Habit Appliances: A Solution for Optimal Oral Health

Breaking harmful oral habits is essential for maintaining proper dental alignment and overall oral health, especially for children. At OHIOSmiles, Dr. Antalis provides habit appliances as a solution for patients in Cambridge, OH. These devices are designed to help children and teens stop oral habits, which can negatively impact the growth and alignment of teeth and jaw development.

What Are Habit Appliances?

Habit appliances are custom-made devices used in orthodontic treatment to address prolonged oral habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrust, that can have adverse effects on dental health. The goal of habit appliances is to discourage these habits by creating a barrier or reminder in the mouth. 

These habits can lead to orthodontic issues, such as misaligned teeth, bite problems, and speech difficulties. They are designed to promote proper tongue posture and encourage correct swallowing patterns.

How Habit Appliances Work

Habit appliances act as a gentle reminder to discourage harmful behaviors. They are designed to be comfortable and practical without causing discomfort or distress to the child. There are two main types of habit appliances:

1. Fixed Habit Appliances: These are attached to the teeth and cannot be removed by the child. They create a barrier to prevent the habit, such as a small tongue crib that blocks tongue-thrusting or a thumb guard to discourage thumb-sucking.
2. Removable Habit Appliances: These devices can be taken out and typically used by older children or teens who are motivated to stop the habit. They work similarly to retainers but include components to interrupt the habit.

Dr. Antalis will recommend the most suitable option based on your child’s age, needs, and the severity of the habit.

Common Dental Issues Habit Appliances Correct

Harmful oral habits can lead to dental problems requiring orthodontic intervention. One of the prevalent issues is an open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth don’t overlap properly when biting down. This can be caused by prolonged thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or even prolonged pacifier use beyond infancy. Additionally, these habits can affect the alignment of the anterior teeth, pushing them outward and leading to crooked or protruded teeth.

Habit appliances play a crucial role in intercepting and correcting these issues. By addressing the root cause—the harmful oral habit—these appliances can guide teeth back into their proper positions and prevent further misalignment. The sooner these habits are addressed, the easier it is to correct them and ensure proper teeth and jaw development.

Signs Your Child May Need a Habit Appliance

As a parent, you play an active role in safeguarding your child’s oral health. Identifying the signs of harmful oral habits that might necessitate a habit appliance is essential.

While many oral habits fade on their own, sure signs indicate the need for intervention, including:

• Persistent thumb-sucking or finger-sucking beyond age 4 or 5.
• Visible changes in the alignment of teeth or the shape of the palate.
• Difficulty biting or chewing due to an open bite.
• Speech difficulties related to tongue-thrusting.
• Parental or teacher concerns about long-standing habits.

During your visit, Dr. Antalis will evaluate your child’s oral health and discuss the potential need for a habit appliance.

How to Get Started with Habit Appliances at OHIOSmiles

Getting started with habit appliances at OHIOSmiles is a straightforward process. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to examine your child’s mouth and jaw. This will help determine the severity of the habit and the type of appliance best suited for their needs.

Dr. Antalis offers expert care and customized solutions to meet your child’s unique needs. Contact us today at (740) 439-2501 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how habit appliances can benefit your child. Together, we’ll set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles!