Thumb and Finger Habit Appliances
Sucking on a thumb or finger is a natural way for babies to soothe themselves. This habit is common and provides comfort during the first few years of life. However, as a child grows, this comforting routine can begin to change the shape of their smile. We provide specialized support to help your child move past these habits at the right time. By acting early, we can guide the development of the jaw and ensure teeth grow into their proper places.
How Habits Affect a Growing Smile
A child's jaw grows quickly and has a rich blood supply, making it very responsive to pressure. When a child sucks their thumb with force, it can push teeth and bones out of their natural alignment. This often leads to a narrow upper jaw or teeth that do not meet correctly. Our goal is to enable healthy growth through early treatment. Addressing these concerns now can often prevent the need for more complex care during adolescent treatment later.
Breaking The Habit
A habit appliance works much like the retention tools used after braces. We craft a small metal device with thin wires that sits just behind the upper front teeth. This device is called a palatal crib. It stops the thumb or finger from making contact with the roof of the mouth. Without that contact, the child no longer feels the soothing sensation that drives the habit.
Many families find that the habit fades very quickly once we provide this tool. Some children even stop the habit within just a few days. We keep the appliance in place until we are certain the habit is gone. Once the habit is broken, we simply remove the device. This simple step can inspire a lifetime of better oral health.
Treatment for Tongue Thrusting
Tongue thrusting is another natural behavior that children usually outgrow by age six. It happens when the tongue pushes too far forward during swallowing. If this continues, it can cause many of the same issues as thumb sucking, such as a misaligned bite. We can tailor a special appliance to help retrain the tongue. These tools look very similar to the ones used for thumb sucking. They gently block the tongue from pushing against the teeth, which helps the jaw stay in its correct position. You can learn more about how we identify these issues during a first visit.
Thumb and Finger Appliances Reviews
Last March the decision was made to get braces as an adult. My evaluation/introduction meeting went so much better than I expected. Dr. Mack listened to me, applied thoughtful consideration, and developed a compromise from what I wanted to what would work best for me for the best possible outcome. I really feel that Dr. Mack was genuinely looking out for my best interest, even if I didn’t know exactly what that was. I trusted him wholeheartedly. The day my braces were placed on, could have been awkward for an adult but the entire staff treated me like a person, not an older person, just a person. Every step of the process from pictures to the application I was well informed and no surprises. Next is the continuing care, each appointment I am never left waiting in the waiting room. I typically schedule my appointments in the Eldridge office and always have found a time that works for me. During the my visits, the staff is very professional and friendly. They seem to genuinely care about me not just as a patient but as a person. I have had to phone into the office for follow up questions, and everyone is able to help me, I am not kept on hold and my questions were answered quickly, patiently, and professionally, never rushed. I am almost through my time with Dr. Mack but I certainly would recommend him and his staff in the event you need Orthodontic care. Never once have I felt like just a number, I have always felt like a welcomed and valued patient. My experience was one that was very positive and if I had to do it again, I would chose Mack Orthodontics, Dr. Mack, and his staff all over again!
First experience at Mack Orthodontics was great! From the moment we walked into the door we were greeted with a warm welcome and a smiling face. Dr Mack himself is amazing and answered all of our questions. Definitely recommend this office to anyone looking for a beautiful smile.
Dr. Mack and his entire team are absolutely incredible! My son got his expander earlier this year and recently just got his braces. From the first consultation, Dr. Mack has been wonderful to work with - he is always so kind and informs us of what the next steps are so we know what to expect. He even checked in on my son the day after he got his braces to make sure he was doing well! Everyone in the office is so pleasant to work with. Mack Orthodontics is hands down the best ortho office in the QC!
Great experience at Mack Orthodontics! I felt like the team listened to and addressed my concerns, and explained things well. I am so happy with how my smile looks and how much better my bite feels. Highly recommend.
Dr. Mack is one of a kind! He cares about his patients and makes sure everything is going well with your braces.His crew are just as friendly and concerned on how your progress is coming.If and when you need braces, Mack Orthodontics is a phenomenal place to get your teeth straightened!!!
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When To Visit the Orthodontist
We believe in a proactive approach to dental health. If your child still sucks their thumb or thrusts their tongue as they approach school age, it may be time to visit our office. We use digital x-rays and other tools to see how these habits are affecting the hidden growth of the jaw. Our team is here to provide the gentle care your child needs to succeed. We serve families across Bettendorf, Eldridge, and the Quad Cities with a focus on comfort and results.
Start Your Smile Journey Today
If you have questions about your child's habits, we invite you to look through our FAQ or read our patient testimonials. Taking this small step now can guide your child toward a beautiful, straight smile.
