What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or repositions a frenum—the small band of tissue connecting the lips or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too short, thick, or tight, it can limit movement, contribute to spacing (diastema), or interfere with normal function.

Jump to: Labial (Lip) Frenectomy →, Lingual (Tongue) Frenectomy →, Frenectomy & Orthodontics →

Labial (Lip) Frenectomy

The labial frenum connects the inside of the upper lip to the gum tissue above the front teeth. When this tissue is oversized or attaches too low, it can create or maintain a gap between the upper front teeth (diastema) and pull on the gums.

• Diastema Support Releasing a tight labial frenum can help close or maintain closure of gaps between front teeth. Often combined with orthodontics
• Improved Comfort Reduces pulling on the gums and lip when smiling or speaking.
• Better Hygiene Access Makes brushing and cleaning around the front teeth easier.

Lingual (Tongue) Frenectomy

The lingual frenum is the tissue under the tongue. When too tight (often called a “tongue-tie”), it can limit movement, affect breastfeeding or bottle-feeding in infants, and contribute to speech or swallowing difficulties in older children and adults.

• Releases restricted tongue movement for improved function
• Can support clearer speech and more natural oral development
• Often quick, with minimal bleeding and fast healing

Frenectomy & Orthodontic Treatment

In some cases, an oversized or low-attaching frenum can prevent a gap between the upper front teeth from closing—or cause it to reopen after orthodontic treatment. A carefully timed frenectomy can support braces, clear aligners, or diastema closure and help keep results stable.

For children whose adult teeth are still erupting, labial frenectomy may even allow the teeth to drift closer together naturally. For teens and adults, frenectomy is often combined with orthodontics or cosmetic options such as bonding or veneers to refine final spacing and smile aesthetics.

• Supports Diastema Closure Helps prevent gaps from reopening after braces or aligners.
• Complements Smile Makeovers Often part of comprehensive cosmetic and functional planning.
• Simple, Predictable Procedure Usually completed in a single visit with straightforward aftercare.

If you or your child has a prominent tissue band, a gap between the front teeth, or concerns about lip or tongue movement, call our office or contact our team to schedule a frenectomy evaluation.