Pediatric Frenectomies in Hendersonville, NC

For some, breastfeeding can be a wonderful time to bond with your child. For others, it can be a painful, frustrating experience that leaves you feeling drained. If you’re wondering if there’s a better way, the answer is yes. Frenectomies can help keep you comfortable and ensure your child is getting proper nutrition while feeding.

frenectomies in Hendersonville
frenectomies in Hendersonville

What are Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs)?

Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) refers to tissue in the mouth that restricts movement. All babies are born with tissues that serve as important attachments for the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) and the upper lip to the gingiva (labial frenulum). These frenula are only considered tied if the tissues restrict movement.

These restrictions can affect approximately 3-15% of newborns and can cause a range of issues, such as difficulty breastfeeding, nipple pain and trauma for the mother, a poor latch, and a decline in milk supply over time if left untreated. Additionally, when left untreated, tongue ties can also lead to complications with speech, feeding, and even sleep in children.

If your child has been struggling to breastfeed or you have noticed popping or clicking sounds while your child is feeding, it may be time to come in for a frenectomy consultation with our trained interdisciplinary team of professionals.

Read What Our Patients Have to Say

The best Dental practice I have ever been to as a patient. Very innovative & most pleasant assistants. Open atmosphere, everyone always happy from the minute you walk in the door. Dr. Weis is a very talented & up to date Dentist with all latest technology which makes the whole experience for the patient easier. I have been a patient for 23 years & not going anywhere!!!

Priscilla Rouse

Absolutely love Dr. Amy! She took care of my baby’s frenectomy and did an amazing job. Not only did she do the actual lasering well, she took care of my daughter really well too. She didn’t treat her like just another patient. I cannot recommend her enough if your child needs a frenectomy. She has an OT that she works with in office to make sure your baby has the therapy they need before and after as well. Jill is just as phenomenal as Dr. Amy. I know the idea of lasering your baby’s mouth is scary, but you’re in good hands here.

Lizzie S.

Everything about working with Dr. Amy and Jill was phenomenal - as a first-time mom, I felt very comfortable with their assessment and treatment of my child’s ties. The whole process was very holistic and baby/parent-centered. I would highly recommend their team!

Jordan Masterson

We have nothing but positive words to describe our experience with vibrant dental and Dr. Amy. She is very comforting, kind and great at explaining tongue tie process for our little guy. I especially appreciate the holistic approach Dr. Amy takes to her care.

Hannah Campbell

My newborn was referred by my LC to Dr. Amy Weis for an extremely tight tongue tie that seemed to be hindering her ability to breastfeed. Dr. Amy called me herself to discuss what a consultation and next steps would look like for such an appointment/procedure. Dr. Amy worked in tandem with her occupational therapist, Jill, and they both felt a tongue and lip tie cut would be the best course of action for my little one. Dr. Amy and Jill were both so kind, professional, empathetic to my new mother nerves, and gentle with our little one! My husband and I both felt that she went the extra mile to make us comfortable with our decision to proceed with the cuts and generally cared for her future prognosis and wellbeing. I would highly recommend Dr. Amy and her team if you find that you or your little one needs this procedure done!!

Emily Williams

I cannot recommend Dr Amy enough, especially for handling any kind of oral ties. The initial assessment was extremely thorough and Dr Amy made herself available for any and all questions that arose afterwards. We ended up not having our child’s ties released so I can’t speak to the release procedure and aftercare, but the fact that we did not feel pressured into the procedure and felt comfortable making the decision we did says volumes about this practice! So many places with release ties without proper reason/assessment, and that is NOT this practice.

Erin Heath

100% would recommend working with Dr. Amy & Dr. Jill to assist in oral tie release and treatment. Our baby is on the road to recovery and showing signs of improvement

Natalie Fox

Dr. Amy Weis is a top notch professional and we are so lucky to have her in the area. She is well educated and trained in ties, so she knows how to make sure outcomes are more likely to be successful. Working with an OT and an IBCLC is so important! My daughter had all of her oral ties fixed about two months ago and I'm so happy my baby girl had someone I could truly trust to do this procedure. I'll be taking my other kids back for theirs to be done as well.

