Effectiveness of lip bumper appliances as a reducer of lip sucking habit in children: A case report

Introduction: Oral habits, like lip sucking, are prevalent in children and can impact oral health and facial aesthetics. While occasional lip sucking is normal, persistent engagement can cause dental and skeletal issues. This case report aims to highlight the potential of lip bumper appliances as a viable treatment for correcting lip sucking habits in children.

Case History: An 11-year-old boy accompanied by his mother came to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry with the chief complaint of protruding upper front teeth. His mother revealed a history of lip sucking and object biting since age 6. The patient experiences embarrassment regarding his current condition and expresses a desire for treatment. Intra oral examination showed an incompetent lip and an overjet 13 mm. The treatment plan was delivered with 3 stages of treatment, stage 1 was to correct the lip sucking habit of using a lip bumper. Stage 2 was to correct maxillary anterior protrusion using a labial bow. Continued with stage 3, the patient was planned to undergo fixed orthodontic appliance placement to correct the malocclusion.

Discussion: Lip bumper and habitual therapy are proper treatment alternatives for overcoming the oral habit of malocclusion due to lip sucking with the improvement of mentalis muscle hyperactivity. The habit was managed with a lip bumper appliance and parental involvement in habitual therapy.

Conclusion: This case report underscores the efficacy of utilizing a lip bumper appliance as an effective intervention for addressing lip sucking habit in children.