Habit Breaking Appliances

Habit Breaking Appliances

Habits such as thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, lip biting and prolonged pacifier use are common in young children. When they continue beyond the early years, however, the constant pressure can push teeth out of position and affect the growth of the jaws – leading to open bites, protruding front teeth and speech difficulties.

Habit breaking appliances are gentle, custom-made devices that act as a simple reminder, making the habit less comfortable or less satisfying so the child gradually stops on their own. Combined with encouragement, counselling and positive reinforcement, they help children give up the habit before lasting changes occur – or before more orthodontic correction becomes necessary.

What this service includes

•  Assessment of the habit and its effect on teeth and jaws
•  Counselling and motivation for the child and parents
•  Custom fixed or removable habit breaking appliances
•  Appliances for thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and lip habits
•  Regular review of progress and appliance adjustment
•  Timely appliance removal once the habit stops

Who is it for?

Children who continue thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use or similar habits past the recommended age, or whose teeth and bite are already beginning to show the effects of the habit.