Labial & Lingual Frenectomies with Dr Arna Irgens

In the mouth, there are two main types of frenum that may require surgical intervention:

Labial Frenum (or 'lip tie')

'lip-tie'

The tissue that connects the inside of your upper lip to your gum above your front teeth.

Lingual Frenum (or 'tongue tie')

'tongue-tie'

The tissue that connects the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth.

Some people have limited mobility or difficulty in protruding their tongue. This is often referred to as a 'tongue tie'. It is caused by a tight band of tissue under the tongue at the front of the mouth and can be divided surgically to help improve tongue movement. This procedure can be done under local anaesthetic and takes a few days to heal.

Removal of the band of tissue (‘labial frenum’ or 'lip tie') between the top front teeth and lip is often recommended by orthodontists and is called a labial frenectomy. It is generally advised in patients who have a noticeable gap between their two front teeth; its release/removal can facilitate orthodontic treatment and help prevent relapse after the braces are removed.