Habit Appliances in Utah

Persistent oral habits in children, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, may seem harmless—but if left unaddressed, they can lead to serious dental and skeletal issues over time. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we offer habit appliances as a gentle, effective solution for breaking these behaviors and protecting long-term orthodontic health.

Habit appliances are used as part of Phase I Orthodontic Treatment to intercept damaging patterns during critical stages of growth and development. These appliances are discreet, comfortable, and designed to discourage harmful oral habits before they interfere with jaw development or cause permanent misalignment.

Habit appliances are custom-fabricated orthodontic devices placed inside the mouth to help eliminate repetitive behaviors that can interfere with dental development. Most are fixed (cemented) to the molars and positioned near the palate or tongue to block or deter the habit.

Common habits that may require intervention include:

• Thumb or finger sucking
• Tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue forward when swallowing)
• Prolonged pacifier use
• Lip sucking or biting
• Nail biting or cheek chewing

While these behaviors are normal in infants and toddlers, they can cause:

• Open bites or overbites
• Narrowing of the upper jaw
• Protruding front teeth
• Speech delays
• Improper tongue posture
• Jaw growth imbalances

By using a habit appliance, we can eliminate the behavior and support proper oral development—often reducing the need for more extensive future treatment.

At Utah Orthodontic Care, we match the appliance to your child’s specific needs and growth stage. Some of the most commonly used devices include:

1. Thumb Crib Appliance
   A metal crib that sits on the roof of the mouth and gently prevents the thumb or finger from making contact. It works as a deterrent and eliminates the pleasure of the habit.
2. Bluegrass Appliance
   A non-punitive, child-friendly device featuring a spinning roller that occupies the tongue or thumb, redirecting the habit in a positive way. Ideal for younger children who respond well to distraction.
3. Tongue Tamers or Spikes
   Small, rounded prongs that discourage forward tongue thrusting by reminding the tongue to stay in the correct position during swallowing or speaking.
4. Rake Appliance
   Used for more persistent cases of thumb sucking, this design incorporates small points or rakes to make thumb sucking physically uncomfortable, prompting behavior change.

Habit appliances are typically left in place for 6 to 12 months, depending on how quickly the habit is broken and the progress observed in follow-up visits.

Our process includes:

1. A full consultation with digital imaging and evaluation of your child’s oral development
2. Custom appliance design based on the specific habit and anatomy
3. Placement of the appliance in a short, comfortable in-office visit
4. Regular follow-ups to monitor progress and ensure proper function
5. Removal of the appliance once the habit is fully resolved

We also educate parents and children on strategies to reinforce habit change outside the dental office. Our goal is not only physical correction but long-term behavioral success.