Yes, a frenectomy might change the smile, but that is the whole purpose of this procedure. 

Tongue and lip ties can cause problems later in life, so it’s essential to get them done as soon as possible. 

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), “A frenectomy may be recommended when a thick frenum prevents the closure of a gap between the upper front teeth, particularly in conjunction with braces or other orthodontic treatment.”

Here is a quick guide on how Frenectomy improves overall facial aesthetics and oral health. 

What is a Frenectomy – Some Basics of this Procedure

Frenectomy is a minor and painless dental procedure that removes or alters the frenum attachment in a person’s mouth. There are two types of Frenectomy. 

Labial Frenectomy 

Labial Frenectomy is done to remove or modify the extra tissue that connects the lips to the gums.

A thick and tight labial frenum causes diastema. This condition causes spacing issues due to gaps between teeth. 

A labial frenectomy does not change the smile but makes it more enchanting and natural. . 

Lingual Frenectomy

Sometimes, a person can suffer from tongue tie (ankyloglossia). 

This condition leads to limited tongue mobility, causing serious problems with eating, swallowing, and dental development. 

That is when lingual Frenectomy becomes necessary to improve tongue movement in the mouth.

How a Frenectomy Can Improve Your Smile – The 5 Main Facts 

Frenectomy enhances the overall facial aesthetics by resolving serious dental problems: Here is how Frenectomy does it all! 

Reducing Tooth Gaps 

The biggest advantage of a frenectomy is that it improves a person’s overall dental alignment. Lip or tongue ties can cause a noticeable and bothersome gap between the front teeth. 

Treating this issue can lead to better tooth movement, which improves a person’s overall oral health. 

Better Lip Mobility and Facial Aesthetics 

A lip or tongue tie is vexing as it hinders a person’s ability to move their lips or tongues freely, leading to some breastfeeding issues in kids. 

Frenectomy removes this extra issue, reducing the tooth gap, enhancing lip mobility, and improving lip shape—a win-win situation! 

Less Gum Recession and Better Oral Health 

The International Journal of Dentistry states, “Frenectomy is indicated if the frenulum attachment causes midline diastema, gingival recession, hindrance in maintaining oral hygiene, or if it interferes with lip movements and for prosthetic needs.”

Improved Speech and Tongue Function 

Frenctomy also improves speech articulation and speech clarity. 

By removing the unnecessary tissue, a person can experience improved tongue mobility, leading to proper swallowing and eating. 

These aspects also contribute to more confident facial expressions and a stunning smile. 

Post-frenectomy Side Effects & Smile Adaptation- What to Expect 

Here are some things that might happen after a frenectomy. Remember that these side effects arise due to the case complication or the thickness of the attached tissue. 

  • Swelling: Common side effect that can last for 2 to 3 days after the procedure
  • Lip drooping: Temporary side effect that can recover once the tissues and muscles adjust after the surgical procedure
  • Sore throat: Minor pain and discomfort  in the jaw, ear, and neck
  • Bleeding: Slight bleeding can occur after the procedure. 

Smile Adjustment 

It usually takes 1-3 months to adjust to the new facial alignments. As all the tension in the jaw tends to pass with time, the person will get more accustomed to a relaxed and natural smile. 

The Long-term Impact of Frenectomy on Smile

Frenectomy does not alter the overall face shape or lead to a gummy smile. On the contrary, removing the extra tissue that’s causing severe dental issues optimizes overall health.

By doing this, the person experiences better, natural, and stunning facial aesthetics that boost confidence. 

Not only does it treat the problems, but it also prevents the issues from relapsing.

Furthermore, cementing Frenectomy’s benefits as a complementary and essential procedure for optimized dental health. 

Who Should Consider a Frenectomy? 

Here is a list of reasons that make Frenectomy inevitable: 

  • Infants who are suffering from tongue-tie as it creates serious breastfeeding problems 
  • Adults in which a tight and thick frenum hinders speech articulation, affecting prononounciaton 
  • People who are dealing with gum recession and a tightened jaw
  • Kids or adults who are dealing with gaps between the front tooth due to a thick or tightened frenum

Important Considerations for Frenectomy 

Here are some things that people should consider regarding this procedure: 

  • Proper diagnosis and assessments of the extent of the severity of the patient’s case
  • The impact of the labial frenum on the day-to-day activities of the child
  • Infants who are struggling with breastfeeding might be suffering from lip tie or tongue tie. Parents should not ignore the early breastfeeding challenges.
  • The necessary post-operative care includes diet recommendations, pain management, and oral hygiene. 

The Bottom Line 

Frenectomy improves smiles by changing tooth alignment and reducing gaps. In addition to these aesthetic enhancements, Frenectomy enhances comfort and optimizes oral health. 
If you or your child is experiencing any of the issues associated with an abnormal frenum, make sure to reach out to the team of experts at Tongue Tie Phoenix for their frenectomy procedure.

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