Lisp Treatment in Emeryville, CA

Have you ever struggled to pronounce certain words? Do you find yourself repeating phrases or speaking slower so others can understand you? For many people, a lisp is more than just a speech quirk—it can affect confidence, conversations, and even career opportunities. While speech therapy can help, sometimes physical restrictions like tongue or lip ties cause lisps. These restrictions limit tongue or lip movement. The good news? A simple laser frenectomy can correct the issue in just minutes. At San Francisco East Bay Mini Dental Implants, Dr. Rose Magno offers this quick, minimally invasive lisp treatment to help patients speak more clearly and confidently.

What Causes a Lisp?

A lisp is a common speech pattern where certain sounds—like S, Z, TH, and SH—are pronounced incorrectly, often with air escaping in the wrong direction. While some lisps are simply a matter of tongue positioning or muscle control, others are caused by a physical limitation in the mouth.

One common culprit is a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie, where a tight band of tissue (frenum) limits tongue or lip movement. This restriction can make it difficult to properly form certain sounds, no matter how much someone practices. For example, a tongue tie can make it difficult to pronounce words like “sun,” “zebra,” “Thursday,” or “yellow” because the tongue lacks full range of motion. A lip tie, on the other hand, can make it harder to form sounds that require full lip movement, such as “pudding,” “butterfly,” “mom,” or “waffle.”

While speech therapy can help some people adjust, a physical correction like a frenectomy is often needed for full improvement.

What Is a Frenectomy and How Can It Help?

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases the frenum, that band of tissue connecting the tongue or upper lip to the mouth. When this tissue is too tight, it limits movement and interferes with speech.

A laser frenectomy is a modern, minimally invasive alternative to a traditional surgical frenectomy. Instead of using a scalpel to cut the restrictive tissue, Dr. Magno uses a precise dental laser to gently release the frenum. Unlike conventional methods, laser technology seals nerve endings and blood vessels as it works, reducing swelling and eliminating the need for stitches. Most patients experience less post-procedure discomfort and can resume normal activities right away. Additionally, many notice an immediate difference in their speech, with continued improvement over time.

The Benefits of Laser Frenectomy for Lisp Treatment

A laser frenectomy is a safe, quick, and effective oral surgery that improves tongue and lip mobility, making it an excellent option for lisp treatment. Compared to traditional methods, laser technology offers a smoother procedure with less discomfort and a faster recovery. Here’s why many patients choose laser frenectomy:

• It is quick and minimally invasive: The procedure takes only 5-10 minutes and doesn’t require stitches.
• There’s little to no pain involved: The laser seals nerve endings and blood vessels, reducing bleeding and minimizing discomfort.
• You can expect faster healing: Most patients recover within a few days. Traditional surgery, on the other hand, requires longer healing times.
• Most experience immediate improvement: Many patients notice better tongue movement right away, which leads to clearer speech over time.
• It’s effective for children and adults alike: Did you know that Dr. Magno’s youngest frenectomy patient was a six-month-old who struggled to drink its bottle? After the procedure, the baby was able to suck the bottle immediately. While early treatment is ideal, adults struggling with a lisp can also benefit!

With its precision and comfort, laser frenectomy is a preferred solution for those looking to improve their speech and confidence.

What To Expect During and After Your Lisp Treatment

A laser frenectomy is a quick and minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime. Before treatment, you’ll meet with Dr. Magno to assess tongue or lip mobility and discuss any speech or functional concerns. If she recommends a frenectomy, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s a very simple procedure with a technique that Dr. Magno has mastered over her 25 years as a dentist.

First, she’ll numb the area for comfort. Then, she’ll use a precise dental laser to release the restrictive tissue in just minutes, with no need for stitches. Recovery is typically smooth, with most patients resuming normal activities the same day. Minor soreness is common but fades quickly, thanks to the laser’s ability to minimize bleeding and swelling.

Patients notice improved tongue movement immediately, with many left wondering why they waited so long to fix their lisp and speak more clearly.

Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Speech

A lisp caused by a tongue tie or lip tie doesn’t have to be permanent! If restricted tongue or lip movement is making it difficult to speak clearly, a quick and minimally invasive laser frenectomy could be the solution. This simple procedure improves mobility, enhances speech, and boosts confidence—often with immediate results. Whether you’ve struggled with a lisp for years or you’re exploring options for your child, now is the time to take action. Schedule a consultation at San Francisco East Bay Mini Dental Implants today, and let Dr. Magno help you or your child speak with clarity and confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions