The relationship between frenulum length and malocclusion

Gen Dent. 2014 Jul-Aug;62(4):66-7.

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the relationship between the length of lingual frenula and various classes of malocclusion. One hundred-fifty patients who had been referred for orthodontic treatment were divided into 3 groups (n = 50) based on their lingual frenula ANB (Point A, nasion, point B) angle: Group 1 (ANB angle = 0-4 degrees), Group 2 (ANB angle >4 degrees), and Group 3 (ANB angle <0 degrees). The mean frenulum length for Group 1 subjects was 11.4 (±3.0) mm, compared to 9.5 (±3.5) mm for Group 2 subjects, and 14 (±3.0) for Group 3 subjects. According to 1-way ANOVA testing, these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, maximum mouth opening was also significantly greater for the Group 3 subjects (P < 0.001).

Keywords: angle malocclusion; frenulum length; maximum mouth opening.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lingual Frenum / anatomy & histology*
  • Male
  • Malocclusion / physiopathology*