In summary
Frenectomy is performed after diastema closure to prevent scar tissue from forming prematurely, to ensure accurate tissue removal, and to reduce relapse once the teeth are together.
Table of Contents
Frenectomy after diastema Closure or before?
A frenectomy after closing the diastema (the gap between the upper central incisors) is preferred for several important reasons ->1. To avoid scar tissue that could impede space closure If the frenum (labial frenum) is removed before the teeth are brought together, healing will create fibrous scar tissue in the midline.
• This scar tissue can resist tooth movement and make closing the diastema more difficult.
• Orthodontic forces would then have to work against that scar tissue, prolonging treatment.
2. To precisely identify the correct surgical site After the diastema is closed orthodontically, the final position of the teeth is established.
• This makes it easier for the surgeon to see where the frenum truly inserts and to perform a more accurate and conservative frenectomy.
• Doing it earlier might lead to an incorrect incision site, since the tissue alignment changes as teeth move.
3. To reduce risk of relapse Once the teeth are brought together, the frenum fibers may still exert a pulling force that could reopen the gap.
• Performing the frenectomy after closure helps release these residual fibers, stabilizing the result.
• It’s typically done before retention (e.g., before placing a fixed retainer) to prevent reopening.
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4. Typical sequence
1. Orthodontic closure of diastema
2. Frenectomy (once the teeth are in final position)
3. Retention phase (to stabilize the closure)
Tags
orthodontics