[Diastema verum and persistent labial frenum]

In the management of diastema verum associated with persistent labial frenum it is important to distinguish, on the basis of clinical testing, between a normal and abnormal labial frenum. The authors believe that from an orthodontic standpoint, frenotomy ad frenectomy are contraindicated in the deciduous dentition. The latter procedure is indicated in a mixed dentition and is best carried out before the eruption of lateral incisors.