Frenulum of the tongue or lip in children and adults

If you or your child is facing such a problem, contact Dynasty Stomatology in Poland. Our specialists will diagnose and, if necessary, perform lip or tongue frenulum plasty quickly, safely and anatomically. Our dentistry provides services for children and adult patients.

What is frenulum plasty?

Frenulumplasty is a minor surgical procedure called frenulotomy (dissection) or frenuloplasty (lengthening and shaping). It is performed for anatomical abnormalities that make it difficult to perform natural functions such as talking, sucking, etc. The purpose of frenulumplasty may be to remove the frenulum.

The purpose of frenulum plasty may be as follows:

• to restore normal mobility of the tongue or lip;
• to improve diction and speech;
• to facilitate eating and oral hygiene;
• to prevent the formation of an improper bite;
• to improve the aesthetics of the smile (especially in case of diastema – a gap between the front teeth).

In each case, the doctor evaluates the anatomy of the frenulum, the degree of restriction of the movement of the tongue, lips and decides on the need for correction.

Indications for correction of frenulum anomaly

An improperly attached or short frenulum of the tongue, lips can affect the development of speech, breathing and chewing functions, especially in children. In some cases, there are also orthodontic or periodontal consequences. Timely plastic surgery helps to avoid complications and restore normal function.

Correction of the frenulum of the lips or tongue in children and adults may be necessary in such cases:

• impaired sucking function in infants (breastfeeding difficulties);
• problems with pronunciation of hissing sounds, as well as “l”, “p” sounds;
• difficulties with swallowing or mouth breathing;
• bite disorders due to forward displacement of the lower jaw;
• limited mobility of the tongue, inability to stick the tongue out forward or upward;
• displacement of the central incisors;
• constant tension or pain in the hyoid muscles;
• periodontal disease caused by a tight frenulum;
• an obstacle to orthodontic treatment or speech therapy.

The doctor decides whether dental frenulum plasty is necessary after examination, functional tests and, if necessary, consultation with a speech therapist or orthodontist.

How is frenulum trimming surgery performed at Dynasty Stomatology?

Frenulum plasty is performed quickly, in sterile conditions, using local anesthesia appropriate to the patient’s age. The doctor selects the method of intervention depending on the type of frenulum and the degree of anatomical restriction.

Types of frenulum plasty at Dynasty Stomatology:

1. Incision (frenulotomy). A simple and gentle frenulum plasty in which the frenulum is incised to restore mobility, for example, if it connects the lips and gums. Suitable for infants and early childhood.
2. Excision (frenectomy). Assumes complete removal of the frenulum with subsequent suturing. Your doctor may recommend trimming the frenulum of the upper lip or tongue if it is tight and short, especially in adults.
3. Frenulum plasty (frenuloplasty). It involves moving it to form a new attachment. It is used to eliminate the gap between the front teeth and normalize the bite.
4. Laser-assisted plasty. Bloodless and gentle method with minimal traumatization, does not require stitches.

Plasty of the frenulum of the tongue and lips takes an average of 15-30 minutes and does not require long-term recovery. In most cases, the patient can return to a normal regimen on the day of surgery.

Stages of plastic surgery of the frenulum of the upper lip and tongue

The operation is quick and painless. The doctor selects the technique taking into account age, location of the frenulum and clinical indications.

The main steps of the procedure:

1. Consultation with a dentist. Before the surgical intervention is carried out examination, diagnosis, determination of indications and selection of the optimal method of intervention.
2. Anesthesia. Local anesthesia is used, suitable for the age and sensitivity of the patient.
3. Fixation of the tongue or lip. For accuracy and safety, they are fixed with a special tool.
4. Surgical incision. The doctor uses a scalpel and performs dissection, excision or displacement of the frenulum, depending on the type of pathology.
5. Suturing (if necessary). With more complex correction, the tissue edges are carefully sutured with biocompatible threads.

Surgery for frenulum plasty in most cases does not require hospitalization and prolonged recovery.

Features of the postoperative period

After plastic frenulum of the tongue, upper and lower lip, it is important to follow simple recommendations to accelerate healing and avoid complications:

• avoid spicy, hot and hard foods for the first few days;
• drink cool beverages to reduce swelling;
• adults should avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week;
• start oral hygiene on the second day after frenulum correction;
• do myogymnastics (tongue and lip exercises as prescribed by your doctor);
• rinse your mouth with antiseptics prescribed by your dentist.

At what age is it better to perform plastic surgery of the frenulum of the lips and tongue?

The optimal age depends on the localization and severity of the problem:

1. Plasty of the tongue in children with pronounced disorders (for example, difficult sucking in an infant) is carried out from 1 month of life. If speech is not impaired, you can wait until 4-5 years of age, when the active formation of speech begins.
2. Frenulum defects are more often corrected after 6 years of age, especially if they interfere with the eruption or closing of the front incisors, orthodontic treatment.
3. In adults, plastic frenulum of the tongue and lips can be done at any age, if there are indications: discomfort, problems with the bite, hygiene or speech.

Cost of frenulum plasty

The cost of the procedure depends on the chosen method of correction, the age of the patient and the complexity of the case. At Dynasty Stomatology, we offer transparent pricing and an individualized approach to each client.

If you need frenulum plasty of the upper or lower lip, tongue, for an accurate calculation of the cost, make an appointment with us for a consultation. The operation is performed by experienced specialists who will find an approach to each patient.