What is the Purpose of a Lip and Cheek Bumper?
Lip and cheek bumpers are custom orthodontic devices that are used during orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth. They are most commonly used in cases where teeth protrude or where there is a significant gap between the upper and lower teeth.
This article covers the key aspects of lip and cheek bumpers, including their purpose, function, necessary use cases, and management guidelines.
The 101 on lip and cheek bumpers
Lip and cheek bumpers are used to create space in the mouth, especially in cases where teeth are overcrowded. They also help to maintain space after teeth extraction, prevent the upper teeth from biting behind the lower teeth, and correct bite problems.
The orthodontist first takes impressions of the patient’s teeth and mouth, which are used to create a custom-fit appliance. The appliance is then cemented onto the patient’s molars in the back of the mouth.
Children and teenagers most commonly need lip and cheek bumpers. However, adults may also need them in some cases. The orthodontist determines if they are necessary based on the patient’s specific dental needs.
How do lip and cheek bumpers work?
Lip and cheek bumpers guide the teeth into their proper positions. They create space between the patient’s lips and cheeks and the teeth, which allows for the teeth to move without obstruction. This space can also prevent the teeth from rotating or moving inward, helping to create a more even bite.
Lip and cheek bumpers can be used together with braces to align teeth by creating space between the patient’s lips and cheeks and the teeth. Additionally, they can be used with headgear, which helps to pull the teeth and jaw into alignment.
Wearing a lip and cheek bumper will feel different in the mouth and may cause discomfort or soreness, increased saliva production, and initial difficulty speaking or pronouncing certain words. These are normal changes as the mouth adjusts to the appliance, and the discomfort subsides over time.
How to manage and maintain lip and cheek bumpers?
Dental hygiene
Brush and floss twice a day to prevent decay and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and incorporate fluoride toothpaste to clean the teeth and braces gently. Interdental brushes or water flossers can help clean hard-to-reach areas.
Please refrain from using toothpicks or other sharp objects near the bumpers, as they can cause damage or dislodgment to the bumpers.
Avoid these food items
Hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods can damage the appliance or cause it to come loose. This food includes hard candy, popcorn, nuts, gum, caramel, taffy, and anything that requires excessive chewing or biting.
Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, soup, yogurt, and pudding. Some other great options include scrambled eggs, soft fruits like bananas or berries, and well-cooked pasta or rice.
How to manage discomfort?
Use over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and soreness. With any addition of medication, always consult your doctor and orthodontist. Another great way to manage discomfort is by applying orthodontic wax to cover any sharp or irritating parts of the bumper. To further address safety and comfort, we recommend wearing a mouthguard when playing sports to protect the bumpers and teeth from damage.
It is highly recommended not to play with the bumpers using the tongue or fingers, as this can also cause them to become dislodged.
If the lip bumper becomes dented or damaged, visit an orthodontist as soon as possible. The bumper may need to be adjusted or replaced to prevent any further damage.
Lip and cheek bumpers are typically worn for several months to a few years, depending on the severity of the teeth misalignment. They can help achieve improved tooth alignment and a more even bite, which can improve overall oral health and appearance.
However, the effectiveness of the bumpers also depends on the patient’s commitment to wearing them as directed and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Are you interested in learning about orthodontic treatments? Contact Woodlawn Orthodontics today!