02/25/2026
We are proud to share the publication of “Morphology of the Labial Frenum by Age-Cohort: A Cross-Sectional Study” in the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy
This work provides one of the most detailed age-stratified pediatric datasets on labial frenum morphology to date. In a prospective cross-sectional cohort of 1,068 patients, we evaluated developmental changes in maxillary and mandibular labial frena (the tissue connecting the lip to the gums) and examined how frenum phenotype and palpable tension relate to midline diastema (spacing between the front teeth). The maxillary frenum demonstrated predictable apical migration and reduction in tension, most prominently between ages 3–6, while the mandibular frenum remained largely stable. Papillary-penetrating maxillary frena with persistent tension were independently associated with higher odds of diastema, supporting function- and symptom-guided management rather than appearance-based decisions.
Grateful to our co-authors for their rigor, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the science.