Big Gap Between Top Front Teeth Due to "Fraenum"

I had a frenectomy when I was 14. I had braces to close the gap between my teeth, but they said it would never stay closed without having the frenulum removed. It was no big deal. It's done with local anesthesia in the oral surgeon's office. I am 37 now, and I've never had a problem with my teeth drifting back apart. By the way, I now have 2 gap-toothed little boys of my own, and I definitely see frenectomies in their future! Good luck!

i had this problem when i was a child. the dentist told my mom that my teeth wouldn't come together unless i had this removed. when i was 8 yrs old i went to an oral surgeon and he "cut" it out. i was knocked out with laughing gas, and woke up and recovered fine. they used dissolvable stitches and my teeth ended up together after that. it may have took a while, i don't remember, but i haven't had any problems since. i am the only person that i know who has had this removed. my advice is to speak to an oral surgeon and find out when a good age is to remove it. i believe that i had lost my baby front teeth and had my adult teeth when the procedure was performed. hope that helped. i am a 28 yr old mom of a 2 yr old boy.

most kids fall on their face at some point and bust it....3 of my boys did...my pediatrician says most kids do, even if the parents don't realize what happened...but if not there is a simple laser cut procedure that my friend just had done to her son(he's 8) and it was no big deal...in and out and he wasn't even bothered by it. Good luck,

Dear Monica,

My daughter who is now nineteen had the same issue. She had braces when she was about twelve and although the orthodontist was concerned that after the braces came off the fraenum was so thick it would force her teeth apart. My options at that time were to have surgery and have it cut or have a permanent brace put behind her teeth(not visable from the front)to prevent the space from returning. We opted for the permanent brace and that was about seven years ago. She has beautiful teeth now and no problems with the fraenum at this point. Before I would put my child through any surgery I would ask about this option. It is better for them to have a space it will allow the teeth to come in freely verses having difficulty when all of their teeth come in . I wouldn't worry about it my daughter is fine.

my daughter (only 10 months) has this as well. just a week or so ago i was talking to my friend (who has 2 kids with it), and happen to say that my daughters space was due to the binky, but she corrected me and told me it was because of this fraenum. her dentist told her that most kids end up falling at some point and hitting their mouth, at which point it tears on its own, but does bleed a lot. wanted to assure her that it was ok -- not to be scared. but did say that if that doesn't happen, they'd need it clipped before braces when they're older. with all the falls these little ones take i'm sure dentist is right and it corrects itself that way at some point.

My neighbor's little boy had that and had to have it taken care of. I remember her saying it all worked out fine. She was very concerned, but was happy with the results. Her son is 7 now, but was little when they took care of it I think. Anyway, it worked out fine. Good luck.
D.

My daughter had to have the frenulum reduced via laser surgery before getting braces. A pediatric dentist or an oral surgeon might be able to give you more information. My daughter had it done at 8 years old and it was not traumatic for her.
Good luck

My friend had her front teeth capped to fill the gap. I never knew till just the other day. Looks totally natural. I wouldn't worry about it unless he has trouble eating.

Hi Monica,
I think I may have had this done when I was a kid, but I'm not sure. I had a big space between my front teeth and as a teenager I needed braces. But I have a vague memory of going to the dentist and having something clipped.... the only other thing I remember is that I was taking swimming lessons at the time and I wasn't allowed to jump in the water (not sure why?) Anyway, if you want more information, I can check with my mom - she remembers everything! Although I am 27 now and it must have been done when I was about 4; lots could have changed since then. Good luck!