Lips covering teeth. How do I resolve this?

Question

My upper lip is very immobile and doesn’t show my teeth! It covers my teeth when I speak and smile. This hasn’t always been the case, they were showing when I was younger, (kid) and when I was around 12, I’m now 19. During the time when it showed my teeth I had an overbite and had it corrected with braces. Can the braces and jaw correction have affected anything? And how do I resolve this, so that my lip no longer hides my upper teeth when I talk and smile?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs.  However, a lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Layth Gurgia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It's possible that the braces and jaw correction you underwent during your adolescence could have affected the mobility of your upper lip, particularly if there were significant changes in the positioning of your teeth and jaw. However, without a thorough examination by a dentist or orthodontist, it's difficult to determine the exact cause of your current issue.

Here are some potential reasons why your upper lip may be less mobile now:

1. Scar tissue: Sometimes, orthodontic treatments can result in scar tissue formation around the gums or lip area, which may restrict the movement of the upper lip.

2. Muscle tension: Changes in the alignment of your teeth and jaw could lead to altered muscle tension in the surrounding areas, including your lips.

3. Habitual behavior: It's possible that over time, you've developed a habit of keeping your upper lip in a certain position, especially if you were conscious of your overbite before getting it corrected.

To resolve this issue, I recommend visiting a dentist or orthodontist who can assess your situation more accurately. They may suggest various treatment options, including:

1. Physical therapy: Your healthcare provider might recommend exercises to improve the mobility and flexibility of your upper lip muscles.

2. Orthodontic adjustments: Depending on the assessment, your orthodontist may recommend further adjustments to your braces or even the use of a retainer to help encourage the proper positioning of your upper lip.

3. Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to correct any underlying, or shortening the distance between the base of the nose to the lips may be a good solution if the distance is long.

I hope this helps 
Best Regards
Dr Layth Gurgia 
Consultant plastic surgeon. 
Stockholm , Sweden

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