35. What is a lip tie?

A lip tie happens when the thin piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (called the labial frenulum) is too tight or restrictive. This can make it harder for a baby to latch properly during breastfeeding, affect speech, or even create gaps between the front teeth as your child grows.

Lip ties can vary in severity — some are mild and don’t cause problems, while others may need treatment to improve feeding, oral function, or dental health. Our team evaluates each child individually to determine whether a procedure, called a frenectomy, is needed.