Infant/Child Frenectomies

Welcome to Boise Integrative Dentistry, where we prioritize your child’s comfort and health. We offer infant and child frenectomies in Boise. Let’s break down what a frenectomy is and how it might benefit your little one.

Learn About Infant/Child Frenectomies in Boise, ID

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that involves removing or altering a small fold of tissue, known as a frenum, in the mouth. Every human mouth has several frenums, which are connective tissues that anchor the lips, tongue, and cheeks. Occasionally, a frenum can become restrictive and lead to issues such as difficulty breastfeeding, speech impediments, or dental concerns.

At Boise Integrative Dentistry, our compassionate team is ready to assist you with any concerns regarding your child’s oral health. Thank you for considering us for your child’s frenectomy. We look forward to joining your family’s journey towards healthier smiles.

Why Is a Frenectomy Needed?

For infants, tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and lip-tie are the most common reasons to consider a frenectomy. These conditions occur when a frenum is too tight or short, limiting movement. This can cause breastfeeding difficulties, like poor latch or prolonged feeding times, frustrating for both mom and baby. Our approach focuses on supporting the entire family, ensuring that feeding is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

A restrictive frenum can contribute to speech challenges in older children or interfere with orthodontic treatments. It might even lead to gaps between the teeth or gum recession over time. Our experienced team is here to provide the care your child needs to thrive, whether a tiny baby or a growing child.

Our Approach to Frenectomies

At Boise Integrative Dentistry, we’re dedicated to offering a holistic approach that integrates health, technology, and compassion. Our professionals are well-versed in the latest techniques and equipped with state-of-the-art tools to perform frenectomies safely and effectively.
Before recommending a frenectomy, we carry out an extensive evaluation to understand your child’s specific needs. We believe in open communication and will discuss the procedure’s potential benefits and any concerns you might have. We want to empower you with the information you need to make the best decision for your child’s health.

The Procedure

Undergoing a frenectomy at our clinic is generally quick and minimally invasive. For infants, the procedure might take just a few minutes. We understand that any medical procedure involving your child can be daunting, so our team is committed to making the experience as gentle and stress-free as possible.
We also provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a swift, comfortable recovery. Should you have any questions post-procedure, rest assured that we are just a call away to offer guidance and support. Our priority is always the well-being and comfort of your child.

Benefits of a Frenectomy

The benefits of a frenectomy can be life-changing for both infants and older children. For babies, addressing tongue-tie or lip-tie can significantly improve breastfeeding, leading to better weight gain and a more relaxed feeding experience for both baby and mother. For children, resolving a restrictive frenum can improve speech development and make dentistry easier as they grow.

Choosing a frenectomy might also prevent future oral health issues. Addressing these concerns early can promote better dental alignment and reduce the likelihood of more complex dental problems later in life. We want to support your child’s journey to optimal oral health from the start.

Infant and Child Frenectomies in Boise

Deciding on an infant and child frenectomy in Boise can be a big decision, and you likely have many questions. At Boise Integrative Dentistry, we provide clarity, support, and professional care. Our mission is to ensure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.

Contact us today if you’re considering a frenectomy for your child. Our friendly team is ready to assist with inquiries and set up a consultation with Dr. Rosa Pothier, Dr. Dan Bruce, or Dr. Rob Ririe. Together, we can ensure your child’s oral health is as vibrant as their smile.

7 Reasons Adults Would Consider Tongue-Tie Release

Boise Integrative Dentistry
When we hear about tongue-ties, most of us think of babies who struggle with breastfeeding. But tongue-ties aren’t just a pediatric issue—they can impact adults, too, often in ways that are easy to overlook. If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, breathing issues, speech concerns, or even difficulty enjoying certain foods, your tongue might be the hidden culprit.
At Boise Integrative Dentistry, we take a whole-body approach to oral health—and that includes recognizing when a simple procedure like a tongue-tie release could make a big difference in your life. Here are seven reasons adults should consider it:

1. Relief from TMJ Pain

Your jaw, neck, and tongue all work together as part of a finely tuned system. When your tongue is restricted, other muscles pick up the slack, often leading to chronic tension and pain in the jaw (TMJ), neck, and even headaches. Releasing the tongue can restore balance to this system and reduce painful muscle strain, often relieving discomfort that’s been lingering for years.

2. Easier, Healthier Breathing

Where your tongue rests affects your airway more than you might think. If it’s tethered too tightly, it may fall back into the throat during sleep, contributing to snoring or even obstructive sleep apnea. During the day, it may force you into mouth-breathing, which dries out the mouth and can leave you feeling fatigued. Releasing the tongue allows it to rest in a healthier position, supporting proper breathing both day and night.

3. Clearer, More Confident Speech

Your tongue plays a key role in forming sounds like “L,” “R,” “T,” “S,” and “Th.” Adults with a tongue-tie may speak with a lisp or find it hard to project their voice clearly. By improving tongue mobility, you may find that speaking feels more natural—and being heard and understood becomes easier in both personal and professional settings.

4. A Better Mealtime Experience

Enjoying food is about more than taste—it’s also about how easily we chew and swallow. A restricted tongue can make eating uncomfortable, causing you to avoid certain foods or miss out on flavors. Tongue-tie release can help your tongue better assist in chewing, enhance flavor perception, and make swallowing feel smoother.

5. Improved Oral Hygiene

Did you know your tongue is a natural cleaning tool for your teeth? It helps sweep away food debris and bacteria, especially along the back teeth. If your tongue can’t reach certain areas, you’re at higher risk for plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues. A tongue-tie release can enhance your ability to keep your mouth clean between brushings.

6. Better Results from Orthodontic Treatment

Your tongue helps shape your palate and influence tooth position over time. If it’s restricted, it can contribute to narrow arches or crowded teeth. Even worse, adults who’ve had orthodontic treatment may experience relapse if a tongue-tie wasn’t addressed. Releasing the tie helps support long-term success from braces, aligners, or myofunctional therapy by allowing the tongue to function as it should.

7. Enhanced Overall Wellness

Good breathing, restful sleep, effective chewing, and solid oral hygiene are all essential to your overall health. Addressing a tongue-tie can positively influence sleep quality, energy levels, diet, and systemic inflammation. And since poor oral health is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes, taking care of your tongue might just be one more step toward a healthier, happier you.

Think a Tongue-Tie Might Be Affecting You?

You’re not alone—and you’re not too old to benefit from treatment. At Boise Integrative Dentistry, we’re here to help you understand whether a tongue-tie is contributing to your symptoms and guide you through personalized care options, including collaboration with orthodontists, sleep specialists, and myofunctional therapists when needed.
Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our 3 providers to learn how something as simple as a tongue-tie release could help unlock your full potential—one breath, bite, and word at a time.

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