Habit Appliances

Understanding Habit Appliances and Their Use in Dentistry

At our dental practice, we understand the importance of maintaining good oral health, and we know that habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can interfere with the proper development of teeth and the jaw. For this reason, we offer habit appliances as a solution to our patients who struggle with these issues.

In this article, we will explain what habit appliances are and how they are used in dentistry to help patients maintain healthy teeth and jaws.

What are Habit Appliances?

Habit appliances are dental devices designed to help patients break or modify habits that can have negative effects on their teeth and jaws. These appliances are typically worn at night, and they work by creating a physical barrier or applying pressure to certain parts of the mouth to discourage harmful habits.

There are several different types of habit appliances, each with their own unique design and function. The most common types of habit appliances include:

Thumb and finger guards: These appliances are designed to prevent children from sucking their thumbs or fingers, which can cause misalignment of the teeth and jaw.

Tongue crib: This appliance is used to discourage tongue thrusting, a habit in which the tongue is pushed forward against the teeth during swallowing or speech.

Lip bumper: This appliance is used to promote proper alignment of the teeth and jaw by pushing the lips away from the teeth.

Palatal crib: This appliance is used to discourage pacifier use or thumb sucking by creating discomfort in the roof of the mouth.

How are Habit Appliances Used in Dentistry?

Habit appliances are typically recommended for patients who have habits that are causing problems with their teeth or jaw development. The use of a habit appliance can help prevent the need for more extensive dental work later on, such as braces or other orthodontic treatments.

During a dental appointment, our dentist will examine the patient's mouth and discuss any habits that may be causing problems. If a habit appliance is recommended, the dentist will take impressions of the patient's teeth and jaw to create a custom appliance that fits comfortably and effectively.

Patients are typically instructed to wear their habit appliance at night, while they sleep. Depending on the type of appliance and the severity of the habit, treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

It is important for patients to follow the dentist's instructions carefully and to attend follow-up appointments to ensure that the habit appliance is working effectively.

Habit appliances are a valuable tool in dentistry for helping patients break or modify harmful habits that can interfere with the proper development of teeth and the jaw. By creating a physical barrier or applying pressure to certain parts of the mouth, habit appliances can encourage healthier habits and prevent the need for more extensive dental work later on.

If you or your child are struggling with a habit that is causing problems with your oral health, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our dentist to discuss your options for treatment. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care and helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.