There are two general types of frenectomies: either a tongue or lip attachment frenectomy. Your child may be referred by their physician for a frenectomy consultation either as a newborn due to feeding issues or around the beginning of speaking age, approximately 3 years of age, due to speech-delay if ankyloglossia (tongue-tied) is suspected.
Your child may be recommended for a lip frenectomy if the tissue attachment of the lip extends between the two front teeth causing a gap. Typically, a lip frenectomy is done after the eruption of the upper canines because spaces in the top front teeth tend to close after the eruption of the permanent canines.