Left with lip incompetence after braces. Should I have had extractions? (Photos)

Question

About 6 months ago I got my braces off. My lips don't meet when at rest. I have to consciously hold my mouth closed and this causes dimpling of my chin. I'm mouth breathing every night. I didn't have either of these issues before. I also find it really difficult to do a closed mouth smile. The skin is too tight over my teeth. All these issues I brought up with the dentist before I had the brackets removed. He told me they would all resolve once the brackets were off. They didn t

Curtis B. Bedont, DMD · Answer

I agree that it appears that you have lip incompetence that you may not have had prior to orthodontic treatment. If you had a lot of crowding before braces, the only way to fit everything in without extractions is to expand the arch and procline the front teeth. If this is done too much, lip incompetence can occur. In order to correct the lip incompetence extraction of premolars, or possibly orthognathic surgery such as a Lefort impaction, would be required. Additional pictures and radiographs along with a physical exam would be needed to determine the best course of treatment for you. Mouth breathing at night it not good and should be addressed. I would recommend going back to your orthodontist, or seek another opinion.

Left with lip incompetence after braces. Should I have had extractions? (Photos)

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