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Many people with protruding lips often feel that their side profile looks puffy or unbalanced. This leads them to wonder, ‘Is this what they call a protruding mouth?’ And if so, the next questions are often: ‘Will my lips really go in after braces?’ or ‘Will it work if I don’t get surgery?’ These concerns are completely normal—especially when the outcome affects one’s long-term confidence and overall appearance.
This article will guide you through understanding what a ‘protruding mouth’ is, how to check for it, and whether it can truly be corrected with orthodontic treatment. We’ll also introduce you to Digital Smile Design technology, which helps plan and simulate results before starting treatment—giving you more confidence in your decision.
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What is a Protruding Mouth?
A protruding mouth refers to a condition where the lips stick out more than normal when viewed from the side—especially if the upper or lower lips extend beyond the E-Line (an imaginary line drawn from the tip of the nose to the chin). This often makes the face appear unbalanced and may affect overall confidence.
Causes of a Protruding Mouth
- Genetics: Crowded teeth, protruding teeth, or malocclusion can cause the lips to appear pushed forward.
- Jaw Structure: An overdeveloped upper or lower jaw can lead to excessive lip protrusion.
- Habitual Behaviors: Childhood habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can shift teeth and alter lip position.
How to Tell If You Have a Protruding Mouth (Bimaxillary Protrusion)
Here are common signs often seen in people with a protruding mouth:
- Soft facial contour from the side: The side profile looks round or lacks definition.
- Tension when closing the mouth: You may feel pressure or notice a chin crease when trying to keep your lips together.
- Lips appear puffy: Even without smiling, the lips look bulged or stick out.
- Unbalanced profile in side photos: The alignment between the nose, lips, and chin looks disproportionate.
How to Check for a Protruding Mouth Using the E-Line
The E-Line, or Ricketts E-Line, is an imaginary line drawn from the tip of the nose to the tip of the chin. It serves as a basic guideline for evaluating the balance of the lips in profile view.
- The upper lip should be set approximately 2–4 mm behind this line.
- The lower lip should be about 1–2 mm behind the line.
📌 If both the upper and lower lips extend noticeably beyond the E-Line, or appear bulged from a side view, there is a chance you may have a protruding mouth.
If you’d like to check your own facial profile, see our guide: How to check your E-Line by yourself
How to Fix a Protruding Mouth with Braces — No Surgery Needed?
Fortunately, there are now various ways to correct a protruding mouth. Common options include metal braces, clear aligners and reshaping the lips to better match your facial structure — often without the need for surgery.
However, the most suitable approach depends on the severity of the condition, jawbone structure, and your personal aesthetic goals.
Let’s explore which treatment options might be right for you.
1. Metal Braces
Metal braces are a classic and highly effective solution for correcting a protruding mouth without surgery — especially in cases where the issue is caused by misaligned or overcrowded teeth pushing the lips forward.
As the dentist gradually moves the teeth into better alignment, the lips will naturally retract, helping the face look more balanced and reducing the protrusion in a subtle, natural way.
Best for cases like:
- Protruding lips caused by upper or lower front teeth sticking out
- Overcrowded teeth or extra teeth
- Normal jaw structure (no need for surgical correction)
Benefits:
- Naturally helps retract the lips without surgery
- Provides precise control over tooth movement — ideal for complex cases
- Improves facial profile and smile aesthetics after treatment
2. Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is a popular choice for those who want to correct protruding lips naturally — without metal braces or surgery. It’s especially suitable for cases where the lip protrusion is caused by misaligned teeth that push the lips outward, such as upper front teeth that are tilted forward or overlapping.
With advanced 3D planning technology, Invisalign helps guide the teeth back into proper alignment. As a result, the lips gradually retract, creating a more balanced and harmonious facial profile — all without affecting your appearance during treatment.
Best suited for cases like:
- Mild to moderate lip protrusion caused by tooth position
- No major skeletal or jawbone abnormalities
- Patients who value aesthetics during treatment (since the aligners are nearly invisible)
Benefits:
- Clear and barely noticeable aligners
- Removable for easy eating and brushing
- Can be combined with [Digital Smile Design] to preview results before starting
3. Damon Braces
Damon braces are a more advanced option compared to traditional metal braces, ideal for those seeking to correct protruding lips without surgery. A popular variant, Damon Clear, features a discreet, nearly invisible design—perfect for professionals like flight attendants, presenters, celebrities, or anyone who interacts with people frequently.
This system uses self-ligating brackets that do not require rubber bands, allowing smoother and gentler tooth movement. The reduced friction helps minimize pain and discomfort. As your teeth realign, previously protruding lips gradually recede, resulting in a more harmonious and softened facial appearance.
Best for cases with:
- Protruding lips caused by misaligned or forward-leaning teeth
- Moderate to severe crowding
- Individuals who prefer a more aesthetic appearance during treatment
Benefits:
- Damon Clear offers a more refined, less visible look than traditional braces
- Less friction, smoother tooth movement, and reduced discomfort
- May eliminate the need for tooth extractions in some cases
- Helps improve lip contour and facial balance naturally
Worried That Braces Won’t Fix Your Protruding Mouth?
Many people with protruding lips or an unbalanced side profile dream of getting braces to achieve a softer, more harmonious facial look—but common doubts often arise:
“Will braces really make my lips go in?”
“How much will my face actually change?”
“Can I see real results without surgery?”
These concerns are absolutely valid—especially when the results directly affect your long-term confidence and appearance. Let us help you explore options tailored just for you.
Digital Smile Design: Your Personalized Orthodontic Planning Tool
Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a 3D digital technology that goes beyond just aligning teeth—it allows dentists to plan your smile and lip position in harmony with your overall facial proportions.
Why is DSD ideal for patients wanting to fix a protruding mouth with braces?
- Analyzes facial structure from photos and videos, focusing on the relationship between the nose, lips, and chin
- imulates before–after results, helping you visualize how much your lips will recede after treatment
- Compatible with all types of braces: Invisalign, Damon, and traditional metal braces
- Reduces the risk of unmet expectations with a clear, realistic preview
✨ Perfect for those concerned about final appearance or who prioritize aesthetic and facial harmony
Summary: Can a Protruding Mouth Be Fixed Without Surgery?
Yes — in many cases, correcting a protruding mouth can be achieved without surgery, especially when the issue stems from misaligned teeth rather than jawbone structure. Popular and effective options include:
- Metal Braces
- Invisalign Clear Aligners
- Damon Braces
These treatments help move the teeth into proper alignment, allowing the lips to naturally retract and the facial profile to appear softer and more balanced.
For those concerned about the outcome, Digital Smile Design (DSD) can be used to analyze facial structure, plan the ideal tooth movement, and even simulate results before starting. This gives patients confidence that their orthodontic journey will meet both their oral health and aesthetic goals naturally — without the need for surgery.
