Pacifiers and thumb sucking are common habits in infants and young children, providing comfort and helping them self-soothe. These natural reflexes are typically harmless during infancy, but prolonged use can have lasting effects on your child’s dental and orthodontic development.
While most children stop thumb sucking or using a pacifier on their own by age two to four, some continue beyond this period, which may interfere with the normal growth of teeth and jaws. The constant pressure from sucking can cause misalignment of teeth, bite problems and even changes in the shape of the mouth.
As a parent, it is important to recognize when these habits are affecting your child’s oral health and understand the pediatric orthodontic solutions that can help.
How Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking Affect Dental Development
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can exert pressure on the teeth, jawbones and the roof of the mouth. This pressure can:
- Cause misaligned teeth: Extended sucking can lead to front teeth protruding outward (overjet) or bottom teeth moving inward, disrupting the natural alignment of teeth.
- Create bite issues: It may cause an open bite, where the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, or a crossbite, where the upper teeth do not align properly with the lower teeth.
- Affect jaw development: The upper and lower jaws can be altered in shape and size, leading to future orthodontic issues.
If these habits persist beyond toddlerhood, it is important to consult with an orthodontist to prevent long-term complications. Fortunately, pediatric orthodontic appliances can help correct issues caused by pacifier use and thumb sucking.
Pediatric Orthodontic Appliances That Can Help
Several orthodontic appliances are available to address the dental and jaw problems caused by prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use. Here are some common appliances that may be recommended by your child’s orthodontist:
1. Orthodontic Forsus Appliance
The Forsus appliance is commonly used in children to correct bite problems, especially Class II malocclusions, where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth. This device applies gentle pressure to the jaws to promote forward movement of the lower jaw while pulling the upper teeth back into alignment. If thumb sucking or pacifier use has caused significant bite misalignment, the Forsus appliance may be part of the treatment plan.
2. Orthodontic Lower Expanders
For children with a narrow lower jaw, an orthodontic lower expander can help widen the jaw to improve alignment and create more space for crowded teeth. This appliance is attached to the lower molars and gradually expands the arch. This is often needed if thumb sucking has affected the symmetry of the lower jaw and caused crowding.
3. Orthodontic Palatal Expanders
Similarly, palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw. If the thumb sucking or pacifier use has caused a narrow palate (the roof of the mouth), a palatal expander can gradually increase the width of the upper jaw. This helps ensure proper alignment of the teeth and prevents issues like crossbites.
4. Orthodontic Tongue Cribs
Orthodontic tongue cribs are appliances designed to prevent the tongue from pressing against the teeth, which can exacerbate bite problems caused by thumb sucking or pacifier use. This device is placed on the upper teeth and creates a barrier, training the tongue to remain in the correct position. It helps prevent further pressure on the teeth and jaws.
5. Orthodontic Thumb Cribs
Thumb cribs are specifically designed to discourage thumb sucking. This device is attached to the upper molars and includes a small barrier that prevents the thumb from comfortably resting against the roof of the mouth. Over time, this discourages the habit and allows the teeth and jaw to develop properly.
We Are the Orthodontist Near You
If you are concerned about your child’s dental development due to prolonged sucking habits, consulting with our orthodontists is the best step toward ensuring a healthy smile. Shirck Orthodontics invites you to schedule your child’s evaluation with one of our skilled orthodontists, Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo and Dr. Betina. They are highly qualified to help your family with all your orthodontic needs. We also have convenient locations near you in Powell, Newark, Westerville, or New Albany and Pataskala, Ohio. We welcome you to give us a call today!