Thumb & Finger Appliances
For babies, the world is full of new experiences, leading them to explore and experiment as they adapt to their surroundings. This often includes discovering their own body, such as learning how their hands and mouth work while getting used to their senses. During this period of development, it’s common for babies to develop self-soothing habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
In infancy, these habits are harmless and can provide comfort. Most children naturally outgrow them by the age of two to four. However, if these behaviors persist beyond this age, they may interfere with oral development and lead to issues that could require extensive treatment to resolve.
Why Are Thumb Sucking and Tongue Thrusting Harmful for Children?
While thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are harmless in infancy, they can become problematic as a child’s baby teeth begin to emerge. This stage marks a critical period in oral development when consistent pressure from these habits can interfere with proper growth.
Thumb or finger sucking applies ongoing pressure to the developing teeth and jawbone. This can lead to slowed or altered growth of the jaw, causing misaligned teeth that flare outward toward the lips. Over time, these changes may require orthodontic intervention to correct.
Tongue thrusting, which originates from an infant’s natural swallowing pattern, can have a similar impact. In this habit, the child pushes their tongue through their teeth during routine activities like speaking or eating. This pressure can force the teeth outward, potentially creating serious bite issues or other developmental problems in the jaw.
Unlike thumb sucking, tongue thrusting is less visually noticeable, making it harder to detect. Parents should pay attention to speech patterns or observe if the child’s tongue frequently protrudes. Early identification can help address the issue before it leads to significant complications.
How to Help Your Child Break These Habits
Breaking habits like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking can be challenging, and at-home strategies often yield inconsistent results. At Lindsey Orthodontics, we recommend professional treatment with orthodontic habit appliances specifically designed to help your child stop these behaviors while supporting proper oral development. These appliances ensure your child can grow up with a healthy, beautiful smile.
One of the most effective habit appliances we use at Lindsey Orthodontics is the palatal crib. This device consists of wires attached to the upper teeth, with one wire following the curvature of the teeth and another extending toward the roof of the mouth.
Thumb sucking provides comfort through the sensation of the thumb pressing against the gums behind the upper front teeth. The palatal crib blocks the thumb from reaching this area, disrupting the sensation and naturally encouraging your child to stop the habit.
For tongue thrusting, a similar appliance is used to control tongue movement. These appliances gently retrain the tongue’s positioning and help guide proper oral function, preventing long-term complications caused by persistent habits.
Getting Started with a Habit Appliance
For children with thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits, the first step is scheduling an appointment at Lindsey Orthodontics. We offer custom-made habit appliances designed for comfort and effectiveness. Using advanced imaging technology, we ensure a precise fit tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Once the appliance is in place, we’ll monitor their progress over the next six months, tracking dental development and observing how effectively the habit is being addressed.
Your Partner in Healthy Smiles
At Lindsey Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to helping your child achieve a bright, healthy future with a confident smile. Schedule a visit to one of our offices in Griffin or Locust Grove and let our expert team provide the care your family deserves.
If you have questions about habit appliances or any of our orthodontic services, our knowledgeable staff is here to help. Contact us today to learn more and start your child’s journey toward optimal oral health. Dr. Lindsey and our team look forward to welcoming you to the Lindsey Orthodontics family!
