Frenectomy for Adolescents and Adults Lakeland

May 17, 2026 · 13 min read

TL;DR — The Bottom Line

Tongue tie and lip tie are not just infant problems. Frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland is a proven, minimally invasive procedure that can resolve years of speech difficulty, oral discomfort, gum recession, and even sleep disruption. At Lakeland Tongue Tie, CO₂ laser technology makes the procedure faster, more precise, and more comfortable than traditional methods — with most patients returning to normal activity the same day.

If you have spent years struggling with unclear speech, chronic jaw tension, difficulty eating certain foods, or persistent gum problems near your front teeth, you may have been living with an undiagnosed tongue or lip tie. Frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland is far more common than most people realize — and it is never too late to get relief. At Lakeland Tongue Tie, Dr. Erin Smith Berling and her team specialize in CO₂ laser frenectomy for patients of all ages, using state-of-the-art LightScalpel technology to deliver precise, comfortable outcomes for the Central Florida community.

Frenectomy: A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that releases a restrictive band of tissue called a frenum — either beneath the tongue (ankyloglossia, commonly called tongue tie) or inside the upper or lower lip (lip tie). When the frenum is too short, thick, or tightly attached, it limits normal movement and can affect speech, eating, oral hygiene, and overall oral function throughout life.

Quick Facts

Prevalence: Research suggests tongue tie affects approximately 4–10% of the general population
Often Undiagnosed: Many adolescents and adults with tongue tie were never identified as children
Procedure Time: Most CO₂ laser frenectomies in adults take 15–30 minutes in-office
Technology Used: Lakeland Tongue Tie uses LightScalpel CO₂ laser for precision and reduced post-op discomfort
Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities the same day or within 24–48 hours
Provider: Dr. Erin Smith Berling, pediatric dentist, Lakeland, FL — treating infants through adults

Why Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Persist Into Adulthood

There is a common misconception that tongue tie is exclusively a newborn or infant concern. In reality, a significant number of people carry restrictive frena well into adolescence and adulthood without ever receiving a diagnosis. This happens for several reasons.

First, diagnostic standards have historically varied. Providers without specialized training in tethered oral tissues often miss mild to moderate restrictions, particularly when a patient has developed compensatory habits — subtle adjustments in how they move their tongue, jaw, or lips to work around the limitation. These compensations can mask functional impairment for years, only breaking down under increased demands such as public speaking, playing a wind instrument, or orthodontic treatment.

Second, awareness of frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland and across the country has grown substantially only in recent years. A generation ago, many children with tongue tie were simply told they would "grow out of it" or that their speech difficulties were unrelated to oral anatomy. Today, a growing body of clinical evidence and a more interdisciplinary approach — involving dentists, speech-language pathologists, myofunctional therapists, and ENT physicians — has shed light on how untreated restrictions continue to affect quality of life long after childhood.

If you have ever been told your speech issues are just a habit, or that your chronic jaw and neck tension is purely stress-related, it may be worth asking whether an undiagnosed tongue or lip tie is part of the picture.

Adult patient consultation for tongue tie assessment at Lakeland dental office — A thorough oral assessment is the first step in evaluating whether a frenectomy is appropriate for adolescent or adult patients in Lakeland.

Common Symptoms in Adolescents and Adults: Are You Recognizing Yourself?

One of the most important steps toward getting help is recognizing the signs. Frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland often begins with a patient — or a parent — connecting the dots between long-standing symptoms and restricted oral tissue. Here are the most common presentations our team sees:

Speech and Communication

Difficulty producing sounds like "l," "r," "th," "d," "n," or "z" clearly
Speaking fatigue — your mouth and tongue tire out faster than expected during long conversations or presentations
A tendency to over-articulate or speak more slowly than you'd like in order to be understood
Lisping or mumbling that has persisted despite speech therapy

Eating and Swallowing

Difficulty moving food efficiently to the back of the mouth for swallowing
Trouble with foods that require tongue control — soups, loose rice, sticky foods
Inability to lick an ice cream cone properly (often a good self-test for tongue mobility)
Slow eating or a habit of taking very small bites

