It is normal for children to have unhealthy habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip biting, nail biting, mouth breathing etc. These habits will fade away as the child grows. If these habits ;are sustained even after the eruption of their permanent teeth, it can drastically affect the growth patterns of the jaw and can ruin the alignment of the teeth. To control these habits, habit-breaking appliances are manufactured. These habit-breaking appliances are of two types; removable appliances and fixed appliances.
Different types of Habit-Breaking Appliances available:
- Thumb Sucking: If your child continues the habit of thumb sucking for more than 5 years;of age, you need to consult a dentist. They will suggest a fixed palatal crib or a rake-style appliance to correct the habit.
- Tongue Thrusting: Tongue thrusting habit-breaking appliances in the form of a crib, rake,;spiky style or bead can be used to manage this condition.
- Mouth Breathing: An oral screen is used to manage this condition and it prevents the inhaled air from entering the oral cavity. The oral cavity can also be closed.