Mrs. Anglo Ortho

As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and lactation consultant, I chose Vibrant dental for my babes lip and tongue frenctomies because of Dr. Amy Weiss's technique and through evaluation which included an OT. I could not have been more happy with my choice. In addition to being an expert in her field, Dr. Weis is incredibly kind & compassionate. She and OT Jill looked beyond my babe's mouth, optimizing his overall mobility, feeding and caring for our hearts as well. I highly recommend Vibrant Dental for babes with lip and tongue ties!

Amy Montes

We were referred here by our pediatrician for our 10 week old for a tongue and lip tie. Dr. Amy and Jill are great. Everyone that works here is incredibly helpful, nice, and knowledgeable! Dr. Amy even texted us over the weekend to see how our little girl was doing. You can really tell that they care about their patients! If any parent out there is reading this and their child has a possible lip/tongue, I highly recommend having your pediatrician send a referral here!! I didn’t worry one bit while my daughter had her procedure done because I knew she was in good hands! Thank you Dr. Amy and Jill

Graydon Bannister

Dr.Amy and Jill are an amazing duo! My husband and I are both dental professionals and we wanted to make sure our little one was set up for success before, during, and after his tongue tie release. I’m glad to report that our little one is striving and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without this team. We felt well-informed and supported throughout it all! Thank you!

Yamilet Snelson

Amy and Jill were absolutely AMAZING. They made getting our daughters tie released such an easy, stress free process. They gave us such helpful information and walked us through the entire procedure! Highly recommend to anyone!!!

Cristin

Absolutely love Dr. Amy! She took care of my baby’s frenectomy and did an amazing job. Not only did she do the actual lasering well, she took care of my daughter really well too. She didn’t treat her like just another patient. I cannot recommend her enough if your child needs a frenectomy. She has an OT that she works with in office to make sure your baby has the therapy they need before and after as well. Jill is just as phenomenal as Dr. Amy. I know the idea of lasering your baby’s mouth is scary, but you’re in good hands here.

Lizzie

ALD Certified

Dr. Amy is specialty trained in infant frenectomies and laser certified by the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Dr. Amy is also a fellow of the American Laser Study Club.

In-House Team for Interdisciplinary Care

Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our interdisciplinary team of specialists. Our team has been handpicked by Dr. Amy, so you can feel good about your child's treatment.

LightScalpel CO2 Laser

We use a LightScalpel CO2 laser for all of our tongue and lip tie releases. This best-in-class laser allows us to perform a safe and quick procedure with minimal discomfort, minimal bleeding, and faster healing for your child.

Breathe Institute Ambassador

Tongue-and-lip-ties can impact your child in a variety of ways, including their ability to breathe properly. Dr. Amy Weis is proud to be an ambassador of The Breathe Institute, an organization dedicated to continued education in sleep and airway related health issues.

Comprehensive Frenectomy Consults
Peace of Mind
One-on-One Advice
Custom Treatment Plan

Book a Consultation

Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part. We are here to help you take the first step. Schedule a consult with our interdisciplinary team of trained providers for a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plan for your baby.

our nursery

The Benefits of Frenectomies

Experience Better Breastfeeding

Tongue/lip ties can make breastfeeding difficult for both baby and mom. Releasing tethered tissues has been shown to improve baby's latch and overall breastfeeding.

Prevent Speech Impediments

Early treatment with a frenectomy may help prevent speech impediments due to restricted tongue movement.

Improve Overall Eating Ability

Releasing restrictive tissues can also help older children enjoy their favorite foods with ease.

