Habit Breakers
Thumb sucking habit
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
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
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.
