Habit Appliances

Prolonged thumb sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of teeth. It can also cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth. Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same way as does sucking on fingers and thumbs.

Most children stop sucking their thumbs or other fingers on their own between the ages of two and four years. However, if this behavior continues, they risk oral complications that include tongue-thrust, narrowing arches, crossbites, impacted and misaligned teeth

Habit appliances can be used as a deterrent and a reminder to break these habits. Dr. Hammond at Shadow Creek Pediatric Dentistry has appliances that are crafted and affixed to prevent the thumb from reaching the roof of the mouth, thus reducing gratification and helps to break the habit typically in four to six months.