Management of Lip Sucking Habit Using Combination Therapy: A Case Report

Abstract

Oral habits are those that are repeatedly performed thereby causing deleterious effects on the teeth and the adjoining oral tissues. In addition to or as a substitute for thumb sucking, lip sucking or biting is often observed. An orthodontic lip bumper, designed to intercept dental and occlusal problems, is a fixed or removable functional appliance. In this case report, the habit was treated using fixed lip bumper, lip exercises and habitual therapy conducted by both parents and the child. Parental encouragement and constant reminders combined with the child’s co-operation in wearing the appliance and performing the advised lip exercises regularly are significant factors in the success of this treatment.