Wearing dentures should help you smile with confidence — but what if they’re doing the opposite? Many people report that my dentures make my upper lip stick out or that their top lip looks puffy, tight or unnatural. If you’re noticing something similar you might be experiencing a problem related to lip protrusion from dentures also known as monkey mouth.
In this guide we’ll walk you through:
- Why dentures can affect your upper lip
- How to fix an upper lip that sticks out
- The best dentures with lip support
- Solutions for monkey mouth
- People Also Ask FAQs
Let’s get into it.
If you’ve recently had a tongue tie release, you’ll find this article useful — Can Your Teeth Shift After a Tongue Tie Surgery? (2025 Dental Guide)
Why Do Dentures Make My Upper Lip Stick Out?
When dentures are not fitted correctly they can push your upper lip outward. This can happen for several reasons:
1. Lack of Lip Support
If your upper denture lacks proper lip support the upper lip doesn’t have a base to rest against. This causes it to stick out even when your mouth is relaxed.
2. Denture Too Thick or Teeth Too Big
Overly thick dentures or false teeth that are too big create pressure from inside the mouth, forcing the upper lip forward. This is one of the most common causes of the monkey mouth denture look.
3. Flat or Incorrect Bite Design
If the occlusion (bite) is wrong the top lip may stick to the teeth or fail to move naturally when you smile.
4. Thin Upper Lip Appearance
Some dentures pull tissue inward giving you a thin upper lip which makes the lip line disappear or look compressed from the side profile.
How to Fix Dentures That Make My Upper Lip Stick Out
Here’s how you can reduce lip protrusion and regain a natural facial look:
If you’re considering this treatment, don’t miss our article Lip Flip Before and After: A Complete Guide 2026 covering procedure, cost, and results.
If you’re caring for a loved one who uses dentures. Check out our post on Best Shower Chairs for Seniors (2026 Guide) to improve their daily comfort and safety.
1. Choose Upper Dentures With Lip Support
These are specially designed to provide outward support to the upper lip helping balance your facial features.
2. Adjust Denture Thickness
If your dentures are too thick ask your dentist to lighten their weight or modify them to better match the curves of your mouth.
3. Use Soft Liners or Reline Kits
Soft liners offer comfort and subtle support to the upper lip. They also help reduce gagging and gum pressure.
4. Fix Monkey Mouth Look
If you notice a monkey mouth denture appearance. It’s time to adjust your denture’s vertical dimension and flange height.
Recommended read: Cheek Lift Before and After Results (2025 Guide) — this article shows how facial structure can change visually with lifting techniques.
Signs Your Dentures May Be Causing the Problem
- My top lip sticks out.
- Lips protrude unnaturally from the face.
- I think my mouth is like a monkey‘s.
- When I smile or talk my upper lip sticks out.
- My gums are getting cut or my dentures are too thick.
- My lips stick to my teeth.
- My teeth don’t show when I smile.
- I have a dry mouth with dentures.
- Dentures are not staying in place or the gums feel loose.
If you checked any of these it’s time to consider a denture update.
Before & After — My Dentures Make My Upper Lip Stick Out Fix
If you’re looking for effective overnight lip care, check out our full review: Nature Republic Lip Sleeping Mask 01 Herb – Complete Review.
Best Denture Types That Don’t Make Your Lip Stick Out
Product | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
Lip Support Upper Dentures | Designed to support the upper lip naturally | |
Secure Denture Adhesive | keeps dentures in place and facilitates lip movement. | |
Soft Reline Kit | Fixes fit issues, improves comfort | |
Denture Adjustment Tool | Helps reshape dentures at home |
FAQs – Dentures Make My Upper Lip Stick Out
Are dentures make my upper lip stick out?
Yes if they are bulky, poorly aligned or lack lip support. Dentures should fit the shape of your jaw and gums — otherwise they can distort your upper lip.
Is dentures make my upper lip stick out?
Absolutely. It’s a common issue especially with cheap or mass produced dentures. Find for specific upper dentures with integrated lip support.
How to fix upper lip covering teeth?
Ask your dentist to adjust the vertical dimension of your denture. You may also need lip supported dentures or thin acrylic flanges.
Should the top lip protrude?
No. Your top lip should rest gently over your upper teeth not bulge or stick out. Denture adjustments can correct this imbalance.
How to stop lipstick sticking to teeth?
Use a tissue blotting technique after applying lipstick. Also ensure your denture bite isn’t causing the lip to roll inward.
Why Does My Lip Not Move When I Smile with Dentures?
It may be due to a stiff denture fit, muscle fatigue or improper bite. Consult your dentist for a mobility assessment.
Are my teeth supposed to touch my lips?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus necaNot directly. Your lips should rest naturally over your teeth. If they stick or feel tight your denture may need to be reshaped. ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo
Why do my lips get stuck to my gums?
This often happens with dry mouth, ill fitting dentures or missing salivary lubrication. Consider using a moisturizing gel or liner.
What holds your top lip to your gums?
Muscles like the orbicularis oris and labial frenum connect your lips to your mouth structure. Dentures should mimic and support these muscles.
How do I tighten my gums?
Good oral hygiene saltwater rinses and regular dental checkups can help. For denture users tight fitting bases or reline kits may also help.
What causes mouth lips to stick together?
The cause could be dry mouth, dehydration or poorly fitting dentures. Stay hydrated and consider moisturizing denture products.
FAQs Dentures & Facial Support (Monkey Mouth Issue)
How to get lip support from dentures?
Make sure your dentures are properly fitted and not over contoured. A skilled dentist can adjust the flange or add slight bulk beneath the upper lip to restore natural lip support.
What is monkey mouth with dentures?
“Monkey mouth” occurs when dentures push the lips outward or make the face appear overfilled and unnatural, usually due to overbuilt or poorly aligned dentures.
How to fix monkey mouth dentures?
For a remake or adjustment, visit your dentist. The dentist can reshape, reline or rebuild the dentures with proper bite alignment to reduce the puffed out lip appearance.
How to get rid of monkey mouth with dentures?
You can correct it through professional refitting, adjusting the vertical dimension or getting new dentures that match your natural facial structure.
How to avoid monkey mouth dentures?
Before completing the dentures, consult with a skilled denture specialist who guarantees precise bite registration, appropriate jaw alignment and balanced facial aesthetics.
What should I do My dentures are too thick ?
Ask your dentist to thin the acrylic base or modify the inside surface of your dentures for a more natural feel if they seem heavy or interfere with speech.
Upper lip monkey mouth dentures what causes it?
This happens when upper dentures are over-extended or set too far forward, creating an unnatural pout or “monkey mouth” look. A dental adjustment or remake usually fixes it.
Final Thoughts – Dentures Make My Upper Lip Stick Out
If your dentures make your upper lip stick out it’s not something you have to live with. Whether it’s a design flaw, thickness issue or a case of monkey mouth there are proven fixes available — from simple relines to upgraded dentures with lip support.
Shop smarter with our trusted denture solutions — carefully selected to help you smile naturally again.
Explore the best upper dentures for natural lip support on Amazon
