Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate and determine the different types and attachment level of maxillary frenum in Saudi children.
Materials & Methods: A total of 200 children (males=93; females=107) with age ranging from 2-14 years were included in the study. The examination comprised of gently distending the maxillary lip and performing a direct visual examination under natural light. Photographs were taken from the frontal view, left lateral view and right lateral view. The pictures were scored and tabulated. Both descriptive and analytical statistical measurements were done. Results: In this study 200 children included whose ages ranged from 2 to 14 years old with mean age of 7.7 +/- 3.2 years. About half of the children aged 6-10 years (51%). 107 (53.3%) children were females and 93 (46.7%) were males. As for frenum type, Gingival frenum was the most detected (63.0%; 126) followed by papillary frenum (14.5%; 29), Papillary penetrating (13.5%; 27), and mucosal (9.0%; 18).
Conclusions: Gingival frenum was the most detected followed by papillary frenum, Papillary penetrating and mucosal. 64.5% of females had gingival frenum compared to 61.3% of males. Thus, current research attempts to include insight into the need for immediate early analysis of abnormal frenum in avoiding the emergence of periodontal and orthodontic issues.