Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) procedure is a minor surgery used to release the tight tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) that restricts movement. It’s commonly performed on infants with feeding difficulties or older children and adults with speech or oral issues.
The cost depends on the type of procedure, where it’s done, and whether insurance covers it. Let’s break down the cost of a tongue tie release, insurance coverage, and ways to reduce expenses.
How Much Does a Tongue Tie Procedure Cost?
Procedure Type |
Cost Without Insurance |
Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Frenotomy (Scissors or Laser Release, No Anesthesia) |
$200 – $800 |
$0 – $300 |
Frenuloplasty (Surgical Release with Stitches & Anesthesia) |
$800 – $2,500 |
$200 – $1,000 |
Consultation Fee (If Not Included in Surgery Cost) |
$50 – $250 |
$10 – $75 copay |
🔹 Total cost ranges from $200 to $2,500, depending on the procedure type and setting.
🔹 Frenotomy is quicker and less expensive, while frenuloplasty is more complex and costs more.
Frenotomy vs. Frenuloplasty: What’s the Difference?
Procedure |
Best For |
How It’s Done |
Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Frenotomy |
Infants, mild cases |
Quick snip with scissors or laser |
A few days |
Frenuloplasty |
Older children, severe cases |
Surgical release with stitches, anesthesia used |
1–2 weeks |
🔹 Frenotomy is often done in a pediatrician’s or dentist’s office, making it cheaper.
🔹 Frenuloplasty is performed in a hospital or surgical center, increasing costs.
Tongue Tie Procedure Costs by Location
Location |
Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
Pediatrician’s Office |
$200 – $600 |
Dentist’s Office (Laser Frenotomy) |
$400 – $1,000 |
ENT Specialist (Otolaryngologist) or Oral Surgeon |
$800 – $2,500 |
Hospital (Frenuloplasty with Anesthesia) |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
🔹 Laser procedures may cost more than traditional scissor releases.
🔹 Surgical centers and hospitals charge higher facility fees.
Does Insurance Cover a Tongue Tie Release?
Insurance Type |
Covers Infant Tongue Tie Release? |
Covers Adult Tongue Tie Release? |
|---|---|---|
Employer/Private Insurance |
Often covered if medically necessary |
Sometimes, if speech or swallowing is affected |
Medicaid |
Usually covered for infants |
Limited coverage for adults |
Marketplace/ACA Plans |
Often covered for infants |
Case-by-case basis |
No Insurance |
Full cost required |
Full cost required |
🔹 Insurance covers the procedure if it’s medically necessary for feeding, speech, or oral function.
🔹 If done for cosmetic reasons, insurance may not cover it.
Ways to Save Money on a Tongue Tie Procedure
- Check with insurance first – Many fully cover infant frenotomy if medically necessary.
- Choose a pediatrician or dentist over a hospital – Office procedures are cheaper than hospital surgeries.
- Ask about cash discounts – Some clinics offer lower rates for uninsured patients.
- Use an HSA or FSA – You can pay for the procedure using tax-free medical savings accounts.
- Find community programs – Some children’s hospitals or nonprofit clinics offer free or low-cost procedures for qualifying families.
Is a Tongue Tie Release Worth the Cost?
For infants, tongue tie correction can improve feeding, prevent weight loss, and enhance oral function.
For older children and adults, it can help with speech issues, jaw pain, and oral hygiene.
Age Group |
Common Benefits of Tongue Tie Release |
|---|---|
Infants |
Improved breastfeeding, reduced feeding difficulties |
Children |
Better speech development, fewer dental issues |
Adults |
Improved tongue mobility, reduced oral discomfort |
🔹 Early treatment is often more affordable and prevents long-term issues.
Final Thoughts
A tongue tie procedure can cost $200 to $2,500, depending on the method, location, and insurance coverage.
- Frenotomy is cheaper ($200 – $800), while frenuloplasty is more expensive ($800 – $2,500).
- Insurance often covers the procedure for infants if it’s medically necessary.
- Pediatricians and dentists charge less than hospitals and surgical centers.
Have you or your child had a tongue tie procedure? How much did it cost? Share your experience in the comments.
For real-world healthcare pricing insights, visit CostHowMuch.com. 😊
