The frenulum is the thin fold of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the gums. When it is too short or too strong, it can cause problems — from a gap between the front teeth to breastfeeding difficulties. Release takes minutes and is done under local anaesthesia.
At a glance
- What it is: release or removal of a short frenulum of the lip or tongue
- In children: breastfeeding difficulties, a gap between the front teeth, gum pull, certain speech issues
- In adults: gum pull and recession, a gap between teeth, denture comfort
- Anaesthesia: local; the procedure takes a few minutes
- Recovery: a few days; minimal or no sutures
- Cost: an estimate is given at your consultation
On this page
- What the frenulum is and when it causes trouble
- In children
- In adults
- The procedure
- Recovery
- Cost
- FAQ
What is the frenulum and when does it cause trouble?
Everyone has a frenulum of the upper and lower lip and under the tongue. Trouble starts when it is short, thick or attached too low: it can then limit normal tongue movement, hold a gap between the front teeth (diastema), or pull the gum and cause recession.
In children
In newborns, a short tongue frenulum (ankyloglossia) can interfere with breastfeeding — systematic reviews report improved feeding in a subset of babies after release, with careful case selection. In older children the most common reason is a gap between the upper front teeth or gum pull; for speech issues an assessment by a speech therapist comes first, because the frenulum is not always the cause.
In adults
It is most often done for gum recession on the front teeth (the frenulum „pulls“ the gum with every smile), before orthodontic closure of a gap — so the gap does not reopen — and for the comfort of removable dentures.
What does the procedure look like?
At ESTERA we perform frenectomy under local anaesthesia; it usually takes 10–20 minutes: the frenulum is released or removed, with a few sutures if needed. In children, assessment and the procedure are planned carefully, together with the parents — more on our children’s dentistry page.
Recovery
The area is sensitive for a few days; hygiene is maintained as instructed. Sutures, if any, are removed after a week. Most patients — children included — resume normal activities the same day.
Cost
The cost depends on the location and extent; an estimate is given at your consultation. See our dental price list.
Frequently asked questions
Does a frenectomy hurt?
No — it is performed under local anaesthesia; mild sensitivity for a couple of days follows.
When is the right time for a child?
It depends on the problem: for breastfeeding it is assessed immediately; for a gap between the front teeth, often after the permanent canines erupt. The decision is made at the consultation.
Does release fix speech?
Not always — speech issues have multiple causes, so a speech assessment precedes the procedure. It helps when the frenulum is an objective limitation of tongue movement.
Will the gap between the front teeth close on its own?
With baby teeth, often; with permanent teeth, the release stops the frenulum from „holding“ the gap, and the gap itself is closed orthodontically when needed.
Book a consultation
Checking a frenulum takes a minute, and it can explain a gap, recession or issues that have persisted for years. ESTERA, Bokeljska 7, Vračar, Belgrade — +381 66 378 372.
Book a consultation: +381 66 378 372
Content prepared and medically reviewed by Dr Nenad Stanković, DDS/DMD, specialist in cosmetology, international lecturer and trainer in aesthetic medicine.