Prevalence of type of maxillary labial frenal attachment among 18-30 years: A retrospective study

The frenum has its origin from the remnant of central cells of vestibular lamina which predominantly has connective tissue and least amount of muscle fibers. Labial frenum is a vertical band of oral mucosa that attaches the cheeks and lips to the alveolar mucosa of the mandibular and maxillary arches, limiting the movement of the lips and cheeks. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of the type of maxillary labial frenal attachment among 18-30 years. The present retrospective study was conducted among 100 outpatients who reported to a private institution in Chennai from June 2019 to March 2020. Data regarding the type of frenal attachment was collected and analysed. From our current study, it was found out that out of 100 patients, 41% had a gingival type, 27% had a mucosal and papillary type, 5% had the papillary penetrating type of maxillary labial frenal attachment and there was no significant association between gender and type of frenal attachment (Pearson Chi-Square test - 1.105, df-3, p value - 0.776(>0.05); statistically not significant). Within the limitations of the present study, the most prevalent type of maxillary frenal attachment in the given population was a gingival type. Least prevalent type was papillary penetrating and there was no significant association between gender and type of frenal attachment.