Discover the appliances available to combat thumb and finger sucking.
We call appliances that are used to help stop finger or thumb sucking - habit appliances. There are lots of variations. We use appliances with a cage or with prongs to remind the digits they don’t belong in the mouth.
Habit appliances are meant to correct finger sucking, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting behaviors. These habits all move the teeth and can affect jaw growth and development. It is best to stop these behaviors so we can move the teeth and correct any related jaw problems. Stopping these behaviors also helps with the stability of the result after the teeth are straightened.
The appliances are meant to be a reminder to the patient that the finger/thumb should not be in the mouth. In some cases, patients adapt and continue the habit even with the appliance. This is rare, but it is possible. The appliances also help to train the tongue by guiding it towards the roof of the mouth when swallowing or resting.
Discover frequently asked questions and their answers about habit appliances.
Schedule your free consultation today to discuss options available, and how they can help your child’s smile!
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Springer Orthodontics offers orthodontic care for children and adults in New Philadelphia, Ohio and surrounding areas.
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