Today I recieved an 11 years old patient in the practice for evaluation and possible frenectomy pre-orthodontic treatment. To my knowledge there is controverse in terms of which is de ideal age for performing this proceidure in young patients: Some say its necessary to wait till full eruption of the teeth before considering surgery and others state its ok to do the surgery right away. In your expirience and knowledge, is there an age limit for frenectomy in young patients?
It is better to do frenectomy inbetween or after orthodontic treatment.
I prefer frenectomy after the closure of midline diastema through orthodontic treatment
If we talk about the frenulum of the upper lip, we perform the frenulectomy after the eruption of lateral incisors, waiting for the possible self-closure of diastema. It is about 8-9 years of age. Hope it helps You Constanza
But nobody asked wether the patient had diastema!!
Some over-educated parents would get worried seeing the high frenum attachment, or else their friend or relative would make them aware of such a condition and they might come for consultation.
Evaluate:
1. Whether there is any diastema associated with frenum? that is if the band is too thick and crossing across the papilla and penetrating the nosopalatine area. If yes, then even the eruption of laterals or canines wont close the diastema automatically. Frenectomy is definitely indicated, either during or just a month short of completion of ortho treatment.
2. If no diastema, check if the frenum is causing any functional problem. Means, if the frenum is too prominent, child might be getting pain or discomfort while brushing in upper anteriors and he would avoid that area. So you'll see deposits in upper centrals and laterals, but other teeth are well maintained. Then again frenectomy is must.
3. If the frenum is too short that while smiling or laughing the attachment on lip is causing lip to deform, then again it is surely indicated.
4. Rest of case, ask patient to visit every 6 months, as and when the frenum is of concern, surgery can be planned.
I am NOT a doctor, hence may be wrong.
The age at which a frenectomy procedure is performed in young patients can vary depending on several factors, including the specific clinical situation, the severity of the condition, and the preferences of the treating orthodontist or oral surgeon. While there is some controversy and differing opinions regarding the ideal age for frenectomy in young patients, I can provide you with some general information based on current knowledge and practices.
Traditionally, it has been suggested to wait until the eruption of permanent teeth before considering a frenectomy procedure. This approach allows for better evaluation of the impact of the frenum on occlusion and tooth positioning. It also takes into account the potential for spontaneous resolution or improvement of the condition as the child grows and develops.
However, there are situations where early intervention with a frenectomy may be considered appropriate. Some factors that may influence the decision to perform a frenectomy at a younger age include:
1. Functional issues: If the frenum is causing significant functional problems, such as speech difficulties, feeding issues in infants, or interference with oral hygiene practices, early intervention may be necessary to address these concerns.
2. Space maintenance: In cases where the frenum attachment is causing diastemas (gaps) between the teeth or inhibiting proper tooth alignment, early intervention may be considered to prevent further spacing or alignment issues.
3. Orthodontic considerations: If a patient requires orthodontic treatment and the frenum is likely to interfere with the desired tooth movement or stability of the results, a frenectomy may be performed prior to or during orthodontic treatment.
It is important to note that the decision to perform a frenectomy in young patients should be made after a thorough evaluation by an experienced orthodontist or oral surgeon. They will consider the specific needs of the patient, the impact of the frenum on oral function and tooth alignment, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure.
Ultimately, the age limit for frenectomy in young patients is not absolute and should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Collaborative decision-making between the orthodontist, oral surgeon, and the patient (or their parents/guardians) is essential to determine the most appropriate timing for the procedure based on the individual's unique circumstances.
Hope it helps:credit AI
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