The frenulum of the upper and lower lips - too short, overgrown or stuck in the wrong place - can cause many ailments. Anatomical defects of the sub-labial frenulum may lead to the development of oral cavity inflammation, as well as recession of the gums, and further loosening and loss of teeth. To prevent this, a procedure aimed at cutting the frenulum is sufficient.

The frenulum of the upper and lower lipis the so-called sub-labial frenulum. They are vertical, triangular-shaped folds of the mucosa that run in the midline from the inner surface of the lip to the outer surface of the maxillary alveolar process. There are many anatomical defects of the sub-labial frenulum. The most common are frenulum hypertrophy, i.e. its excessive thickening caused by the growth of connective tissue fibers. There are also incorrectly located frenulum attachments and too short frenulum.

Upper and lower lip frenulum: too short, overgrown - effects

Low attached frenulum of the upper lip or its overgrowth may lead to the formation oftrue diastema- a gap between the upper ones, caused by the separation of the teeth.

Anatomical defects of the frenulum - both in the upper and lower lips - may make it difficult to clean the teeth and mouth properly. Food debris can accumulate in the folds of the frenulum, which can initiate caries ,chronic interdental papillitis and other inflammations in the oral cavity.

An overgrown or too short frenulum pulls on the interdental papilla, causing the gums to recede in the vicinity of the frenulum and the tooth roots to expose. The result of this process is the loosening of the teeth and their subsequent loss.

Incorrectly shaped frenulum of the upper and lower lip may causespeech impediments- difficult pronouncement of the pre-language sounds.

Overgrowth of the frenulum and its incorrect attachment may also cause problems when fitting the dentures, and even prevent its proper use. Problems may also appear when putting on a removable orthodontic appliance.

Upper and lower lip frenulum - indications for undercutting

Indication for surgery of the frenulumof the upper lip is true diastema over 2 mm wide, persisting after all four permanent incisors have grown out. Therefore, this type of procedure is performed around the age of 8, but in very severe cases, sometimes it must be performed earlier. Diastemas less than 2 mm wide generally close spontaneously after the permanent teeth have erupted.

People with the result of the so-called the pull test syndrome is positive. It consists in pulling the upper or lower lip at the point where the frenulum reaches the gum. If the gingiva is clear, the result is positive.

Correction of the defects of the sub-labial frenulum is often ordered by orthodontists before putting on a prosthesis or removable orthodontic appliance. The treatment increases the mobility of the lip and creates space for a removable appliance.

In the case of speech impediments, the decision to perform the operation largely depends on the speech therapist in whose care the child is cared for. Sometimes, in order to get rid of the speech impediment, you can perform massages and exercises (without the need to cut the frenulum).

Upper and lower lip frenulum - what is the procedure?

Plastic surgery of the upper and lower lip frenulum should be performed by a periodontist or surgeon. The procedure consists in cutting and fixing the frenulum in the desired place and / or position with the help of stitches. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. After its completion, the doctor protects the wound with a special antibacterial ointment. The seams are removed about a week after the procedure.

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Child's he alth