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Habit-breaking Appliances

Habit-breaking appliances are dental appliances that help children to break their thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or other harmful oral habits. These appliances are a non-invasive solution to help prevent long-term dental issues such as misaligned teeth, speech problems, and jaw disorders.

Who should get the appliances?

Children between the ages of 3 and 6 are often candidates for habit-breaking appliances. These appliances are custom-made by a pediatric dentist to fit comfortably in the child’s mouth. There are different types of habit-breaking appliances available, including thumb guards, palatal cribs, tongue cribs, and lip bumpers. Habit-breaking appliances help to redirect the child’s habit and encourage them to stop the harmful behavior.

What are the benefits?

  • The appliances create a physical barrier to prevent the child from continuing the habit.
  • They can help prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
  • They can also improve the child's speech and prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Habit-breaking appliances are typically worn for several months to a year, depending on the child's progress and the severity of the habit.
  • Regular visits to our dentist in Miami, FL, are necessary to monitor the child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the appliance.
Habit-breaking appliances are a valuable tool in pediatric dentistry to help children break harmful oral habits that can lead to long-term dental issues. They are safe, effective, and non-invasive, making them an excellent option for young children. If you have concerns about your child’s oral habits, contact us at (305) 271-0861.