The use of lip bumper to overcome lower lip sucking habit

Abstract

Dental position and stability are much affected by the balance of the surrounding muscles. The force of orbicularis oris and buccinators muscles is balanced by the opposing force from tongue. When there is a balance alteration in those muscles, like in lip sucking habit, lip biting, tongue thrusting, the morphology change in normal configuration of teeth and their supporting bones may cause malocclusion. The manifestation of malocclusion varies, depending on the type, location, severity, frequency, and the habit period. The elimination of an abnormal habit is the basis of long term treatment and stability. In a patient with lip sucking or lip biting, lip bumper is a good treatment alternative in overcoming the bad habit and repairing malocclusion.