Habit Breaking Appliance Therapy

Habit Breaking appliance therapy is the process of breaking the detrimental habitual dental problems in kids like finger and thumb sucking. However, it is common in babies to suck their thumb in the first few months of their life and even after the age of 1 year or 2 years. When babies are in their mother’s womb, there have been patterns that can visibly show a baby sucking on his/her thumb in his mother’s womb. It is a natural reaction that babies commonly show when they are hungry or do it to self-soothe themselves. Anyhow, a severe malocclusion can occur if the habit of thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, continues in the later years of life. It can also affect skeletal development and cause open bite in children. Habit Breaking Appliance therapy is suggested for those children, who are unable to let go of this habit even after several attempts of trying everything.

What are Habit Breaking Appliances and how do they work?

There are a few types of habit breaking appliances that include, removable habit-breaking appliances and fixed ones used in breaking the habit of thumb sucking and finger thrusting in children. The appliance used for breaking the habit of thumb sucking and tongue thrusting is made up of thin, metal wire. It is not visible when a child smiles and does not bother while eating. An appliance usually blocks the contact of the tongue or a finger with the back of the front teeth and palate, taking away the enjoyment a child may feel while sucking on their thumb. In some cases, a habit-breaking appliance can be combined with a palatal expander during phase 1 orthodontic treatment. The expander widens the top jaw to make room for all the permanent teeth to come in while the habit breaker stops thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

What are the treatment criteria of Habit Breaking Appliance Therapy?

As the therapy begins, the appliance will be placed on the ceiling of your child’s mouth. A fixed appliance will be used that will have anchor bands connected to the child’s back teeth. The type of appliance used in treating your child will depend upon his/her condition and needs. Some might need tongue beads or others might need a tongue head. During the treatment, the child will simply wear the appliance and the procedure will be done by a specialized orthodontist. You will be required to bring your child for a follow-up once a month. Moreover, you will start noticing the change in your child’s habit after a few days after the treatment.

What are the benefits of Habit Breaking Appliance Therapy?

The benefits of habit breaking appliance therapy includes:

• Minimally invasive, effective, and relatively quick treatment
• Helps your child learn how to stop detrimental habits
• Works even when your child is sleeping, distracted, or stressed
• Decreases the risk of developmental problems and problems affecting teeth alignment.

What to do after a Habit Breaking Appliance Therapy?

The child will have to clean the appliance with a toothbrush after every regular meal. If the appliance has an acrylic button, the appliance will have to be flossed under it or must be rinsed with warm salty water. The child is not permitted to play with the appliance and must avoid eating hard or sticky candies.

What services do we offer at Saudi German Hospital for Habit Breaking Appliance Therapy?

At Saudi German Hospital, we deal with children as their friends to induce relaxation and comfort in them during the treatment. Our team of specialized orthodontists will assist your child in managing their problems. However, we offer great medical care with the latest medical techniques to treat the thumb-sucking habit in your child. We not only treat your child physically but will also understand the causes behind their unusual behavior. You can place your trust in us and feel free as your child is in safe hands.