The inability to close your lips, often termed "lip incompetence" by orthodontists, has several potential causes. It's frequently linked to the position of your teeth.
Causes of Lip Incompetence
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Protrusive Teeth: Orthodontists often identify protrusive upper (and sometimes lower) teeth as a major contributing factor. When your teeth protrude, they physically prevent your lips from meeting comfortably. [Reference: Orthodontists call the inability to bring one's lips together “lip incompetence”. Lip incompetence is frequently caused by protrusive upper (and sometimes also lower) teeth.]
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Weak Muscle Tone: Weak muscles in the lips or jaw can make it difficult to close your lips. This can stem from various factors, including habits like digit-sucking. [Reference: Weak Muscle Tone: Weak muscle tone in the lips or jaw may make it difficult for you to close your lips easily. Digit-sucking: This habit… ]
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Tongue Posture: The position of your tongue can significantly impact lip closure. Incorrect tongue placement, such as resting it low in the mouth, can affect jaw and lip muscle development. [Reference: I would recommend that you find a doctor who understands oral myofunctional therapy. I would look at your tongue as the major culprit.]
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Dental Work: In some cases, dental procedures such as the placement of veneers can inadvertently contribute to lip incompetence. [Reference: The best option that can see from a dental standpoint is to consider having them redone with the goal of making them much slimmer or cutting the prep deeper.]
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Night Guards: Ill-fitting night guards can sometimes interfere with lip closure. [Reference: why can't I close my mouth while wearing my night guard? A night guard is a dental device designed to protect your teeth from grinding or… ]
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Orthodontic Treatment: For protrusive teeth, orthodontics, such as braces, may be necessary to reposition the teeth, allowing for proper lip closure. This might involve procedures like premolar extractions to create space for tooth movement. [Reference: A common treatment plan for teeth that stick out involves removing two or four premolars to create space to bring the teeth back.]
- Oral Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy focuses on correcting tongue posture and strengthening facial muscles to improve lip closure and overall oral function. [Reference: I would recommend that you find a doctor who understands oral myofunctional therapy.]
Important Note:
If you're experiencing difficulty closing your lips, it's crucial to consult a dentist or orthodontist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
