Achieving a beautiful, healthy smile sometimes involves more than braces alone. Depending on the individual circumstances, correcting alignment or bite problems may require the use of different appliances. One option an orthodontist may recommend is the use of a lip bumper. Most commonly used with children, lip bumpers can help correct several issues. Below is more information about how these products work.

How Lip Bumpers Work

A lip bumper is a pre-formed wire that attaches to metal molar bands, on either side of the mouth, on the lower arch. The “bumper” extends across the front of the lower jaw, keeping the lip and cheeks from putting pressure on the teeth. This allows the tongue pressure to reform the arch and holds the molars from shifting forward.

An orthodontist will likely recommend a lip bumper as an interceptive treatment to keep the molars in their place as your child loses their primary teeth. When primary teeth fall out, molars can shift to fill the open space, causing crowding. 

Depending on how crowded the teeth are, a lip bumper may be all that’s necessary to help permanent adult teeth come in properly. 

Life With a Lip Bumper

For most people, after the initial adjustment period of a few days, lip bumpers are painless. You will wear them all day, for as long as your orthodontist deems necessary. The devices aren’t visible, but they do require extra care and attention to remain clean. You must make sure to brush and floss daily, removing all food scraps from the wire. Sometimes the bar can dislodge from the molar bands, but a doctor can easily reattach it. However, eating chewy, hard, or sticky foods can cause the bands to break, which will require replacement. 

If your child needs an orthodontist, contact Mosling Orthodontics in La Crosse, WI. Their gentle and compassionate team has been providing expert cosmetic and corrective procedures to adults and children. Dr. Mosling puts his 25 years of experience to work to develop all treatment plans and cases for a thorough, personal appointment. Serving the Coulee Region, they offer high-quality care at affordable prices and provide text reminders of all appointments. Learn more about their services online. Call (608) 782-1950 to schedule a consultation today.