Braces for Thumb Sucking
Orthodontic treatment for children can begin as early as age 7.
Montreal orthodontist Dr. Nguyen and her team care about their young patients’ dental health in their clinic beside the Mount Royal.
Thumb sucking is a common habit among babies and young children. However, when this habit persists beyond the appropriate age, it can lead to dental and jaw development issues. At Orthodontie Côte-des-Neiges in Montreal, we specialize in treating the effects of thumb sucking so you can avoid the negative consequences on your child’s oral health.
Consequences of prolonged thumb sucking
Thumb sucking is a natural infant reflex that helps babies feel secure and calm. However, if this habit persists beyond the age of 3 or 4, it can start to cause dental problems. The pressure exerted by the thumb on developing teeth and the roof of the mouth can lead to an open bite, where the upper and lower incisors don’t meet properly, or a malocclusion, where the jaws don’t align properly.
Children who continue to suck their thumbs can also develop difficulties related to swallowing and tongue position, which can affect their ability to speak properly. Prolonged thumb sucking can also distort the shape of the palate and lead to misaligned teeth, which will require orthodontic treatment later on.
How to help your child break their thumb sucking habit
It’s important for parents to understand the potential consequences of prolonged thumb sucking and to encourage their child to stop the habit. Stopping thumb sucking can be difficult, as it is a deeply ingrained behavior, but it’s possible with the right support.
The orthodontists at our Montreal clinic can offer advice and strategies to help parents encourage their child to stop sucking their thumb. This can include positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards, or the use of temporary orthopedic devices that prevent sucking. We work in collaboration with parents to create a personalized plan for each child, so they can stop this habit before it causes permanent damage.
Give your child a beautiful smile
An initial check-up and follow-up exam at Orthodontie
Côte-des-Neiges can build your child’s self-confidence and reduce the risk of need more extensive treatment as they grow older.
Orthodontic treatment for the effects of thumb sucking
It’s important for parents to understand the potential consequences of prolonged thumb sucking and to encourage their child to stop the habit. Stopping thumb sucking can be difficult, as it is a deeply ingrained behavior, but it’s possible with the right support.
The orthodontists at our Montreal clinic can offer advice and strategies to help parents encourage their child to stop sucking their thumb. This can include positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards, or the use of temporary orthopedic devices that prevent sucking. We work in collaboration with parents to create a personalized plan for each child, so they can stop this habit before it causes permanent damage.
Why Orthodontie Côte-des-Neiges?
Why Orthodontie Côte-des-Neiges?
Schedule an appointment with our clinic
Whether we ultimately recommend Damon brackets, clear aligners or corrective jaw surgery, book an appointment with our clinic is the first step.
Our dedicated team will be delighted to welcome you and your child to our facility. After a thorough evaluation, we’ll suggest the best method for taking care of your child’s teeth.
Contact us today for more information.