16 month old has an upper lip tie that tethers his lip to in between his front 2 teeth, causing a gap. trouble with sippy cups. clip it?

Rarely needed: This will usually stretch out over time or the kid will fall on his face and tear it.I can't remember ever seeing one clipped in 4 decades of pediatric practice.

Wait: Dr. Ferguson's answer is entirely correct for the child at 16 months,. If the lip tie and gap between the front teeth persist to age 10 or 11, then the band of tissue (the labial frenulum) should be excised. See an Orthodontist at about age 7 to get a preview of what will be needed later so you can plan, save or arrange dental insurance. If the gap closes as the adult front teeth erupt, you're OK

Tissue tag: Tissue may have to be reshaped, but first teeth should be ideally aligned. Therefore reshaping best done near end of corrective Orthodontic treatment, probably late tween/early teen. See Orthodontic Specialist Age 7 for initial exam. But for right now consult with Pediatric Dental Specialist ASAP.