Patient's question:
The baby is 15 months old and has only grown 4 teeth on the top and 2 on the bottom. Yesterday, I went to the pediatric hospital, and the doctor said the baby has an overly low upper lip frenulum and needs surgery. I want to know if an overly low upper lip frenulum can interfere with the baby's dental development and speech? What position is considered normal? Baby...Doctor's answer:
The labial frenulum adheres to the top of the alveolar ridge, and the fibrous tissue in the frenulum extends into the palatal papilla. As the deciduous teeth erupt, the attachment point of the frenulum gradually moves downward. After the permanent incisors replace the deciduous teeth, the frenulum is generally about 4 to 5 mm away from the gingival margin. This child is only 5 months old and does not need any treatment at this time. It is recommended to carefully observe any changes in the frenulum and generally wait until the permanent first molar erupts before performing diagnosis and treatment. Rushing into a diagnosis and treatment can lead to a midline diastema caused by a low position of the upper lip frenulum. Surgical methods can be used to reposition the frenulum, allowing the tooth gap to gradually close. If the gap is caused by excess teeth, the excess teeth should be removed based on the specific situation before orthodontic treatment. The above suggestions are for the question "When should surgery be performed for a low upper lip frenulum?" and hope to be helpful to you. Wishing you good health!