3 Questions to ask your Orthodontist about having a frenectomy and braces

Frenectomy and braces

A frenum, also know as a frenulum or freanulum, is a fold of tissue that occurs in several places in the body. The function of the frenum is to serve as an anchor for a semi-mobile body part, such as the tongue or lips. If you have visited your orthodontist for yourself or your child to correct the bite and align teeth because of a large gap (Diastema) between the front teeth, your dental specialist may have referred you to have a procedure called a Frenectomy to remove the small fold of tissue between the front teeth. This procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon at the end of treatment with braces to remove an overgrowth of tissue ( the frenum) between the front teeth to prevent the gap from reappearing once orthodontic treatment is finished.


What is the success rate of a frenectomy to maintain the smile and prevent a relapse of the gap between the front teeth?

Every person is different and your smile is unique as well, when it comes to orthodontic treatment , the answer depends on the cause of the gap. There a some common causes for an anterior diastema (Gap) between the front teeth:


  • Oral habits: Thumb or finger sucking or habitual thrusting of the tongue forward with swallowing (Tongue thrusting)
  • Hereditary factors: Some people inherit their smile with traits such as a large upper arch that provides more space than needed for the collective size of their teeth. Perhaps they have missing teeth, small teeth or sometimes all three!
  • An overgrowth of the labial frenulum tissue between he teeth that did not allow the front teeth to come together during normal growth and development
  • Birth anomalies of the upper jaw (maxilla): Alveolar Cleft (a ridge in the bone of the upper jaw) which is usually associated with conditions like cleft lip and/or palate


Each of these causes can contribute to the relapse of an anterior diastema (Gap) between the front teeth, meaning there aren’t any guarantees that a frenectomy itself will prevent the gap from relapsing without proper orthodontic maintenance utilizing retainers.


Oral habits can pose the greatest challenge to maintaining proper alignment of your smile and are most often the cause of gap to reappear. The tongue is very strong and provides more force than can be maintained with a retainer alone. Working with a myofunctional therapist to retrain the tongue can sometimes be a part of your treatment plan.


Hereditary factors and birth anomalies often times require additional care to close the space between the front teeth. Sometimes these additional care items, such as cosmetic restorations or bone grafting, will be combined with a frenectomy. Other times, a frenectomy is not a necessary procedure and Dr. Escott will explain your maintenance plan after orthodontic treatment in our Orange County or Lake County office.


An overgrowth of the labial frenulum tissue between the front two teeth is the most common reason for a referral for a frenectomy. Case studies have shown that a labial frenectomy does not offer any measure of guarantee that the diastema will not relapse. An overgrowth of scar tissue over time can gradually push the teeth apart, especially if retainer wear is not consistent.


Should my child wait until they are older to begin orthodontic treatment with or without a frenectomy?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have their first visit starting at age 7 to screen for any patterns that may require early intervention. Most of the time, young children will be placed in an observation status to monitor their growth and development until they have their permanent teeth. Sometimes, there are conditions present that require early intervention such as


  • Open- bite from thumb/finger sucking or tongue-thrusting
  • Cross-bite which affects the growth of one or both jaws
  • Severe crowding preventing permanent teeth from erupting
  • Dr. Escott provides a complimentary visit to check for anything that might require early intervention. If it’s not time to get started, the patient is enrolled in our Dive Buddies Program and will receive their own T-Shirt!


The Dive Buddies program is a fun way to introduce young children to being in an orthodontic office in a fun and positive manner. Escott Orthodontics has partnered with general dentists and pediatric dentists both Orlando and Mount Dora to serve children in Orange County and Lake County.


What is right for my smile or my child’s smile?

Dr. Escott will review the orthodontic records, which consist of x-rays, photos, and the medical and dental health history, to determine if the procedure would be right for the patient’s customized treatment plan. The most conservative approach will be determined for the individual smile whether you or your child have elected to have braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.


In addition to a customized orthodontic treatment plan, all of our patients at Escott Orthodontics will have a maintenance plan that includes retainers and after care for a new smile. Without proper maintenance, all patients run the risk of orthodontic relapse.


When considering if a frenectomy is right for your child getting ready for orthodontic treatment, it’s best to schedule an appointment. Call or text us! 352-383-6166


