Conventional Frenectomy: 2 Case Reports

Abstract

The frenum is a fold of mucous membrane that attaches the lip and the cheek to the alveolar mucosa, the gingiva and the underlying periosteum. An aberrant frenum may results in gingival recession, decreased range of lip movement and involvement of interdental papilla causing a diastema leading to compromised esthetic and functional needs of the patient and they may also interfere with oral hygiene. Maxillary midline diastema is a common esthetic problem of patients which adversely affects body image and self-esteem, especially in adults. Often, patients are more conscious about the spaces between front teeth and seek treatment for the same. One of the commonest reason for midline diastema is aberrant frenum. The muscle pull of the aberrant frenum pushes the central incisors away from each other. Before correcting the space, removal of the cause is of utmost importance. Therefore, frenectomy is performed before proceeding with the space closure treatment. Frenectomy is thus defined as complete elimination of the frenum and its attachment. This article consists of two case reports on classis or conventional frenectomy.