The Frenectomy Process

Schedule a Consult

First, a consultation is necessary to determine if your child requires a frenectomy. You'll discuss your concerns and experiences with our team and your child will receive an oral exam where Dr. Amy will examine their mouth for signs of tongue and lip ties and determine whether or not a frenectomy is the best option. Our in-house occupational therapist will then conduct a complete functional assessment, educating parents on the TummyTime!™ Method and provide pre-op exercises to strengthen the tongue in order to prepare your baby for the release.

Releasing the Tissue

Using a state-of-the-art dental laser, we release the tissue in a quick procedure with minimal to no bleeding. Our procedure is more effective and precise than a traditional snip or clip of the scissors. We do not use any sedation or local anesthesia for this quick and minimally invasive procedure.

After the release, your baby will be back in your arms in a matter of minutes and ready to nurse or snuggle.

Aftercare & Healing

With a laser frenectomy, there is no need for stitches or sutures. Dr. Amy and her team will provide you with stretches to perform to prevent re-attachment and get the best results. At your one week follow-up, our occupational therapist will provide a comprehensive evaluation and customized exercises to strengthen your baby's tongue to ensure long-term functional results.

It is important to understand that improvement of symptoms isn't always immediate. The tongue is made up of a group of muscles and it will take time for your baby to learn how to suck and swallow with their new unrestricted tongue.

Before & Afters

A smile is worth 1,000 words.

See real patient success stories.

Did you know…

tooth icon

Tongue ties occur in 3-15% of newborns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

What are tongue and lip-ties?

Tongue and lip ties are collectively known as “tethered oral tissues” or TOTs. They occur when the bands of tissue that connect the tongue or the lips to the mouth become overdeveloped to the point that proper mouth movement is restricted.

They are uncommon in infants and toddlers, and sometimes do not need treatment. Minor tongue and lip ties may not cause any feeding problems, or contribute to speech impediments.

However, serious tongue and lip ties can make it hard for your child to breastfeed or use a bottle properly, resulting in poor feeding and inadequate nutrition. If you think that your child is having trouble feeding because of tongue or lip ties, call us today to schedule a consult with Dr. Amy and our team!

How do I know if my child needs a frenectomy?

Feeding problems are the most common signs of tongue and lip ties. Your child’s lips and tongue need to be able to move properly to latch onto the nipple and stimulate it for proper feeding. If they seem to be having trouble making a proper seal, milk dribbles out from their mouth while feeding, or they frequently stop and start feeding, they may be having latching issues due to tongue or lip ties.

You can also look for visual signs of tongue and lip ties. For the lips, you can fold back your child’s upper lip and look at the frenulum. If it is difficult to lift the lip or it seems like your baby is unable to move their upper lip on their own, they may have a lip tie.

Signs of tongue ties include an inability for your child to stick their tongue out past their front teeth, or problems moving the tongue from side to side. Tongue ties can also be identified visually. A common sign of tongue ties is a “heart-shaped” tongue. When your child sticks their tongue out, the restriction caused by the tongue tie may cause it to look “notched” or heart-shaped, instead of appearing as a smooth “U” shape.

Will my baby be in pain after their frenectomy?

Babies are generally fussier a few days following the procedure, as they heal and adjust to the range of motion from their newly released tongue and/or lip. We will give you some options for pain management in your post-operative instructions.

Are frenectomies covered by dental insurance?

Insurance coverage for frenectomies can vary. Because of this, you will pay the fee upfront, and we'll bill out to your insurance company on your behalf, and help you to understand your benefits. Your insurance will reimburse you depending on your individual plan. If you have any questions about your plan or our pricing, don't hesitate to give us a call to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgable team members!

What is recovery and aftercare like for frenectomies?

Hendersonville dentist, Dr. Amy, and her team will teach you proper stretches to perform for your baby to prevent re-attachment following the release. Your care at Vibrant Beginnings includes follow-ups with Dr. Amy to check the healing sites, as well as follow-ups with our in-house occupational therapist to provide customized exercises for your baby to help strengthen their tongue and achieve long-term functional results. Because the tongue is composed of muscles, the pre-and-post-operative exercises given by our occupational therapist to train and strengthen the tongue are key to your baby's success.

