Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 8/2/2007

Question
My 5 year old daughter has a gap between her top two front teeth. My dentist suggested to me that the (fraenum?) comes down in between her teeth and that the gap may or may not close on its own. She said sometimes they need to snip it to allow the teeth to close.  Could you please tell me around what percentage of kids gaps close up on their own. If she did need this procedure, when is it normally done and do you think it is necessary?
 Thank you so much in advance
             Laureen Ayer

Answer
there is no set percentage where this happens. what i tell my patients is to wait until the child is around 9-10 years old and make the decision at that time. in many instances, the space has closed up. also by then we may need to get an orthodontist involved. at age 5 it is impossible to make any sort of predictions. you need to see all of the front four permanent teeth in place. good luck

jeff dalin, dds