Lip Bumper
Intermediate Course
Purpose
- To hold the lower molars in place
- To negate the hypertonic lip pressure To allow the lower anteriors to flare
- To distalize the lower molars when, Class III elastics are worn
Instruments & Materials Needed (Prior to Start of Class):
- Band Pusher/Scaler
- Hollow Chop
- Ligature Remover/Director
- Light Wire Plier (Long Bird Beak)
- Mathieu Plier– Hook Tip & Wide Tip
- Pin and Ligature Cutter
- Three Prong Clasp Plier
- Weingardt Plier
Materials Provided:
- Lip Bumper with hooks
- U/L .020 Stainless Steel Archwires
- .012 Long Ligature Wires
- 1/4” Light Elastics
Directions:
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- Lip Bumper appliance is used on the lower arch. Place the appliance with the omegas towards the gingiva.
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- Insert into the buccal tubes until the omega loops are flush with the tube. Omegas are towards the gingiva.
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- Determine if expansion is needed. Evaluate the width of appliance, make any adjustments as needed.
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- Use the Light Wire Plier to narrow the width and make sure the omegas stay in alignment.
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- Width is corrected. Arch length needs adjustments, appliance should be closer to the arch.
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- Use the Three Prong Clasp Plier, to squeeze the omega together. This will shorten the arch length.
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- Arch length is corrected.
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- For more information on distance from the arch see below.
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- For more information see below.
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- Appliance should be tied in using .012 long ligature wires and placed around the 1st molar hook to the hook on the lip bumper.
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- Twist until appliance is cinched back tightly.
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- Repeat on the opposite side then cut ligatures on both sides.
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- Tuck the pigtails for patient comfort.
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- If distalization is needed, incorporate Class III elastics. Use 2-3 elastics on each side.
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- Completed exercise.
More detail on steps 8 and 9.
- If the second molars are present, they should be banded and engaged to the first with a segmental archwire.
- The lip bumper should be 5mm away from the premolars.
- The lip bumper should be 3mm away from the cuspids.
- The lip bumper should be 2mm away from the anteriors.
It usually takes 9 to 12 months to get the expansion and movement you want.
If you want the anteriors to move labially, place the lip bumper in the middle 1/3 of the crown.
If you do not want the anteriors to move, place the lip bumper in the gingival 1/3 of the crown.
If you want to upright the first or second molars, place the lip bumper in the incisal 1/3 of the crown.
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