Why is my upper lip protruding?

Question

Hey everyone, I always wondered why my upper lip is so protuding. Some people say it can be fixed with braces (I have a deep bite) and some say it's because the lower jaw is weak... What can I do to fix it? Thanks!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your concern. Protrusion of the upper lip can be due to several factors, including dental and skeletal issues. Here are a few potential reasons for your upper lip protrusion:

Dental Issues: If you have a deep bite, it means your upper teeth overlap significantly with your lower teeth when your mouth is closed. This can push your upper lip forward, making it appear more protruded. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can help correct a deep bite and may reduce the protrusion of your upper lip.

Skeletal Structure: A weak or underdeveloped lower jaw (mandible) can also cause your upper lip to appear more prominent. In such cases, orthodontics alone may not be sufficient. You might need a combination of orthodontic treatment and possibly orthognathic (jaw) surgery to address both the dental and skeletal components.

Soft Tissue: Sometimes, the soft tissues (muscles and fat) around the mouth can contribute to the appearance of a protruded upper lip. In such cases, treatment options might include lip reduction surgery or other cosmetic procedures.

To determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment for your specific case, I recommend consulting with an orthodontist or a maxillofacial surgeon. They can perform a thorough examination, including X-rays and other diagnostic tools, to develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

Best of luck with your treatment!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The simple answer to your question is that it's part of your natural anatomy.  It could be related to dental or skeletal structure.  If you are wanting to bring more balance to your lips you can consider adding filler.  This would be a temporary correction lasting approximately six months to a year.  See an expert injector near you to learn more.

Why is my upper lip protruding?

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Why is my upper lip protruding?

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