a lot of parents seek us out because they’re worried about their child using a pacifier or sucking their thumb. These habits are completely normal in infants and sucking is a natural instinct. In fact, some babies even suck their fingers and thumbs in the womb! However, when oral habits, including thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, continue past the first few years of life, severe malocclusion (an improper bite) can occur. For kiddos who have a really difficult time kicking the habit, when all else fails, habit-breaking appliances may be indicated.
What is a Habit-Breaking Appliance?
There are a few different types of habit-breaking appliances, including removable habit-breaking appliances and fixed ones. At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, we typically use a fixed habit-breaking appliance for tongue thrusting or thumb sucking because they’re the most effective and the success isn’t dependent on a child following instructions for wearing it. We leave it in place for about 12 months so that the habit is fully broken.
A habit-breaking appliance for thumb sucking or tongue thrusting is made of thin, metal wire. It’s bonded to the back molars and goes behind the teeth so that it’s not visible when your child smiles. It also doesn’t interfere with eating. With most types, there’s a tongue crib that blocks the tongue or finger from coming into contact with the back of the front teeth and palate, which takes away the enjoyment. Since most kids do the habits unconsciously when they’re tired or upset, it also serves as a reminder because they feel the appliance in their mouth.
In some cases, a habit-breaking appliance can be combined with a palatal expander during phase 1 orthodontic treatment. The expander widens the top jaw to make room for all of the permanent teeth to come in while the habit breaker stops thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
When considering habit-breaking appliances for kids, it’s best to have them placed by a certified specialist in orthodontics since they’re experts in preventing malocclusion, which can be the result of poor oral habits.
What to Expect with a Habit-Breaking Appliance?
A habit-breaking appliance for kids is completely painless to get put on and it doesn’t hurt to wear. However, your child’s tongue will hit against it until their tongue gets used to sharing space with the appliance. This can lead to some tongue soreness and speech issues. Don’t worry; both will go away quickly. Since kids often use thumb sucking, in particular, to soothe themselves, when they first get a habit-breaking appliance, they can be a little cranky for a few days and may have trouble sleeping. This too will pass and your child will develop new coping mechanisms and ways to comfort themselves.
