Fixing a Mental Labial Fold

Fixing a Mental Labial Fold

Some patients may demonstrate a mental labial fold (otherwise known as a mentalis fold or mental labial angle, among others). It’s potentially possible to measure the angle of the mental labial fold as part of your orthodontics service,

What Angle Suggests a Mental Labial Fold?

It’s not always clear where a case is actually indicative of a mental labial fold. However, measuring the angle in this region can allow you to determine whether there is this type of fold present in a patient more accurately.

Generally speaking, the most attractive angle is generally considered to be between 107 and 118 degrees, although ranges up to 140 may be considered still within that normal category. Anything significantly outside of that range, such as below 98 degrees or above 160.

Can An Excessive Mental Labial Fold be Fixed with an Orthodontics Treatment Plan?

In many cases, an orthodontics treatment plan can be a successful option to help resolve an excessive mental labial fold, which is worth keeping in mind. However, in order to fix these cases with orthodontics, you will usually need to start very young (often in Phase 1). It will often also be combined with oral myofunctional therapy.

The cause of these cases can vary significantly. Sometimes, it’s simply a complication of Class 2 and a big chin bud. However, it can also be the result of habits (often lip habits) and certain types of strains.

In an adult, to resolve excessive mental labial folds, jaw surgery and plastic surgery will likely be needed, potentially including fillers and recontouring. Contact an orthognathic surgeon and an OMT if you have an older patient experiencing this sort of challenge to ensure it is properly addressed.