A lip bumper is a dental appliance used in orthodontic treatment to widen the jaw arch and create more space for permanent teeth to erupt. It prevents crowding and is a precursor to other dental appliances, typically worn 24 hours a day for about a year.
A lip bumper is a dental appliance used in the orthodontic treatment of children. It’s basically a partially plastic-coated wire. The floss is attached to two molars at either end and lines the front side of the lower teeth. Used as an early intervention, the lip bumper essentially lengthens or widens the jaw arch to introduce additional capacity for the adult’s permanent teeth to erupt. It is generally a preferred alternative to tooth extractions which is usually installed by an orthodontist who will likely need to make periodic adjustments over the course of a year.
The dental bumper creates various positive conditions in the mouth. It allows the tongue to gently press against the lower teeth, thereby creating more space for them. At the same time, it prevents the cheeks and lower lip from putting excessive pressure on the teeth, which can lead to crowding. The appliance also pushes back the patient’s lower molars to make room for the permanent teeth. The bumper is occasionally used on the upper teeth, but its primary application is in the lower mouth.
The orthodontic bumper is generally a precursor to dental appliances and can reduce the amount of time a young patient may subsequently have to wear. In this way, the lip bumper works like the opposite of a retainer, the braces worn by the orthodontic patient for a period of time after the braces are removed.
The appliance itself is a plastic-covered wire that connects to tubes anchored to the lower molars and behind the lower lip. Although it is a removable appliance, it is typically worn 24 hours a day including during meals and while sleeping. Some orthodontists, however, may allow patients to remove braces when eating and brushing their teeth. If a bumper is worn continuously, patients should be sure to brush thoroughly around it to completely remove plaque from their lower teeth.
Patients may experience pain or tenderness in their teeth or gums in the first couple of days after a lip bumper is placed. Eating soft foods, gargling salt water, or taking Tylenol® can help during this transition period. If irritation persists, an orthodontist should be seen to assess whether a refit might be necessary. A lip bumper generally stays in place for about a year for a successful result. Patients will also need to return to the orthodontist’s office for regular adjustments during that time.
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