Metal Mouth Message Board

I was told eventually maybe 1 year after my braces go on, I may have to have surgery on my gums between my two front teeth to trim this gum tissue up. My orthodontist said its a very minor thing and we would see how things go as far as whether it would be necessary or not. Has anyone out there had a procedure similar to this done. If so was it painful, and what was your cost. I am hoping in the end the skin looks fine without the surgery. Thanks, Kelly

I had the gum trimming surgery before I was braced. I will most likely have to get the gum tissue refined and trimmed at the end of my ortho treatment. I had ALOT of gum tissue that needed to be removed and I don't think some of my teeth would have had room for brackets had I not had the procedure done prior to braces. (i still have one tooth that I can't get bracketed yet because its soooo short) I would not say the procedure itself was painful. My cd numbed me up very well. There was some swelling after, but I had the procedure done on 10 of my top teeth. By the 3rd day I felt pretty good. It was well worth it.. As far as cost I think it is based on how many teeth that the gums will be trimmed on. I read somewhere that the price ranges from $50 to $150 per tooth. I had to pay more than that because there really wasnt any dentist around who performed the procedure and had alot of experience. My best advice is that you ask to see before and after pictures of past clients the dentist performed the procedure on. Also be VERY clear how much you want trimmed or not trimmed because once its gone its not growing back (if its done properly).. When i first had mine trimmed I felt like Mr ed! My teeth looked huge! But once it healed I loved it! If you have any other questions lemme know! Good Luck!

Brandee: Thank you so much for the information, that was the only doubt still in my mind. I will just have the skin trimmed between the two front teeth, and the price really surprised me. I have been told my my general dentist a few times before braces I needed to have it done and I guess to justify it I would always say I am not even going to see another dentist because its too expensive. I realize at this point that the surgery will truly finish my braces and make them look complete. I am relieved to hear pain is minimul too Thanks so much its good to get info and know what to expect, I don't like the unexpected

Oh wait I think you are talking about a frenectomy (sp?) where they trim that part between the teeth so the gap can fully close... I would think it would feel similar to the procedure I had however. I know someone who had this done and he said it wasnt too bad.. Good luck!

My ortho told me I would need to have this done too! He said if I did not have this done now matter what he did to my front teeth they would never stay together unless I have it done. He told me it was no big deal. He did not mention when I will need to have it done though...I am assuming they numb the area?

I had this done as a child by my general dentist. It wasn't even called a surgery, I think. It wasn't a big deal. I wonder why so many people here haven't had it done as a child, because, if it is done then, the gap often will just naturally close.

Thanks for all the information, the whole thought of this portion of my treatment so scares me!!! I will get usto the idea, I think I am nervous about getting my braces next Monday...

My ortho told me that I should look into getting my "gums clipped" because my teeth seemed small, but i didnt notice the size until i had the braces put on, he said that it wasn't a big deal to get it done but it would improve my smile. But other that that the only thing i have left to do is get my wisdom teeth taken out.

swan wrote:I had this done as a child by my general dentist. It wasn't even called a surgery, I think. It wasn't a big deal. I wonder why so many people here haven't had it done as a child, because, if it is done then, the gap often will just naturally close.

Wish i would have had this done, i had a 2 mm gap in between my two front teeth, it was horrid looking, but now since i got my braces that is all closed up. I'm sooo happy!
Shelby