Oral Health and Dental Issues

Gum recession near the lower front teeth where a tight frenum pulls on the gum tissue
A persistent gap between the two upper front teeth caused by a high labial frenum (lip tie)
Difficulty thoroughly cleaning the lower front teeth with a toothbrush due to restricted tongue access
Tension with orthodontic retainers or oral appliances

Pain, Tension, and Airway

Chronic jaw, neck, or upper back tension that has not resolved with physical therapy or chiropractic care
Headaches that originate at the base of the skull or jaw
Mouth breathing, snoring, or suspected airway concerns — research suggests tongue tie may contribute to disordered sleep breathing in select patients

If several of these symptoms resonate, a comprehensive evaluation for frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland is a logical next step. Many patients describe an "aha" moment when they first learn that a structural issue — not a personal failing — has been behind these challenges their entire lives. For a deeper look at how tongue restriction intersects with sleep, see our resource on whether tongue tie can cause sleep apnea in adults.

Q: Can adults really benefit from a frenectomy, or is it only effective when done in childhood?
Adults absolutely benefit from frenectomy. While early intervention makes sense when issues are identified young, the oral tissues remain responsive to surgical release at any age. Adults often report meaningful improvements in speech clarity, comfort while eating, oral hygiene, and reduction in jaw and neck tension following a properly performed laser frenectomy. Myofunctional therapy before and after the procedure helps maximize outcomes.

Frenectomy for Adolescents and Adults Lakeland: The CO₂ Laser Advantage

Not all frenectomies are created equal. The technique and technology used have a significant impact on the patient experience, healing time, and quality of the release. At Lakeland Tongue Tie, we perform frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland using the LightScalpel CO₂ laser — and the difference compared to traditional surgical approaches is substantial.

Traditional Scalpel or Scissor Frenectomy

Conventional frenectomies use a scalpel or surgical scissors to physically cut through the frenum tissue. While effective, this approach typically involves more bleeding, the need for sutures, greater post-operative swelling, and a longer recovery period. For adults with thicker, more fibrous oral tissues, this can translate into a more uncomfortable healing experience.

CO₂ Laser Frenectomy: Precision Without the Pain

The LightScalpel CO₂ laser vaporizes soft tissue with extraordinary precision using a focused beam of light energy. This delivers several key benefits for adolescent and adult patients:

Minimal bleeding: The laser simultaneously seals small blood vessels as it releases tissue, resulting in a cleaner surgical field and reduced bleeding
No sutures in most cases: The precision of the laser typically eliminates the need for stitches
Less post-operative swelling and discomfort: Reduced collateral tissue damage means less inflammation in the days following the procedure
Faster procedure time: Most adult laser frenectomies are completed in 15 to 30 minutes
Lower infection risk: The laser's thermal effect provides a degree of sterilization to the treatment site
Same-day return to activity: Most patients are comfortable resuming work and daily routines within 24 hours

For adolescents especially — who may have anxiety about dental procedures — the reduced noise, minimized bleeding, and gentler recovery of laser frenectomy make a meaningful difference in the overall experience.

Myth: Frenectomy is a painful, involved surgery that requires weeks of recovery and time away from school or work.

Reality: With CO₂ laser technology, frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland is a minimally invasive in-office procedure. Most patients experience only mild soreness for a few days and return to normal activities within 24–48 hours. Sutures are typically not required, and the procedure itself usually takes under 30 minutes.

CO2 laser frenectomy procedure being performed on adult patient in Lakeland dental office — The LightScalpel CO₂ laser used at Lakeland Tongue Tie offers precision soft-tissue release with minimal bleeding and faster healing for adolescent and adult patients.

What to Expect: The Evaluation and Treatment Process

Understanding what the journey looks like from first contact to full recovery helps patients — and the parents of adolescent patients — feel confident and prepared. Here is a step-by-step overview of how frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland unfolds at Lakeland Tongue Tie:

