The lip bumper is a removable appliance used in growing children to create and save the space necessary to accommodate the adult teeth without extraction.

In younger children, crowding of the lower teeth is common. If not treated, this could lead to the extraction of permanent teeth. Many times, removing adult teeth can adversely effect your child’s profile and lead to a "sunken-in" appearance of the face.

The lip bumper harnesses the natural forces of the muscles surrounding the lower teeth to broaden and lengthen the dental arch. By keeping the lip pressure away from the lower front teeth, the tongue pressure is allowed to gradually move the front teeth forward to "unravel" or align the crooked teeth. The constant pressure of the lower lip against the front pad of the lip bumper exerts a force to gently push the molar teeth backward. (Figure 1) The lip bumper will gradually "stretch" the dental arch to make room for the erupting adult teeth. (Figure 2)

The lip bumper is a comfortable and easy appliance for your child to wear, and should be worn 24 hours a day. It may be removed only when brushing and flossing. Usually the lip bumper is worn for approximately 12 to 18 months although the length of treatment can vary depending on factors such as the severity of crowding and the rate of each child’s growth and development.

The lip bumper may be used with other Phase I appliances when indicated. The initiation of lip bumper therapy can prevent the need for more invasive procedures such as permanent tooth extraction.