Some oral habits start early and take a long time to fade. It’s natural for little ones to have habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. But when it continues beyond age 4 or 5, it can begin affecting how your child’s teeth and jaws develop. To prevent such issues, our South Austin orthodontist recommends habit appliances for kids from a young age. Read on to learn whether your child needs one.
What Are Habit Appliances?
Habit appliances are special devices that are fitted into your child’s mouth to break a specific oral habit. They work by making the habit less rewarding. When the habit no longer provides the same soothing effect from their habit, eventually, they stop doing it.
These appliances are much more effective than the usual home remedies parents try. This is because most of these appliances are custom-made and fixed in the mouth, so your child can’t remove them when they want to. It helps break the habit in the long term.
When Does A Child Need A Habit Appliance?
Habit-breaking appliances are typically for kids between the ages of 4 and 12 whose oral habits are visibly affecting their teeth and jaw development. When habits like thumb sucking persist for longer than they should, you’ll start noticing that your child’s front teeth look more flared out or they have an open bite (a gap between upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed).
The effects of these habits are not just limited to the teeth. It also impacts the way your child’s jaw develops.
Some children even develop speech issues, especially those with a tongue thrusting habit. Over time, these habits can make your little one feel more self-conscious by the time they’re in school, so it’s best to correct them early on.
What Are the Common Types of Habit Appliances?
At the time of your child’s orthodontic evaluation at our South Austin office, we’ll do a complete exam to check whether they need a habit appliance.
Not every kid needs one. Behavioral guidance alone is sufficient for some children. But if your child’s habit is persistent, we may recommend:
A thumb sucking appliance
This appliance is fitted to your child’s upper arch. It has a small vertical barrier that is placed right behind your child’s front teeth. When your child tries to suck their thumb or finger, the barrier prevents the sucking pressure or makes the experience less soothing. This makes it easier to leave the habit over time.
A tongue crib appliance
It’s an appliance for kids with the habit of tongue thrusting. This appliance slowly retrains the tongue to rest in the right position against the palate rather than pushing against the front teeth. It helps prevent bite and speech issues.
Summing Up
Children with habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that stay past the age of 4 or 5 might need a habit appliance. If you’re unsure whether your toddler needs one, consult our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Brad Albertson, at Capital Springs Orthodontics to make the right call. Contact us at (512) 447-6453 to book a visit.