Frenum Orléans

A frenulum (plural: frenula or frena) is a small fold of tissue found in different parts of the mouth. These tissue folds are essential because they help control movement and provide stability to mobile structures in your oral cavity. In dentistry, frenula are especially important because they can influence oral health, tooth alignment, speech, and eating. Understanding frenula and their roles can help you recognize when treatment may be necessary.

Types of Frenula in the Mouth

There are several types of frenula that dentists examine during routine checkups. Each plays a different role in oral function:

• Labial Frenulum: This tissue fold connects the upper or lower lip to the gum tissue. The upper lip connection is called the maxillary labial frenulum, while the lower lip connection is the mandibular labial frenulum. In some cases, a high or tight labial frenulum can contribute to spacing issues, such as a gap between the front teeth (diastema).
• Lingual Frenulum: Also known as the lingual frenum, this fold connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Its flexibility and length are critical for proper tongue movement. A short or tight lingual frenulum can cause tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), affecting speech, eating, and oral hygiene.
• Buccal Frenulum: Found inside the cheeks, the buccal frenulum connects the cheek tissue to the gums and underlying structures. Excess tension here can affect gum stability and tooth positioning over time.

How Frenula Affect Oral Health

Frenula play an important role in maintaining proper oral function and dental health. When frenula are tight, short, or improperly positioned, they can contribute to a variety of issues, including:

• Diastema (gaps between the front teeth) caused by the labial frenulum.
• Restricted tongue movement or tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), affecting speech, swallowing, and eating.
• Discomfort, gum irritation, or alignment problems due to tension in the buccal frenulum.
• Difficulty cleaning around teeth or gums, which may increase the risk of dental decay or gum disease.

Frenectomy: Treatment for Problematic Frenula

In cases where a frenulum is causing functional or cosmetic problems, a dental professional may recommend a frenectomy. This procedure involves carefully removing or modifying the frenulum to improve oral function and comfort. A frenectomy can be performed for the labial, lingual, or buccal frenulum, depending on the individual needs of the patient.

The procedure is generally safe, quick, and minimally invasive. After treatment, patients often notice improvements in tongue mobility, reduced gaps between teeth, and overall comfort in the mouth. Your at will evaluate your frenula and recommend the best approach for your oral health.

Monitoring and Care

Regular dental checkups are essential for monitoring frenula, especially for children and patients with oral development concerns. Early detection of tight or abnormal frenula allows timely intervention, preventing more complex issues later on.

If you notice difficulty moving your tongue, gaps between teeth, or discomfort caused by tissue folds in your mouth, it is important to consult a dental professional promptly. Your at can perform a thorough examination and recommend personalized care options.

Contact Today

For expert evaluation and treatment of frenula, book an appointment with at . We are conveniently located at , , , , . Reach us by phone at or email at to schedule your consultation and ensure your oral health is properly cared for.

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