Infant Tongue Or Lip Tie Release

With Michelle Barone, NP

While online booking with Michelle Barone is not available, we encourage you to fill out the form below to request an appointment. Once received, our team will be in touch.

Office Hours:

Monday:
8am – 4pm
Tuesday:
8am – 4pm
Wednesday:
11am – 7pm
Thursday:
8am – 4pm
Friday:
8am – 3pm
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed

Download Our Information Booklet

What’s inside?
  • Meet Michelle
  • Learn more about what to expect before, during, and after your appointment
  • Signs and symptoms of oral restrictions
  • When is a frenectomy recommended?
  • How does a frenectomy work?
  • Post-surgical care tips
  • And more!

What are Tongue Ties?

A tongue-tie release is designed to improve tongue movement when a tight or restrictive band of tissue limits normal oral function. In infants, tongue ties can affect breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch comfort, and tongue mobility. A tongue-tie release uses a gentle laser procedure to reduce restriction and support more natural tongue movement, which can support oral development, swallowing, and feeding comfort as a child grows.

Benefits of this procedure?

  • Improved breastfeeding
  • Can resolve speech issues
  • Better growth and development of the palate and facial bones
  • Less likely to grow into airway-related issues as adults, such as sleep apnea
  • Reduced neck and shoulder tension
  • Possibly prevent some chronic headaches and muscle tension

Michelle Barone, MScN, NP

Michelle specializes in treating patients with tethered oral tissues (tongue/lip/cheek ties). She performs comprehensive health assessments, including infant feeding assessments, and performs a procedure to release tethered oral tissues using a specialized CO2 laser. 

With a deep understanding of tongue function and its impact on the development of our mouth, facial structure, and upper airway, Michelle has a special interest in studying the systemic health consequences of oral restrictions, oral dysfunction, and underdeveloped jaws, which contribute to common medical conditions like, jaw joint (TMJ) dysfunction, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and Attention-Deficit or Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

As an invited lecturer, she is committed to educating other healthcare professionals about oral restrictions and the connection to our airway, breathing, and overall health.

Credentials

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) and a Nurse Practitioner Diploma in Primary Health Care (NP-PHC) from the University of Ottawa
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree from Laurentian University
  • Experience as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at the Ottawa Heart Institute
  • Active member of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario (NPAO), and the International Consortium of Ankyloglossia Professionals (ICAP)
  • Studied at the Breathe Institute in California, and was taught by leading medical and dental experts, including Dr. Pinto, a pediatric tongue-tie specialist, in tongue-ties and airway health

A few things to know before your appointment:

LASER

We are proud to use a specialized laser for the procedure, which produces less discomfort and makes it extremely quick and efficient. It also keeps swelling to a minimum while reducing the risk of infection. 

The biggest benefit of this particular laser is the reduced scar tissue. This means less re-attachment after healing and a better long-term outcome.

Feeding and Follow-Ups

If possible, Michelle prefers to see the baby being fed (breast or bottle) during the appointment. 

We have comfortable private rooms and change tables available for you, and we typically schedule one-week follow-ups after the procedure.

Your Appointment Time

Managing a schedule with infants can be challenging. We will try our best to see you at your scheduled appointment, but appointment times may vary slightly. 

Thank you for your patience!

Post-Procedure Comfort

We recommend bringing a bottle of either infant Tylenol (if <6 months of age) or infant Advil (if >6 months of age) to be given after the procedure is completed.

Fees

Assessment and treatment (including all tethered oral tissues): $900
Assessment: $250 

Treatment only (if completed at a separate appointment within 3 months of the assessment): $650
*Fees subject to change.

Healthcare Professionals:

When Should You Refer?

1. Feeding Issues

For breast or bottle-fed infants: 

  • Shallow latch
  • Sliding or popping on/off nipple
  • Weak suck
  • Clicking/smacking sounds
  • Gumming or chewing on the nipple
  • Milk leaking out of the sides of the mouth
  • Falling asleep during feeds
  • Upper lip curling under during feeds
  • Feeding non-stop or prolonged feeds
  • Appearing frustrated during feeds
  • Gagging/choking/coughing during feeds

2. Infant's Symptoms

For breast or bottle-fed infants: 

  • Colic
  • Reflux/GERD/++ spitting up
  • Gassiness
  • Slow weight gain
  • Open-mouth posture
  • Snoring or noisy breathing
  • White milk coating on tongue +/- oral thrush
  • Restless sleep
  • Unable to retain a pacifier in the mouth
  • Torticollis

3. Mom's Symptoms

If breastfeeding:

  • Nipple pain with nursing
  • Nipple distortion or damage after feeding (lipstick-shaped, cracked, bruised, bleeding)
  • Incomplete drainage after feeds
  • Plugged ducts
  • Mastitis
  • Low milk supply

FAQs About Infant Tongue-Tie Release In Manotick

Some parents notice feeding difficulties, latch challenges, clicking sounds during feeding, frustration while feeding, or limited tongue movement. These concerns do not always mean treatment is necessary. Michelle performs functional assessments designed to evaluate whether oral restriction may be contributing to feeding or movement concerns in infants.

This treatment is commonly performed for infants when oral restriction is affecting feeding or function. Michelle carefully evaluates each child individually before recommending treatment. Families receive detailed information about the procedure, healing expectations, and follow-up support to help them feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.

Healing time varies for every infant, but many families notice improvement gradually during the days and weeks following treatment. Parents may receive feeding guidance and home care instructions to support healing and oral movement. Follow-up visits help monitor progress and provide continued support during recovery and feeding adjustments.

Yes, follow-up appointments are commonly recommended after treatment to monitor healing and oral function. Michelle works closely with families during these visits to answer questions, assess feeding progress, and provide ongoing guidance. Continued support can help parents feel reassured as their child adjusts following the procedure.

Some families notice improved feeding comfort, latch quality, or tongue mobility after treatment. However, every child responds differently depending on their specific needs and feeding patterns. Ongoing support, observation, and feeding guidance may continue after treatment to help families navigate feeding progress and oral development over time.

Let’s Get You Scheduled With Michelle!

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