Initial Consultation: Your provider completes a comprehensive oral assessment, reviewing tongue and lip mobility, dental alignment, airway health, and any relevant speech or myofunctional history. Functional tests — such as tongue elevation, lateralization, and lip seal — are evaluated alongside a visual and tactile examination of the frenum.
Collaborative Care Planning: For many adolescent and adult patients, a frenectomy is most effective when paired with myofunctional therapy (exercises that retrain the tongue and oral muscles). Your provider may refer you to a myofunctional therapist before and after the procedure to ensure lasting results. Some patients also benefit from coordinated care with a speech-language pathologist or orthodontist.
Pre-Procedure Preparation: Pre-operative myofunctional exercises are often assigned to improve tissue mobility and accelerate post-operative healing. On the day of the procedure, topical and local anesthesia are applied to ensure complete comfort.
The Laser Frenectomy: Using the LightScalpel CO₂ laser, the restrictive frenum tissue is precisely released. The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes. There is minimal bleeding, no sutures in most cases, and patients remain awake and comfortable throughout.
Post-Operative Care: Specific stretching exercises are prescribed to prevent reattachment of the tissue — this is a critical step that significantly affects outcomes. Your provider will give clear written and verbal instructions, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing.
Myofunctional Rehabilitation: Post-operative therapy helps the tongue and lips learn new movement patterns now that the restriction has been released. This phase is especially important for adults, whose compensatory habits are more deeply ingrained.

The entire process — from consultation to functional improvement — typically spans several weeks to a few months depending on the patient's goals, therapy compliance, and the complexity of the case.

Q: Does insurance cover frenectomy for adults in Lakeland?
Coverage varies widely depending on your insurance plan and the documented medical necessity of the procedure. Some dental and medical insurance plans cover frenectomy when it is performed to address functional issues such as speech impairment, periodontal disease risk, or airway concerns. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment and asking our team about billing and financing options available at Lakeland Tongue Tie.

Orthodontic and Periodontal Connections: More Than a Speech Issue

For many adults seeking frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland, the primary motivation is not speech — it is dental health. A restrictive labial frenum (lip tie) is one of the most common causes of a midline diastema, the gap that sometimes appears between the two upper front teeth. Orthodontists frequently identify this issue during treatment, and in many cases, a frenectomy is recommended either before or after braces or Invisalign to prevent the gap from returning once appliances are removed.

Similarly, a tight lower labial frenum can pull on the gum tissue between the lower front teeth, contributing to gum recession over time. Left untreated, this can lead to root exposure, sensitivity, and an increased risk of periodontal disease. Periodontists and general dentists regularly refer adult patients for frenectomy as part of a comprehensive gum health treatment plan.

For adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment, addressing tongue and lip tie early can also improve the stability of orthodontic outcomes. An unreleased tongue tie may create continuous pressure against the lower front teeth or prevent the tongue from resting properly on the roof of the mouth — both of which can compromise the results of even well-executed orthodontic work.

Understanding the connection between your oral anatomy and your long-term dental health is one reason why a thorough evaluation for frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland is so valuable. You can also explore more context around timing and age considerations in our comprehensive guide on the best age for tongue tie revision.

Why Choose Lakeland Tongue Tie for Your Frenectomy

Lakeland and the broader Central Florida region have several providers who offer frenectomy services, but not all practices are equally equipped or experienced to handle the nuanced needs of adolescent and adult patients. Here is what sets Lakeland Tongue Tie apart when it comes to frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland:

Specialized Focus on Tethered Oral Tissues

Unlike general dental practices where frenectomy is one of dozens of services offered, Lakeland Tongue Tie is a dedicated tongue and lip tie center. This means deeper expertise, more refined diagnostic protocols, and a team that stays current with the latest research and techniques in the field.

LightScalpel CO₂ Laser Technology

Not every provider in the Lakeland area uses CO₂ laser technology. Some still rely on scissors or scalpels, and others use diode lasers, which operate differently and may not provide the same precision or healing advantages. The LightScalpel CO₂ laser used at Lakeland Tongue Tie is widely regarded as the gold standard for soft-tissue frenectomy in dentistry.

Whole-Patient, Multidisciplinary Approach

Dr. Erin Smith Berling and her team do not simply perform a procedure and send patients home. The care model at Lakeland Tongue Tie integrates myofunctional therapy, coordination with speech-language pathologists and orthodontists, and a structured post-operative support protocol — all of which contribute to durable, meaningful outcomes.

