This procedure involves the removal of elastic tissues whose most common location is between the upper and lower front teeth. These bands of elastic tissue can also occur in other areas.

This procedure can also be done to release the tongue for those who are "tongue tied".

When found between the upper front teeth, they can prevent the two front teeth from coming together or cause orthodontic relapse with a resulting space. If located to close to the gum line of the lower front teeth, they can cause gum recession. Their removal requires care so as to eliminate the offending elastic tissues while not causing the loss of the papilla (the triangular tissue between the teeth).