A frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects one part of your mouth to another. In some cases, we may need to remove or modify a frenulum to improve the function and health of your smile; this type of treatment is called a frenectomy. The two most common types of frenectomy are lingual frenectomy and labial frenectomy. The lingual frenulum connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If this frenulum is abnormally short or thick, it can result in a condition known as ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie. This often inhibits the patient from chewing, eating and speaking properly. To alleviate these problems, our friendly orthodontist may recommend a frenectomy. A labial frenectomy is used to remove the frenulum that attaches the top lip to the gums above the front teeth. In some cases, this frenulum can cause recession of the gums, contribute to a gap between the upper front teeth or cause problems for denture wearers.

The frenectomy process is simple and quick. Our orthodontist can typically complete the removal of a frenulum in just one visit to our office, and we will ensure that you or your child are comfortable during the entire treatment. We will also provide you with detailed care instructions to ensure proper healing. We welcome you to call us today for more information and to schedule your next appointment.