The frenulum is a soft mucous membrane that is located between the gums and tongue, lips, and cheeks, and that limits movement by connecting these tissues to each other.
The frenulum is often located between the upper and lower middle incisors, between the cheeks and the back teeth, and under the tongue.
It differs from individual to individual. Although it is located under the tongue in almost every person, there is more than one frenulum on the lower and upper front teeth and in the posterior cheek.
Especially when frenula are larger and thicker than normal and when they are located too close to the edge of the teeth, they can pull down the gums and cause gingival recession and gingival diseases. Large and thick frenulum under the tongue may cause problems in speaking, especially for young children.
Yes, especially the existence of a thicker and larger frenulum than normal between the lower and upper middle teeth hinders the teeth from joining together, and the resulting gaps between the teeth named diastema may cause aesthetic problems.
If a frenulum is located close to the edge of the gum, this may cause gingival recession and gingival diseases, therefore, it should be removed. Especially when a frenulum is located between the upper and lower incisors and causes diastema, the frenulum should be removed first, and then orthodontic treatment should be applied to bring the teeth together.
Thanks to developing technology, the frenectomy procedure is now mostly performed with the help of laser, ensuring a short and blood-free procedure. However, in cases where the tissue is too large or deep, it must be surgically removed, and the resulting cut should be sutured.
Evaluation of frenulum size, location, and impact on oral function
Local anesthesia is applied for a painless procedure
Laser or surgical removal of the frenulum tissue
If necessary, sutures are placed and removed after one week
Especially beneficial for children with speech difficulties caused by tongue tie
Closes gaps between teeth and improves overall smile appearance