that is character. And it is exactly how lasting trust and real relationships are built. If you’re looking for a place that combines expertise with authentic human connection, this is it.

    Vonda Lowery Graves

    6 days ago
    Staff is always friendly and caring. First time with Zoe for my regular cleaning. She was great!

    Barry Sawyer

    6 days ago

    See Why Families Keep Coming Back, Generation After Generation

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    World-Class Dental Care in Your Brentwood Community

    Our Brentwood office serves patients throughout Nashville, Franklin, and Middle Tennessee. You’ll find us easily accessible from major routes, making your dental visits convenient no matter where you’re coming from.

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    Comfortable Treatment for Lip and Tongue Tie That Makes a Real Difference

    Lip and tongue tie treatment at Sullivan Dental Partners is a brief, gentle process with a meaningful outcome. We help patients of all ages restore comfortable function and move forward with confidence.
  • Improved feeding and latch
  • Clearer speech and oral movement
  • Quick procedure with lasting results
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