My daughter has a large space between her front teeth, and friends are urging us to have a gum surgery so that the space will close. Is this a good idea?

The procedure you refer to is called a labial frenectomy. It involves removing tissue from under the gum, and it is useful if this tissue puts a strain on the gum margin – where it “frames the tooth”. This can cause an ugly defect on the gum contour. It would be a good idea to ask your dentist or confer with a periodontist (specialist who treats problems of the gums and supporting tissue) Unfortunately, frenectomies are not indicated for closing the space. Studies have shown that space closure occurs to the same extent when nothing is done. If the frenectomy is not done with care, it can result in excessive loss of tissue and leave an unsightly dark space between the front teeth. The eruption of the canines causes the central space to close in 85% of all cases.