How soon will I see results?

While many mothers experience an immediate improvement in their baby’s ability to nurse, other babies may take time to relearn how to utilize their tongue and might require the help of other professionals. The tongue is made up of several muscles and when restricted by a tie, these muscles develop compensations to function. After the release, your baby’s tongue has no muscle memory of how to function effectively so your baby will need time to learn this new skill. You may even notice a little regression in the first day or two as your child learns how to use their unrestricted tongue.

Our in-house occupational therapist has specialized training in pre-and-post-frenectomy therapy to get your baby back on track. We have also carefully developed a local network of excellent providers in our area to assist your baby post-revision, should they need additional care.

What are infant tongue and lip tie symptoms?

Many babies with tongue and lip ties may be able to latch to the breast and feed normally. The following lists are signs and symptoms that mothers and babies may experience if these ties are impacting breastfeeding. However, it is important to note that many of these signs can also be linked to other breastfeeding problems and are not solely related to ties.

Mothers may experience:

  • Flattened nipples after breastfeeding
  • Nipple pain or damage
  • Decreased milk production
  • Poor breast drainage leading to mastitis
  • Prolonged feedings

Babies may exhibit:

  • Noisy suckling or clicking
  • Slow weight gain
  • Poor latch
  • Popping on and off the breast
  • Gas or reflux symptoms
  • Leaking milk out of the side of the mouth due to ineffective seal
  • Curling in or lips during feeding
  • Lip blisters
  • Arched palate
  • White milk residue on tongue
  • Choking/coughing/exhaustion during feedings

Read What Our Patients Have to Say

This dental office is very clean with modern technology yet has maintained a personal and caring touch. We are very impressed and appreciate the great work!!

Matt Metzger

Vibrant dental is by far the best experience I’ve ever had with a dental office. Everyone involved with this establishment is fantastic. I can’t say enough about them. Very pleased!

DJ

110%, hands down the best dental experience I’ve ever had! Vibrant Dental is truly the highest quality dental care you can find, and Dr. Michael Weis is the best in the business!

1) Dr. Michael Weis is amazing. With his amazing technique, he gave me a pain free injection to numb up my tooth. He treats my teeth as if they were his own — striving for perfection, going above and beyond, and using his skilled eye to make sure the tooth not only matches color but also shape. He is so skilled that I can’t even tell with my eyes or the feel of my tongue what is filling and what is my natural tooth. Incredible attention to detail!On top of all this, I had a chip in my front tooth I’ve had for half a decade. In absolutely no time at all, he filled in my chip and matched the color so seamlessly it’s as if nothing had ever happened to my teeth. It feels as if he has completely restored my smile!

Dr. Michael Weis is so gentle, regularly checks in with you while working, and is so kind. I truly felt so cared for with his genuine personality and kind demeanor. He is so thoughtful and thinks about what each step and moment would be like for the patient. You will not find another dentist who takes better care of you than Dr. Michael Weis!

2) A luxury experience! Dr. Weis and his staff treat you like royalty all the way through from the moment you walk in the door till you leave. Amazing, thoughtful, above and beyond details — weighted blankets, an eye/face massager while you get your work done, a fresh invigorating scent, calming music, friendliness through and through. While Dr. Weis was doing my filling, I almost fell asleep because I felt so calm with the gentle, relaxing eye massage, calm music, and gentle hands of Dr. Weis. The waiting room has an assortment of refreshing drinks, beautiful decor, and even a handmade live edge table made by Dr. Weis himself!!If you’re looking for the highest of quality dental care, look no further! Vibrant Dental will take care of your dental care in a professional, above-and-beyond way while making you feel cared for like royalty along the way.Best dental experience of my life! There’s nowhere else I could even think about going to now after my incredible dental visit at Vibrant Dental. Dr. Michael Weis is the best in the business — amazing bedside manner, expertise, thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and skill! 11/10 stars!

