Supportive Orthodontic Treatment

Surgical Exposure

Surgical exposure involves removing the bone or fibrous gum tissue (or both) that is impeding the movement of the teeth.  Often times, this procedure involve a canine tooth. Exposing teeth surgically provides access to the tooth, allowing natural eruption or orthodontic movement.

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is required in certain orthodontic instances to provide the optimum outcomes.  You shouldn’t be alarmed if your orthodontist recommends removing teeth before or during orthodontic treatment. This is a common procedure that allows the rest of your teeth to migrate into a new, straighter position.

frenectomy

A frenum is a naturally occurring muscle attachment, normally seen between the front teeth (either upper or lower). It connects the inner aspect of the lip with the gum. A lack of attached gingiva, in conjunction with a high (closer to the biting surface) frenum attachment, which exaggerates the pull on the gum margin, can result in recession. Additionally, an excessively large frenum can prevent the teeth from coming together resulting in a gap between the front teeth. If pulling is seen or the frenum is too large to allow the teeth to come together, the frenum is surgically released from the gum with a frenectomy. A frenectomy is simply the surgical release of a frenum.

When Orthodontic treatment is planned or initiated, the removal of an abnormal frenum, with or without a gingival graft, can increase stability and improve success of the final orthodontic result.