In adults, the impression of protruding teeth can reflect several situations: incisor position, relationships between the arches or a recent change. The visible shape of the smile is insufficient to choose treatment. Assessment should clarify what bothers you and what explains tooth position before discussing options.
Clarify what you observe
Do the upper incisors look tilted? Is there a discrepancy when you close your mouth? Is the change long-standing or recent? These descriptions help the practitioner understand your request without restricting assessment to an assumed diagnosis.
A photograph provides only part of the information. The professional examines the whole bite, teeth and supporting tissues, then decides which records are useful for the plan. Selection also depends on the goals you want to achieve.
A recent change needs checking
If the teeth seem to have moved recently, report when, any new gap and associated sensations. Bleeding or mobility deserves particular attention. Assurance Maladie describes movement with new spaces and loss of support in periodontitis. Assurance Maladie.
After orthodontic treatment, also bring your retainer and instructions. Its integrity and fit need checking instead of trying to move teeth back by forcing it into place.
Is the tongue responsible for protruding teeth?
The tongue is part of functional analysis, but does not automatically explain every tooth position. Resting tongue and lip pressures contribute to dental equilibrium. Proffit describes deviant swallowing as a possible adaptation to the existing situation. Proffit, 1978
A pushing sensation alone therefore does not establish the cause of the discrepancy. Assessment may lead to work on a function without promising that exercises will move incisors backwards. For more on this, see tongue pressure against the teeth in adults.
How can treatment options be discussed?
Ask the practitioner what needs changing and how: tooth position, bite relationships or another element of the plan. Clarify limitations, checks and the planned retention phase. Comparing devices without this diagnosis does not support a sound choice.
Retraining may be proposed as an adjunct if a function warrants it. Available reviews do not support presenting myofunctional therapy as a replacement for orthodontic treatment. Homem et al., 2014
Promises of moving teeth backwards or transforming the jaw through tongue posture also exceed the evidence on mewing. British Orthodontic Society statement.
After treatment, plan stability and follow-up
Retention aims to maintain the position achieved. Selection is part of orthodontic follow-up; the Cochrane review does not identify a superior method for every patient. Martin et al., 2023
A standard tongue retraining appliance does not replace that retainer. The Myoforce appliance, priced at €50, can be shown to the professional if a tongue appliance is considered, but is not offered as a device for moving teeth backwards.
To prepare the functional part of your care, the guide to adult tongue assessment brings together useful observations and questions.
Sources and method
- Assurance Maladie. Understanding gingivitis and periodontitis, accessed 1 October 2026.
- Proffit, 1978. Pressure equilibrium and tooth position: theoretical paper.
- Homem et al., 2014. Systematic review of myofunctional therapy in orthodontics.
- British Orthodontic Society, 23 May 2025. Statement on mewing claims.
- Martin et al., Cochrane, 2023. Retention after orthodontic treatment.
Written by: Dr Vladimir Khourda, a dentist who no longer practises. Informational content updated on 1 October 2026 using the references cited. It does not replace an individual assessment.