Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 11/24/2006

Question
My 8 year old son has just been told he should have a frenulectomy performed because it is causing his two front teeth to have a gap between them and they have also grown in inward.  This is the 2nd dentist that has said he will probably need braces, but the 1st regarding the frenulectomy.  I wanted to know if this is a procedure that an orthodontist would suggest having done prior to braces?  Also this gap does run on the paternal side of the family, few had it removed.  Thank you for you time, Micki

Answer
Dear Micki,

A frenectomy/frenulectomy (either term is OK) is indeed sometimes used if the upper labial frenum is thick and inserts low, between spaced central incisors. Although it is appropriate to perform this procedure prior to the actual initiation of active orthodontic therapy, not all frenums need to be removed.

I think it's best to let the treating orthodontist decide whether a frenectomy is appropriate, rather than taking the word of the pediatric or general dentist.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY