Lip Habits impact the position of teeth. If the lip is putting excessive force on the teeth, the teeth will move in response.
The most common lip habit is the positioning of the lower lip between the upper and lower front teeth. This position pushes the lower front teeth backwards and the upper front teeth forwards.
This habit usually develops when a patient has a large “overjet” to begin with. In the case of large overjet, the lip tends to naturally be captured between the upper and lower front teeth.
Correcting a patient’s overjet with orthodontics commonly solves a lip habit.
Lip habits, answered.
Questions about a lip habit or overjet? Bring them to a complimentary consultation — every initial exam includes time with the doctor.
Book a complimentary examHow do lip habits affect teeth?
If the lip puts excessive force on the teeth, the teeth move in response. The most common lip habit is positioning the lower lip between the upper and lower front teeth, which pushes the lower front teeth back and the upper front teeth forward.
Why does this lip habit develop?
It usually develops when a patient has a large overjet to begin with — the lip tends to be naturally captured between the upper and lower front teeth.
Can orthodontics fix a lip habit?
Yes. Correcting a patient's overjet with orthodontics commonly solves the lip habit.
Related pages
Complimentary exam. No referral required.
Choose any of our six Boston-area offices. We'll evaluate your bite, walk you through the options, and put it all in writing — no pressure, no obligation.