If your child has a gap between their front teeth (diastema), you may be wondering what’s causing the issue, and if a frenectomy from Dr. Michelle Neves is the right way to treat their gap. Will your little one need a frenectomy to correct their gapped front teeth? The short answer is “sometimes!” For the long answer, get all the details in this blog post from Sasco Pediatric Dentistry.
Understanding How Lip Ties Cause Gapped Teeth
First, it’s important to understand that about half of all kids below the age of six will have a diastema (gap between their front teeth). This is because there are only 20 baby (primary) teeth, and these are smaller than their adult teeth. As their jaws and mouth grow, a gap may grow between your child’s front baby teeth. But once their baby teeth start to fall out and their larger, more numerous adult teeth emerge, this gap will usually close itself.
This may not always happen, though. If your child has a lip tie, the overdeveloped labial frenulum may put more tension on their gums and cause a larger-than-normal gap. If your child has an especially large gap between their front teeth at an early age, it may be caused by a lip tie.
A Labial Frenectomy May Close Your Child’s Gap If They Don’t Have Adult Teeth
If your child is below the age of 5-6 and does not yet have their adult teeth, a labial frenectomy may be enough to close the gap in their smile. When a labial frenectomy is done before their adult teeth grow in, this eliminates the tension that causes the gap in their teeth.
Then, as their adult teeth begin to emerge, they will come out in the proper place and maintain proper spacing, eliminating the gap in your little one’s smile. For more information and to see if a frenectomy is right for your little one, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a pediatric dentist in Fairfield, CT, such as Dr. Michelle.
Kids With Adult Teeth May Need Orthodontics After Their Frenectomy
If your child has already lost their front baby teeth and has a gap between their front adult teeth, it may not be possible to reverse this gap with a frenectomy alone. A labial frenectomy will still usually be recommended.
However, it will usually be necessary to use an orthodontic treatment like braces to reposition your child’s adult teeth and move them into the proper location. Along with a frenectomy, this closes the gap in their teeth. After treatment, your little one will have a bright smile and a healthy mouth.
Learn More About Your Child’s Gap And Treatment Options At Our Office In Fairfield, CT
If your child has a gap in their smile, this isn’t always something you need to be concerned about. But in some cases, they may have lip ties that require treatment with a labial frenectomy. The best way to tell what’s right for your child is to schedule a consultation at Sasco Pediatric Dentistry.
As an experienced pediatric dentist in Fairfield, CT, Dr. Sasco can provide your child with the care they need to maintain a healthy smile as they grow. We're always accepting new patients, so don’t wait. Contact us online or call today at (203) 307-2430 to schedule your child’s first consultation with Dr. Michelle.
FAQs
If your child is below the age of 5-6 and does not yet have their adult teeth, a labial frenectomy may be enough to close the gap in their smile. When a labial frenectomy is done before their adult teeth grow in, this eliminates the tension that causes the gap in their teeth.
When is a frenectomy recommended? ›
A frenectomy is often recommended if you have the following: An overgrowth of the frenulum tissue causes speech issues due to restricted tongue movement. Gaps between your front teeth are caused by excessive tension on either side. Gingival (gum) recession along one side due to tension from an overgrown frenulum.
How do I know if my child needs a frenectomy? ›
5 Signs That Your Child Needs a Frenectomy
- Difficulty Eating. A lingual frenulum (the tight cord underneath the tongue that keeps it properly secured) that's too tight can make swallowing difficult. ...
- Trouble Speaking. ...
- Open Mouth-Breathing. ...
- Gap Between Two Upper Front Teeth. ...
- Receding Gums.
Gaps in teeth may close by themselves
Gaps between baby teeth are very normal. In most cases, these gaps can close by themselves with growth and time. When the baby teeth start to come through (around six to nine months), the front teeth could have a gap and the fraenum may be attached low to the gum.
