Habit Breakers
Thumb sucking habit
![thumbsucking.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9529b_208d48d3550b483eb5b7b167100d9572~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_386,h_254,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/thumbsucking.jpg)
![thumbsucking3.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9529b_67460c271e264ac28a0e1e0433d408b4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_421,h_254,al_c,lg_1,q_80,enc_auto/thumbsucking3.jpg)
If thumb-sucking habit persists after adult teeth have erupted, it can drastically change the growth pattern of the jaws and cause significant misalignment of the teeth such as:
- Open bite
- Flared upper teeth
- Narrow and high palate
- Crossbite of back teeth ("Posterior crossbite")
- Increased horizontal overbite
Tongue-thrusting habit
![tongue-thrusting-habit.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9529b_e9c05ea3aac0451bbdaed441d50144e2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_379,h_269,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/tongue-thrusting-habit.jpg)
Similarly, tongue-thrusting habit will cause permanent deformation of craniofacial structures and teeth if not eliminated on time.
- Open bite
- Flared upper and lower teeth
breaking habits with
orthodontic appliances
![tonguecrib.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a9529b_561f4aa926db47529d74fb714ef0ab54~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_40,y_0,w_412,h_300/fill/w_90,h_66,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/tonguecrib.jpg)
Habit-breaker oral appliances such as "Tongue-crib" can be placed on patients' upper teeth so that patient is continuously reminded of his/her habit of thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting.
Appliance is used for 6-18 months depending on the progress of habit elimination. Braces can be done simultaneously with the appliance.