Can't close my lips naturally. Is this normal even after years with braces? (photos)

Question

Well I've recieved dental treatment and I've weared braces for like 4 years until some years ago, but I couldn't help to notice the tendency my lips have not to close properly when I relax my mouth. I guessed braces should have fixed this but I still feel like my frontal teeth tend to protude towards outside and my upper teeth take up a lot of space inside my mouth; I feel they are really big. Thoughts on this? Is this normal or expected even after years with braces?

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

I would recommend that you find a doctor who understands oral myofunctional therapy. I would look at your tongue as the major culprit of your inability to close your mouth. Check to make sure that you are not tongue tied. Then you need to improve your tongue position. The tip of your tongue should touch just behind your upper front teeth at rest and the body of your tongue should rest in the roof of your mouth NOT the middle or bottom of your mouth. You should also check your swallowing and make sure there is no facial movement or flexing during swallowing. Your lips should be motionless during swallowing. Also check to make sure you are breathing through your nose and NOT through your mouth. You more than likely need to have some intensive myofunctional therapy. This therapy will help you with your breathing, your tongue position, your swallowing and your lip closure. It will also improve the retention of your orthodontics.Buenas suerte!

Can't close my lips naturally. Is this normal even after years with braces? (photos)

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Can't close my lips naturally. Is this normal even after years with braces? (photos)

Answers (1)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.