Specialty Services and Procedures
Here are some of the additional services we offer to enhance your treatment:
Frenectomies and Functional Frenuloplasties
More information on releasing tongue and lip ties can be found here.
What is a tongue tie or lip tie?
A lip or tongue tie is a condition which is present at birth that restricts tongue or lip movement. It usually is the result of an unusually tight or thick frenum, which is the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the lip to the gums. A tongue or lip tie can contribute to feeding or swallowing difficulties for infants. It can also affect speech, and inhibit development of the cranial structures, which may contribute to restricted airway development or crowded teeth.
In older children and adults, a tie can affect tongue and lip function, which can play a part in TMJ disorders, neck pain, sleep breathing issues such as apnea, and orthodontic relapse. More detailed information can be found below.
In our office, we use the latest research and technology to address lip or tongue ties on infants, children, and adults. If myofunctional issues and/or ties are noted, we may refer for services including craniosacral therapy, speech therapy, orofacial myology, chiropractic care, physical therapy, or lactation consults as indicated to optimize results.
Orthodontic Treatment
Prolotherapy, Trigger Point, and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Injections
Therapeutic Laser Treatments
Our lasers can treat other soft tissue concerns such as canker sores or cold sores, and we can perform soft tissue biopsies.
Additionally, our therapeutic cold lasers can help to provide significant pain relief.
The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain
Botox (R) for Migraines and TMD
SphenoCath (R) for Migraines
“I am at the beginning of my treatment for TMJ. I just got my mouth piece yesterday and can already feel a difference. I have been in so much pain for so long and the staff here have been so caring and understanding!! Dr. Hakala, his assistant and Genevieve were AMAZING with listening to me and getting all of my questions answered. They also answered all my questions and explained things to me in a way that was very easy to follow and understand! I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone!!! Thanks so much for such wonderful care!!!”
Katie K.
“These wonderful people have absolutely changed my life. For years I could not open my mouth without pain. Now just a few months after my first visit I am pain free and feeling the best I ever have. Dr. Hakala is very experienced and diagnosed my problem quickly. I drive 550 miles for my appointments and every mile is worth it.”
Mikaela R.
“When I first came to see Dr. Ledermann for my TMJ disorder I was in constant pain. I had constant headaches and neck pain. I couldn't sleep and had developed searing nerve pain in my face that felt like fire. I was miserable and desperate. I could hardly eat and had lost a lot of weight. I had seen several specialists and spent a lot of money on oral devices but unfortunately my condition continued to get worse. I was not optimistic that anyone would be able to help me.
Dr. Ledermann and her team of professionals were the first people who took the time to explain to me what was physically happening to my jaw. They took my pain seriously and responded compassionately. My experience at Minnesota Craniofacial has been nothing short of life changing. I have had several years of pain free life now. I am able to eat the things I love without pain! I can open my mouth to sing again! I'm not sure where I would be without this amazing team of people. I can only describe them as genuinely caring, passionate and knowledgeable. The improvement was beyond anything I had ever hoped. They have given me the tools, support and education necessary to manage my condition and lead a pain free life. I am so grateful for everything they have done to help me. ”
A.R.
“I had been heavily snoring for a while, keeping my wife awake at times. I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea and a CPAP machine was recommended. The sleep doctor did indicate that a mouthpiece device was an alternative. I did not want to be hooked up to a CPAP machine that would feel like being in the intensive care unit for the rest of my life. I contacted the Minnesota Craniofacial Center to see if I was a candidate for the sleep apnea mouthpiece device.
Their office is wonderful and they employ very welcoming staff who are highly competent at their work. They use the latest technology to evaluate patients and to design a device that will work for the patient. I felt very comfortable and confident with the care I received.
It took a few nights to get used to the device, but my snoring was resolved and the apnea events eliminated.......thanks to Drs. Ledermann and Hakala and their wonderful assistants. It has gotten to the point now that using the device is just part of my normal bedtime routine. Unlike some dentists that offer a sleep device as just a part of their routine dental practice, Dr. Ledermann and Hakala specialize in the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders and TMJ. They are experts in their field and I would highly recommend the Minnesota Craniofacial Center if you have a snoring problem and/or sleep apnea as I did.
I have relief at last....thanks to the MN craniofacial Center.”
J.C.