Indications for Use:

The upper lip bumper is a seldom used yet viable source of stabilization in the upper arch. Although it cannot be relied upon as the sole anchorage unit, it is a good adjunct.

Figure 22. Upper lip bumper in the vestibule superior to the upper incisor brackets. A 5mm step-up at the upper molars allows for a more ideal positioning of the lip bumper.

Technique:

An .040 lip bumper with a soft covering in the labial vestibule is adapted above the upper incisor brackets. Normally, a vertical step of 5-8mm is bent mesial to the upper molar headgear tubes. The bumper is tipped back passive to the upper molar position to locate the anterior portion properly in the vestibule and can be tied in.

Considerations:

The upper lip bumper is an ideal anchorage unit when one is not actively trying to retract the upper buccal segments. When the buccal teeth can be "floated" distally or in late mixed dentition, the upper lip bumper can be utilized. It is also used in conjunction with other anchorage sources.