Habits

Habit Appliances (Fixed Appliances)

Habit appliances are designed to help break a damaging habits such as finger and thumb (Digit) sucking. Finger and thumb habits can cause open bites as well as cause the permanent teeth to grow in crooked. In the majority of open bite cases an existing tongue thrust is also present.

Digit habits should be corrected before all of the permanent teeth erupt into the mouth, in fact if a habit does exist, you should have your child seen by an orthodontist no later than age eight.

Treatment of digit habits consist of a variety of different approaches. One approach is the use of fixed or removable appliances. A fixed appliance such as a "Crib" appliance is designed to help break a thumb, finger, and tongue thrust habit. A fixed appliance is glued in and can not be removed by the patient. A removable appliance is also designed to break the same patterns as the fixed appliance. The major difference between the two, is the removable appliance can be taken in and out by the patient.

Important things to remember

	Difficulties in Speech and Swallowing are to be expected and are temporary. This will improve after the adjustment period with practice and continual wear.
	Please Report any Sore Spots caused by the appliance to our office immediately. The necessary adjustments can be made to make it more comfortable so that your treatment is not delayed. Tender teeth are normal with your appliance during the first few days that it is worn.
	Wear your Appliance as instructed. The habit appliance will only help correct your bite if it is worn properly.
	Remember to Brush Your Appliance every time you brush your teeth.
	Take Good Care Of Your Habit Appliance, If you take it out of your mouth while eating, keep it in the case provided to protect it. A habit appliance can easily be broken or thrown away.
	Use caution when eating .

It is not much fun to wear a habit appliance, but it is necessary in order for your treatment to be successful. Follow the instructions exactly and you will be finished sooner than you think. So do not give up! If you follow our instructions you will complete your treatment on time and you will have the rest of your life to enjoy the benefits of a short term sacrifice.

If you ever have any problems, please feel free to contact the our office by

(301)333-3900,

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