Comfortable, Judgment-Free Care for All Ages

Many adult patients feel a degree of embarrassment about seeking evaluation for something that "should have been caught" in childhood. At Lakeland Tongue Tie, adolescent and adult patients are welcomed with the same professionalism, compassion, and clinical depth as any other patient. It is never too late to address a structural issue that has been affecting your quality of life.

"Tongue tie is not a childhood problem that adults simply outgrow — it is a structural condition that responds to proper treatment at any age. The right intervention, at the right time, can genuinely change a person's quality of life."

Adolescent patient receiving post-frenectomy care instructions at Lakeland Tongue Tie office — Post-operative education and myofunctional therapy guidance are essential parts of the recovery process for adolescent and adult frenectomy patients at Lakeland Tongue Tie.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomy for Adolescents and Adults in Lakeland

How do I know if I need a frenectomy as an adult?

Common indicators include persistent speech difficulties, tongue fatigue during long conversations, difficulty eating certain foods, gum recession near the front lower teeth, a gap between your upper front teeth, chronic jaw or neck tension, or mouth breathing. The most reliable way to know is a professional evaluation. At Lakeland Tongue Tie, our team performs a thorough functional and structural assessment to determine whether a restrictive frenum is contributing to your symptoms and whether frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland is an appropriate option for you.

Is a frenectomy painful for adults?

Most adult patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the experience is. The procedure is performed with topical and local anesthesia, so you should feel only pressure — not pain — during the release itself. In the days following the procedure, mild soreness and some minor swelling are normal. Most patients manage comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief and describe discomfort as a 2 or 3 out of 10. The CO₂ laser used at Lakeland Tongue Tie significantly reduces post-operative inflammation compared to traditional scissor or scalpel techniques.

Do I need myofunctional therapy before or after a frenectomy?

For adolescents and adults, myofunctional therapy is strongly recommended both before and after frenectomy. Pre-operative exercises improve tissue mobility and prepare the muscles for their new range of motion. Post-operative therapy is equally important: after years of compensating for restricted movement, the tongue and surrounding muscles need to learn new, functional movement patterns. Skipping this step increases the risk of reattachment and reduces the functional benefit of the procedure. Your provider at Lakeland Tongue Tie will coordinate referrals as needed.

How long does recovery take after an adult frenectomy?

Most patients feel ready to return to work, school, or daily activities within 24–48 hours. The surgical site typically heals within 2–4 weeks, though the tissue continues to mature and remodel over several months. The most important part of recovery is performing the prescribed stretching exercises consistently — usually 4–6 times per day for the first 3–6 weeks — to prevent reattachment and maintain the full release. Your team at Lakeland Tongue Tie will guide you through every step of this process.

Can a frenectomy improve sleep problems in adults?

In select cases, yes. Research suggests that tongue tie can contribute to disordered breathing during sleep by limiting the tongue's ability to rest in an optimal palatal position, which supports airway patency. For adults with concurrent concerns about snoring, mouth breathing, or sleep-disordered breathing, frenectomy may be one component of a broader treatment plan that could also involve ENT evaluation or a sleep study. Our team can help coordinate care with appropriate specialists when airway concerns are identified.

Taking the Next Step: Your Consultation at Lakeland Tongue Tie

If you have read this far and recognized yourself — or your teenager — in the symptoms described, the most important next step is a professional evaluation. Frenectomy for adolescents and adults in Lakeland is a well-established, safe, and effective procedure that has helped countless patients unlock better speech, improved oral health, greater comfort while eating, and reduced pain and tension that they had simply accepted as a fact of life.

At Lakeland Tongue Tie, we serve patients from Lakeland, Winter Haven, Wesley Chapel, Clermont, Orlando, and communities throughout Central Florida. Our approach combines advanced CO₂ laser technology with a whole-patient philosophy, ensuring that every adolescent and adult patient receives the personalized, expert care they deserve — regardless of whether they are coming to us for the first time or seeking revision of a previous procedure.

You do not have to keep managing around a restriction that can be addressed. Whether your primary concern is speech, dental health, eating comfort, jaw pain, or sleep quality, our team is here to evaluate your specific anatomy and goals, explain your options clearly, and support you through every stage of treatment and recovery.

Contact Lakeland Tongue Tie today to schedule your comprehensive frenectomy evaluation. Relief — and a better quality of life — may be closer than you think.