Alexander Chang

Both Dr Weis’ (husband and wife) were so kind and attentive. We were visiting from out of town and my husband had a dental emergency. Dr Michael Weis came in on his day off to help us. Both he and his wife went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and treat my husband’s problem. Vibrant Dental is a valuable asset to Western NC and we are so grateful to them! I highly recommend!!!

Ann Swanson

The best dental experience! As someone with anxiety in the dental chair, both Drs. Weis took intentional care in being gentle, encouraging, and talking me through every process…Their joy and passion for what they do is evident in their patient care and highest quality work!

Emily S.

Going to the dentist is always stressful for me, especially for the first visit. Vibrant Dental welcomed me in. The professionals that work here made me feel comfortable, and the stress melted away. Michael Weis, the dentist, answered my questions and made me feel assured that he was going to take good care of me.

Michael

Amazing experience, friendliest staff, after one visit you feel like part of the family. Loved every second, and this is coming from someone who is not a fan of any kind of doctor visit. Cannot recommend enough. 😊

Erin Peterson

I am a part timer with my summer residence here in Hendersonville. I am so lucky to have found a wonderful dentist here ! Dr. Weis and his staff are the best! He took his time explaining what needed done along with pictures to really have me understand it all. The procedure involving removing and replacing a crown went perfectly and painless, I have never felt more comfortable with a dentist and his staff before and definitely recommend them ! You won't be disappointed!

David Martin

Vibrant Dental is the best dental office on the planet!!! Dr’s Amy and Michael Weis are extremely knowledgeable and have upgraded this office with state of the art equipment to provide awesome care along with their caring hearts. They have a true passion for dentistry and for the community of Hendersonville. Their staff also provides service that will exceed your expectations. Appointments were on time and the interactions with hygiene, the dental assistant, and the front desk were all very professional, efficient and pleasant. If you are looking for a dental office in Hendersonville I highly recommend them. If there was a 10 star option I would rate them a 10/10!

Cynthia Robbins

Dr Weis and his staff are all very friendly, compassionate, and professional. Their work is well beyond reproach. I’m smiling again after many years of restraint thanks to their impeccable service. You will be in good hands with them.

Travis Fox

After a bit of a search, I am happy to report I found my dentist. If you, too, are searching for a dentist who is compassionate, empathetic, caring, professional and gifted in dentistry, call Vibrant Dental. Dr. Weis will have you feeling like going to the dentist isn’t quite as bad as we all have been thinking for whatever amount of years. You will be offered a massaging eye mask that emits heat, noise canceling headphones that can be hooked up to music of your choice and even a weighted blanket for extra comfort. Just when you are enjoying the experience he will tap your shoulder and let you know your dental needs have been met and you are good to go. I have been to many dentists over the course of my life and can assure you that Dr. Weis and his wife, Dr. Weis, have created a welcoming environment to have all your dental needs met. Trust me, your search will end here.

Maria Smith

Vibrant Dental is top-tier, customer-first, modern dentistry. If you’re new to the area, looking for a change, or haven’t been lately (or ever) & dreading it - schedule your appointment now, this is THE dentist that you're looking for!I’m over 50 and have been to several dentists over the years. Dr Michael Weis is the best dentist that I’ve ever had…down-to-earth, affordable, friendly, fast, pain-free & precision work. The entire staff is friendly, fun, & first-rate. The office is clean, modern, comfortable, warm, & welcoming. Great service all around!

Glen W

I can't say enough good things about Michael and Amy and the great service they provide. They are extremely kind and genuinely care about each and every one of their patients. I had a complicated procedure done and they were able to make the experience painless, all while explaining to me in a simple manner the steps they were taking along the way. They are very meticulous and efficient and I will certainly be using their services going forward!

