Can Lip Filler Affect Your Teeth & Dental Health?

Lip filler is often seen as the finishing touch for a fuller, more youthful pout, but its impact can go beyond just appearances. As cosmetic treatments become more common, patients and providers alike are starting to ask an important question: Can lip filler affect your teeth or your dental health?

Whether you're enhancing your smile for the first time or juggling multiple procedures, it's worth considering how lip volume and structure might interact with dental work. From timing concerns to aesthetic benefits, the relationship between lip filler and oral health is more connected than many realize. 

Health Digest spoke with Dr. Whitney White, Aspen Dental dentist & practice owner, to learn more about just how lip filler can impact your smile as well as what you'll need to know before scheduling your next appointment – both with your dentist and your injector.

White explained that lip filler does more than just enhance the volume of your lips; it can also complement your dental work. "Fillers can help minimize 'black triangles' (those tiny gaps between teeth), and in some cases, even soften the appearance of a 'gummy smile,'" she said. White went on to add that sometimes it's used in combination with Botox to create a more "balanced" smile. "They can also provide added lip support after restorative procedures and improve smile symmetry — which all adds up to a patient who feels more confident and loves what they see," she said. (Speaking of beautiful smiles, here are some teeth whitening tricks dentists say you should never try.)

However, lip fillers do have certain potential risks, such as swelling, bruising, or small lumps. "[I]t's important to work with someone who understands both facial aesthetics and dental anatomy," said White.

White additionally advised that if you've had filler recently and you have a dental appointment coming up, it's important to inform your dentist about the work you've had done, especially if the treatment is going to involve manipulating the lips or surrounding tissue. "Dental work can displace the filler if we're not careful, so having that information up front helps us avoid complications," she said.

On the other hand, it's also a good idea to let your injector know about any upcoming dental procedures. "There may be a slightly increased risk of infection, and they might want to adjust your timing or aftercare," she said.

White also stressed the importance of obtaining post-op instructions from both your dentist and your injector. "Keeping open communication between your dental team and your injector is the best way to protect your investment — and your smile," she said. (Here are some other things you should do before going to a dentist appointment.)