Myofunctional Therapist


Clear aligners


Braces


American Association of Orthodontists

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Learn Why the AAO Recommends a Checkup by Age 7 and How Early Care Benefits Your Child’s Smile Table of Contents Introduction Why the AAO Recommends an Orthodontic Checkup by Age 7 How Early Orthodontic Evaluations Benefit Your Child Common Orthodontic Issues Detected in Early Evaluations The Process of an Early Orthodontic Evaluation at Escott Ortho Treatment Options for Kids at Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park Preventative Orthodontics: How It Saves Time and Money Why Choose Escott Orthodontics? The Role of Parents in Early Orthodontic Care Conclusion: Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy, Confident Smile Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Evaluations Introduction Nothing lights up a room like a child’s smile, and at Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park, we’re passionate about ensuring every child has a healthy, confident one. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, but many parents aren’t aware of this crucial milestone. At Escott Orthodontics, Dr. Christopher Escott and Dr. Hunter Davis specialize in early orthodontic care, offering expert guidance on ensuring your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly. Whether your child needs braces , Invisalign® , or preventative orthodontics, we aim to create a lifetime of healthy smiles. Let’s explore why early evaluations matter, how they help, and what you can expect from a visit to Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park. Why the AAO Recommends an Orthodontic Checkup by Age 7 Many parents assume orthodontic treatment begins in the teenage years, but according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) , an initial evaluation should occur by age seven . Why so early? At this stage, your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come in, and early warning signs of misalignment, bite issues, and jaw development problems can be detected. Key Benefits of an Age 7 Evaluation Detecting Hidden Issues Early – Not all orthodontic problems are immediately visible. X-rays and professional evaluations can reveal problems beneath the surface. Guiding Jaw Growth – Early intervention can help correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites before they become more severe. Reducing Future Treatment Time – Addressing problems early may reduce or even eliminate the need for braces or extractions in the future. Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park offers free consultations so parents can understand their child’s orthodontic needs without pressure or commitment. How Early Orthodontic Evaluations Benefit Your Child Scheduling an early orthodontic checkup is not about immediately putting braces on your child. Instead, it’s about monitoring growth and development to determine the best action. Early Evaluations Help With: ✔ Guiding Teeth Into Proper Positions – If there’s too much crowding, an orthodontist can guide teeth into alignment as they emerge. ✔ Preventing Jaw Problems – Some children develop bite issues that, if left untreated, could lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, or even breathing . ✔ Avoiding Tooth Extractions – When orthodontic issues are caught early, treatments like expanders can make room for permanent teeth, reducing the need for extractions later. ✔ Boosting Confidence – A straight smile helps kids feel good about themselves, leading to better self-esteem and social interactions . By evaluating your child’s dental development early, Dr. Escott and Dr. Davis can create a personalized plan to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for years . Common Orthodontic Issues Detected in Early Evaluations At Escott Orthodontics , we see a variety of early orthodontic concerns. Some of the most common ones include: 1. Bite Problems Overbite: Upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. Underbite: Lower teeth extend past the upper teeth. Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth do not align properly when biting down. 2. Crowding & Spacing Issues Crowding: Teeth don’t have enough room to align properly. Excessive Spacing: Gaps between teeth that may indicate missing or small teeth. 3. Jaw Growth Issues If the upper or lower jaw is too small or too large, it can create a misaligned bite and affect speech and chewing. 4. Prolonged Oral Habits Thumb-sucking and pacifier use beyond age 3-4 can cause dental misalignment. By catching these issues early, Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park can intervene at the right time to create a healthier, straighter smile for your child . The Process of an Early Orthodontic Evaluation at Escott Ortho At Escott Orthodontics , we make early orthodontic visits a stress-free experience for parents and kids. What to Expect During Your Free Consultation Digital X-rays & Exam – We check for jaw alignment, bite issues, and emerging teeth . Personalized Treatment Plan – We explain all options clearly if treatment is needed. No-Pressure Approach – If no immediate treatment is necessary, we monitor your child’s development with periodic checkups . We aim to ensure your child’s smile grows naturally and beautifully with gentle, proactive care . Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Evaluation? Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park is here to help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile . Whether a simple checkup or early treatment, Dr. Escott and Dr. Davis provide expert, compassionate care that makes a difference. 📍 Locations: Lake County, College Park (Orlando), Baldwin Park (Orlando), FL 🌐 Website: escottortho.com ⭐ 5-Star Rated with 400+ Reviews Let’s give your child the gift of a lifetime smile —because there’s sunshine in every smile! Conclusion: Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy, Confident Smile A beautiful, healthy smile starts with early care, and an orthodontic evaluation by age seven is the first step in ensuring your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly. At Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park , Dr. Christopher Escott and Dr. Hunter Davis are dedicated to providing children with top-quality, compassionate orthodontic care . By addressing potential issues early, we can prevent future complications, reduce treatment time, and even save on long-term costs . Whether your child needs braces, Invisalign®, or a monitoring plan , our team is here to guide you every step. With a 5-star rating and over 400 glowing reviews , Escott Orthodontics has been recognized as the “Best of the Best - Orthodontist” for four years —a testament to our commitment to creating bright, confident smiles in Baldwin Park and beyond. Frequently Asked Questions Does every child need braces after an early orthodontic evaluation? Not necessarily. Some kids only need monitoring, while others may benefit from early intervention. What if my child’s teeth look straight? Even straight teeth can have underlying bite or jaw issues that require attention. How much does an early orthodontic evaluation cost? Escott Ortho offers free initial consultations for new patients. Is early treatment more expensive than waiting? No! Early care can prevent more complex (and costly) treatments later. How do I schedule an appointment? Click HERE or call our Baldwin Park office today!