Jimmy

I can’t praise Vibrant Dental enough! For years I hated my smile for many reasons and Dr. Michael, Dr. Amy, and their wonderful team gave me a smile I love showing off now!! The whole team is absolutely amazing and are the most gentle people I’ve ever met! They all make sure you understand everything they’re doing and will be doing! You will be in the best of hands! I couldn’t imagine ever going anywhere else!!

Holly Diana

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the dental practice of this amazing husband and wife team, and I can confidently say that they provide the best dental care I have ever experienced. From the moment I walked in the door, I felt welcome, and at ease, and I knew that I was in good hands.Their state of the art dental technology was impressive, and it made my experience incredibly comfortable and efficient. They were able to diagnose and treat my dental issues quickly and accurately, and I left, feeling confident in my smile. Not only were they highly skilled, But their bedside manner was second to none. They were warm, friendly, and genuinely cared about my dental health and overall well-being. It’s clear that they love what they do, and they take great in providing top-notch dental care to their patients.I highly recommend this dental husband and wife team to anyone looking for state of the art dentistry with a personal touch. They truly deserve five stars and more!

Rosa

I came to vibrant dental after experiencing a couple weeks of increasingly severe tooth pain. Trista at the front desk was out kind and accommodating, and Dr Weis did a wonderful job. Not a soulless clinical setting like some other places, can not recommend it enough.

Levi

Always professional and kind. They know their patients. They are part of the community.

Tracey

Dr Weis has a great chairside manner, has a genuine gentle dentistry approach and so far everyone in the office has been friendly and helpful.

Elena

Great experience! 1st time I had Dr Michael Weis work on my dental work! He has an amazing soft touch!! Thanks!

Denise Remavege

Absolutely best dental office ever! Everyone was so welcoming. Both me and my husband had our teeth whitening done as a Christmas present and I'm so happy with the results! They had eye massagers that were super cool and I didn't even know that was a thing. I will definitely recommend this amazing husband and wife duo dentist team to anyone!

Brittany Kinney

Dr Weis and staff are the best. Always keep things on time, if not early! And the work they do is A+. I recommend them for all your dental needs.

Joshua Knights

Amazing experience, friendliest staff, after one visit you feel like part of the family. Loved every second, and this is coming from someone who is not a fan of any kind of doctor visit. Cannot recommend enough.

Erin Peterson

Great experience! Amazing cleaning. Dentist was very thorough. Debbie was the best!

Fernando Marturet

Eye massage, peaceful music, great service and an overall relaxing experience! Great people!!

Angela Connor

Wonderful team at Vibrant Dental, I’ve been a patient since the 90s and they take excellent care of my teeth, including having a plan to address my teeth concerns and overall hygiene.

Jon Wood

Wow, what a wonderful experience! How many can say that about a trip to the dentist? If you were a patient of Dr. Weis at Vibrant Dental, you could say that every visit. Very nice office and a SUPER-professional staff.I highly recommend visiting Vibrant Dental.

Andy Brogden

“The staff is wonderful from the moment you enter the building you feel like part of the family! Everyone is a treat to speak to. Keep up the wonderful work!

Andrea Santiago

Love Dr. Weis and his staff. He takes the time to explain everything including the problem, solutions, and alternatives. He also never appears to be in a rush or hurry which I appreciate! I am so happy I found this office nearby my house when I moved here!

Jillian Burdick

Very satisfied with all my dental experiences & procedures by Dr. Weis & staff. This visit was for gum pain. I was worked into their schedule quickly & due to a cancellation I was seen the same day. Two x-rays later the problem area was identified and carefully explained. Solutions were suggested. Successful visit!

Pat L Toler

$245 New Patient Special

Call today to take advantage of our new patient special. A portion of your visit will go towards Safelight, a local Hendersonville charity. By investing in your own health, you will also be helping your community!

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