Habit Appliances for Kids

Our team at Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry utilizes different orthodontic treatments and services to better protect and strengthen children’s teeth. They are especially useful for patients who have thumb sucking and tongue thrusting habits. These habits can be harmful to their oral health and give an increased risk of cavities. Continue reading to learn more about treating these issues.

The two main habits that appliances are used to treat include:

• Thumb sucking that can be fixed with the use of a fixed crib appliance or palatal rake for the cessation of thumb sucking. It is important to figure out the duration, intensity, and frequency of the child’s habit.
• Persistent tongue thrust can be fixed with the use of a crib, rake, or spiked tongue thrust appliances. There are different severities of tongue thrusting that may require different treatments. The dentist will communicate with you and your child to decide which treatment option is best.

The duration of different treatments can vary from patient to patient. Some patients may also benefit from several various appliances over a more extended period. After the pediatric dentist in Houston decides your child is ready for an appliance, he will take molds and impressions of their mouth and send the results to a lab. There they will create custom appliances that perfectly fit the child’s mouth. Regular visits to the pediatric dentist after receiving the appliance will ensure proper progress. Don’t give up if your child’s habits do not cease quickly. It may take time, but the effort is worth the outcome.

If you think your child could benefit from appliances such as these, then contact Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry to see how they can begin a personal treatment plan. Call us today to schedule your child’s next exam.