I've had braces for 19 mo. my orthodontist says i need a fernectomy to finish closing a gap in my front teeth before he can finish. is this correct?

Yes: The diastema (gap between your front teeth) can often be affected by an abnormal frenum attachment. A frenectomy is often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to help provide stability to the teeth that have been moved with orthodontics to close the space.

It is correct: You can remove the frenulum prior to braces being placed, during the treatment or after, it really does not make a big difference. However, you should follow your orthodontist's advice. If orthodontics is planned to close the diastema, the stability of the orthodontic correction may have a poor prognosis without a frenectomy. Take care.

Frenectomy: The frenum is a muscle attachment which especially when it is low and thick can act like a "rubber band" and prevent the teeth from being brought together or remaining in their place. In those cases, is is important to have a frenectomy in order to achieve the best results.

Yes: If he feels the lump of connective will keep your teeth apart, he is probably right. This is not an uncommon thing.

Yes, but...: If Orthodontist feels frenectomy is necessary, go with his/her training and experience...get it done. That said, this is a plastic surgical/periodontal procedure to be done in a very visible area, between your top 2 front teeth. Additionally, the tag of tissue will have to be reshaped where it passes between the 2 halves of upper jaw bone. See a Periodontist, a gum specialist.

Could be: I would trust your orthodontist-- and if you don't fully understand why, ask them to explain ti to you further until you are comfortable

Maybe: Do you trust your orthodontist? If he or she is recommeding this minor procedure to complete your case, it seems reasonable.

Probably not: Frenectomy, if not done right can can result in a loss of the papilla (that little triangle of gum tissue between your teeth). In my practice I first try to close the space with braces to see if the frenum attachment moves out of the way by itself. If it does not I would ask for the surgery. So far (in almost 40 years of practice) i needed to have one frenectomy done.