Will a frenectomy improve my smile? (photos)

Question

My frenum almost touches my front teeth and it hurts if I bite into something because it often gets caught. I have a low smile line, and recently someone suggested that my abnormal frenum could be restricting my smile and not allowing the upper lip to move up as much as it should. If a frenectomy could move my smile up to show a even 2 mm more of my upper teeth, I would seriously considering getting one.

Mark Edington, DDS · Answer

From the pictures you posted, it is obvious that you have a heavy frenum.  The frenum is a muscle attachment from your lip muscles.  A tight frenum can lead to periodontal disease, difficulty in speech or eating, or spacing between front teeth (diastema).  Releasing the frenum with a frenectomy allows the lip to move freely and will likely improve your smile.  In my office this is a simple procedure that takes less than 15 minutes performed by laser.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

Releasing a frenum is common, often using a laser with very little post operative discomfort.  It has helped many people with their smile, by allowing lips to move more or to decrease pressure between teeth that created a space.  I would say "go for it"!

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