Can you explain the gap between your teeth? ›
The gap between teeth, also known as diastema, is often found in adults and children. This abnormality is usually the result of genetics but can also be caused by improper oral hygiene practices or thumb-sucking.
Will a frenectomy close a gap? ›
A Labial Frenectomy May Close Your Child's Gap If They Don't Have Adult Teeth. If your child is below the age of 5-6 and does not yet have their adult teeth, a labial frenectomy may be enough to close the gap in their smile.
What are the disadvantages of frenectomy? ›
Despite its effectiveness and low-risk nature, there are some disadvantages of having a frenectomy, which include: Uncontrolled Speech. After a frenectomy, those with tongue tie can find that they have trouble controlling their speech.
Can frenectomy affect speech? ›
By getting your frenum clipped in surgery, your speech can enhance drastically. This can help you feel—and talk—so much better. Problems Eating: If your frenum is too large or small and is keeping you from swallowing well, you should consider a frenectomy.
What happens if you don't get a frenectomy? ›
What Can Happen If I Don't Get A Frenectomy After Braces? If you or your child have tongue or lip ties, failing to get a frenectomy after the conclusion of orthodontic treatment can result in the teeth and jaw moving back to an unhealthy position.
Can a frenectomy go wrong? ›
The procedure was performed by dentists (n = 6), lactation consultants (n = 5), and otolaryngologists (n = 4). The bulk of the major complications after frenotomy included poor feeding (n = 7), hypovolemic shock (n = 4), apnea (n = 4), acute airway obstruction (n = 4), and Ludwig angina (n = 2).
In fact, almost half of all kids under age six will have a diastema between the front teeth. This gap will usually close by itself by the time your child turns eight or nine, but if the gap hasn't closed on its own once the adult canines and incisors have erupted, your child may need assistance in closing it.
How much does it cost to close a gap? ›
For small, simple gaps, bonding costs can be as low as $100-$200 per tooth. Should the gap be more extensive, costs can run between $800-$1,000 per tooth.
How long does a tooth gap take to close? ›
When you have braces, small gaps in your teeth will close relatively quickly, starting at about six to nine months. If you have multiple gaps in your teeth, it may take about 12 months to 2 years to close them with braces.
What do gap teeth symbolize? ›
The French call gap teeth “dents du bonheur,” which translates to “lucky teeth.” Francophiles Brigitte Bardot and Vanessa Paradis have made lucky teeth a thing of beauty. In Nigeria, gapped teeth signify beauty and luck. In West Africa, a set of gapped teeth are a symbol of wealth.
Which treatment is best for a teeth gap? ›
Dental Implants
Spaces between teeth can be an open invitation to harmful bacteria, bone loss, and the shifting of surrounding teeth. Dental implants are considered the best and most permanent solution for closing a gap between teeth that have resulted from permanent tooth loss.
Is a gap between teeth unattractive? ›
Some people find them beautiful, others are ashamed of them. If a whole tooth is missing or there are many small gaps between the teeth, many adults find it very uncomfortable. This is because teeth in some ways reflect our grooming habits and our wealth. Straight teeth are perceived by the others as young and healthy.
How do you know if you need a frenectomy as an adult? ›
So the best quick test is to open your mouth wide, lift your tongue, and try to touch the back of your top teeth. Look in the mirror and see how far you can raise your language. If you can only lift it halfway or less, you have a big problem. You can't move around much.
When should a frenulum be cut? ›
Frenotomy (a.k.a. frenulotomy or frenulectomy) is the procedure in which the lingual frenulum is cut. It is done when the frenulum seems unusually short or tight (anklyoglossia or "tongue-tie"). In the newborn nursery, frenotomy is indicated when the abnormal frenulum is impairing the infant's ability to breastfeed.
Is frenectomy worth it? ›
If you or your child are tongue-tied, a frenectomy can profoundly improve your quality of life. Untreated tongue-tie often leads to a variety of health complications, ranging from mild to very serious. Babies struggle to nurse and get adequate nutrition. Children face speech impediments and development issues.
