Fix Lip Incompetence: 4 bicuspid removal & braces, advic

[Kallisandra]

Can you tell me if this has worked for you?

I am wondering if it's worth the hassle since my teeth are already straight from having braces on the first time (teens).

However, I can not close lips comfortably without strain (chin is dimpled when forcing lips together). Should I just live with this problem?

I have also read the forums but I don't find enough advice towards this.

Also I am in San Diego, so any San Diego people please recommend me other orthos to get opinions from?

[LCARA]

This could dramatically alter the way the rest of your face looks.

Aren't there any alternatives? To me it seems like this isn't a problem braces should fix...

[VistaXP]

Kallisandra I'm in exactly the same boat as you.

I have lip incompetance/lip strain and also my chin isn't quite attractive because of it. I had braces a couple years ago and it did not fix my lip strain. And I really wanted to fix it badly, because it was really depressing. So I got braces again with another Ortho, this time I had 4 bicupids removed. I'm currently in my 13 month and far it hadn't improved much because the Ortho just wanted to pull the canines back first, but on my last appointment, I finally had chains all round my teeth and it seems to be going pretty well.

The thing thats important is that you get maximum anchorage either by headgear, screws, or nance (which I got). That way your gap doesn't close and leave no space for moving your teeth/gums back.

If you want update on my progress please PM me.

[Andromeda]

Hi I live in San Diego as well and I would recommend my ortho who practices in Vista. He's highly educated and has taught at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, University of Maryland, University of Southern California and University of Los Angeles. I'll PM you some info so you can check out his website and decide if you want to set up a consult.

[jonathon003]

Hey Kallisandra, same boat as you over here. I had braces when I was 13-14, yet i'm 23 now and deciding to do something about my lip incompetence b/c it drives me crazy. I also have a recessed chin, and just skeletally have some issues which pretty much affects everything.

I guess it's a question of how much it bothers you. To me I have 2 fairly prominent front teeth, and i was SOOO self conscious about my mouth b/c, like you, i couldnt keep it closed without CONSTANTLY thinking about it, and even then it was a strain, so it started to become a big deal. I'd be in conversations with ppl and all i could think about was how dumb i looked with my mouth gaping open and my 2 front teeth showing. I also have a whole assortment of other problems (crowding, cross bite, narrow upper arch, long upper jaw) so I decided its time to address it.

I got braces on about a month ago. Just yesterday I got my 4 bicuspids extracted, so I got a good 18 months or so to prbably close all the gaps. I'm also going to have orthognathic surgery to fix my jaws, which will be what will actually fix my lip incompetence problem. I don't believe extractions alone will fix my lip problem, as when my teeth are clenched and lips relaxed, there's a good centimetre almost of space between my lips. So i'll be shortening my upper jaw, while also expanding it, and getting a genio on my chin to extend it. It's a looong grueling process but for me, it's just one of those things that I feel really holds me back.

Basically what i'm saying is it depends on your personality and whether u can live with it or not. I think it's a highly personal decision that you need to spend some time mulling over. Anyway good luck with your decision, all the best.

[Jeliciru]

Hi guys
i dont know of any of you are still here but im especially interested in how it turned out for you VistaXP. I have what i believe is bimax protrusion,as I have protrudinglips,convex profile, breathing problems and mouth breathing from childhood, gummy smile, lip incompetence and strain. Any advice or experiences would be so greatly appreciated. Ps. I am new to this thread. Thanks!

[seri99]

My answer to your 4 bicuspid removal is that you should have them taken out. I just had my two top bicuspids taken out today (I'm 12) because I don't have enough room in my mouth. Ask for laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and you won't feel a thing! It's worth it... Lots of space. It is not a big deal at all... I would seriously consider having it done.

[ArchWired28]

From what I have read, the degree/etiology of one's lip incompetency defines if it could be fixed with orthodontics alone. If it is minor and/or has mainly dental nature (i.e. due to protruding teeth), than it could be fixed. If it is major, than it probably is due to different sizes of jaws and in adults, could only be fixed by surgery.
The etiology of lip incompetency could be determined by physical examination and x-rays.

[yellowhat]

Hi. I suffer from a lip incompetence and ha just decided to start the long journey of getting it fixed by surgery.My maxillia (upper jaw) has grown too much (vertically) so lips will only close it I force them. My 'relaxed' face is mouth open, looking gormless. My gap is 13mm and I also has large front teeth so I can totally understand how you feel.