Hi Sandra, I wanted to get your thoughts on whether lip incompetence in an adult (in their 30’s) that has an overjet and overbite can be remediated through lip stretching exercises. Is it worth it to try? Thanks.
Lip incompetence can mean different things to different people. If it is difficult to obtain and/or maintain lip closure for this adult, I would look at the “extent” of her overjet. For example, if she has an extensive overjet, then her lips have to work in excess to try to close. It is not something that will come from typical exercises since the physical situation makes it impossible to maintain closure. It wouldn’t be a matter of strength or other factors, but truly just the presence of a moderate to severe overjet. I hope that makes sense. If there is overbite in the absence of a significant overjet, I think it would be “easier” to obtain lip closure, so it is likely the overJET that is the main obstacle. If she is very close already to being able to obtain and maintain closure, I would give it a brief shot at trying to improve it; otherwise, it would probably not be effective. What is she being seen for as the primary etiology, myo, artic, or other? That certainly plays a part in overall decision making as well. I hope this helps and I hope I understood your questions. Let me know.