I have a protruding mouth. How would I get this fixed? (Photo)

Question

Male, 18. My problem is that my mouth seems to protrude further than it should. Its quite a noticeable feature and i would love to find a way of fixing it as soon as possible. The main focus is where the upper lip connects to the nose, instead of it curving in-wards like normal it looks fat and bulges outwards. I do have quite a relatively large overbite but im not so sure its to do with that. It does seem to effect it though as it looks as if the top lip is pusing down to bottom lip and chin.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

did you ever get any orthodontic work done? It looks to me like you have a very set back upper and lower jaw, and your teeth ended up coming in more forward or were set that way to try to fit your teeth onto your jaw. Very common problem in america. What you really need is actually to have jaw advancement surgery. I strongly recommend you consult with an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you have a large overbite then you need to have that evaluated first.  However, if that is not the deciding factor then you may benefit from a rhinoplasty, lip lift and chin implant.  A chin implant will balance your face laterally.  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.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Addressing a protruding mouth, especially if it's causing functional or aesthetic concerns, typically involves consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in dental, orthodontic, or maxillofacial issues. Here are the steps you can take to seek a solution:

1. **Consult with an Orthodontist:**
   - **Initial Evaluation:** An orthodontist will evaluate your bite and jaw alignment. Since you mentioned having a large overbite, it’s possible that orthodontic treatment (e.g., braces or clear aligners) might help correct the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
   - **Diagnostic Imaging:** They may take X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions to get a detailed understanding of your dental and skeletal structure.

2. **Visit a Maxillofacial Surgeon:**
   - **Comprehensive Assessment:** If the orthodontist determines that braces alone won’t correct the protrusion, they may refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon.
   - **Surgical Options:** The surgeon can discuss surgical options like orthognathic surgery, which involves repositioning the jaws to improve function and aesthetics.

3. **Cosmetic Consultation:**
   - **Non-Surgical Options:** If the issue is more about the appearance of the upper lip rather than the underlying bone structure, a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist might suggest non-surgical options like fillers or lip lifts to improve the contour of your upper lip.

4. **Dental and Facial Harmony:**
   - **Comprehensive Plan:** A multidisciplinary approach might be necessary, involving orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, and cosmetic specialists to achieve the best functional and aesthetic outcome.

Here are the steps broken down:

Step 1: Orthodontic Evaluation
- **Book an Appointment:** Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.
- **Discuss Concerns:** Explain your concerns about the protruding mouth and overbite.
- **Treatment Plan:** The orthodontist will create a treatment plan, which may include braces, aligners, or other orthodontic devices.

Step 2: Maxillofacial Consultation
- **Referral:** Get a referral to a maxillofacial surgeon if necessary.
- **Surgical Evaluation:** Discuss potential surgical options if orthodontic treatment alone is insufficient.
- **Surgery:** If recommended, undergo orthognathic surgery to correct jaw alignment.

Step 3: Cosmetic Options
- **Non-Surgical Enhancements:** Consult with a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist for non-surgical options like fillers.
- **Surgical Enhancements:** Consider surgical options like a lip lift if recommended.

Follow-Up and Maintenance
- **Regular Check-Ups:** Regular follow-ups with your orthodontist or surgeon to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
- **Post-Treatment Care:** Adhere to any post-treatment care instructions to ensure optimal results.

Psychological Support
- **Counseling:** If the appearance of your mouth affects your self-esteem, consider speaking with a counselor or psychologist to address any emotional or psychological impact.

By following these steps, you can work towards achieving a solution that addresses both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your concern.

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