Could my protruding mouth be fixed with just braces? (photos)

Question

I have a protruding mouth and an overbite. I'm not sure what's the cause of my protruding mouth. It's very hard to close my mouth. I have to constantly remind myself and force to close my mouth. My chin also wrinkles when I close my mouth. Also an orthodontist said plastic surgery on my nose will help with the protruding. So can my protruding mouth be fixed with just braces (without pulling teeth out) or do I need to have surgery?

Oleg Drut, DDS · Answer

Looks like you have protrusion of the upper and lower jaws and proclined upper and lower front teeth that cause the strain of your lips. Usually braces can help. Some extractions may be needed to reduce proclination. See a good and experienced orthodontist for advise.

Maya V. Oliver, DDS · Answer

When there is difficulty keeping the lips sealed accompanied by strain in the chin muscle (mentalis strain), then braces alone do not resolve the problem in most cases.  You need to find an orthodontist who will be able to identify what is at fault, the teeth or the jaws.  Extractions of a few teeth or a jaw surgery may be needed in order to address your chief complaint.  Good luck!

Could my protruding mouth be fixed with just braces? (photos)

Answers (2)