Orthodontic Treatment for Oral Habits

At Mountain View Orthodontics, we understand the impact that oral habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can have on dental health and development, especially in children. These habits, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant orthodontic issues. Our specialized orthodontic treatment for oral habits in Alamogordo can gently and effectively guide your child away from these habits, ensuring optimal oral development and a healthy smile.

Understanding Oral Habits

Why might you need orthodontic treatment for oral habits in Alamogordo? Oral habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are natural behaviors in children, especially in their early years. However, if these habits persist beyond four to six years, they can interfere with the alignment of permanent teeth and jaw development. Here’s a closer look at these habits:

Thumb Sucking: Commonly seen in infants and toddlers, thumb sucking is a self-soothing behavior. It becomes a concern when it continues as permanent teeth emerge, potentially leading to issues such as open bites, misaligned teeth, and changes in the roof of the mouth.

Tongue Thrusting: This occurs when the tongue is pressed too far forward in the mouth, often during speech or swallowing. Over time, this pressure can cause the teeth to misalign, leading to open bite or other orthodontic problems.

Habit-Breaking Appliances

In addition to therapy, Mountain View Orthodontics can recommend a variety of habit-breaking appliances tailored to address these specific oral behaviors. Our goal is to create a positive treatment experience for your child, using customized, comfortable, and effective appliances.

Thumb Sucking Correction

For children struggling to stop thumb-sucking, we can help! One option is the Thumb Crib Appliance, which fits comfortably in the mouth and discourages thumb placement by creating an obstruction. By wearing this appliance, children gradually reduce the frequency of thumb sucking, leading to healthier dental development.

Tongue Thrust Habit Breaker

We recommend the Tongue Crib or Bluegrass Appliance for those affected by tongue thrusting. These devices work by training the tongue to adopt the correct positioning. The appliance is comfortably fitted in the mouth and functions as a physical obstacle and a sensory reminder for the tongue. This gradual retraining helps align teeth correctly and fosters proper swallowing habits.

The Treatment Process

When you bring your child to Mountain View Orthodontics, we thoroughly evaluate their oral habits and overall dental health. Our team will then develop a personalized treatment plan that includes:

Initial Consultation: Understanding your child’s specific habits and evaluating the impact on their dental health.
Custom Appliances: Recommending, if necessary, a comfortable, tailored appliance to address the identified habit.
Regular Check-Ups: Monitoring progress and making adjustments to the appliances as necessary.
Supportive Guidance: Discuss strategies and tips to help encourage new, healthy oral habits.

Benefits of Early Intervention

Addressing oral habits early can prevent a host of dental issues in the future. By correcting these habits, we can help ensure proper teeth alignment, reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later, and promote better oral and facial development.

Alignment of Teeth: Prevents undesirable dental developments such as open bites and misaligned teeth.
Jaw Development: Supports proper jaw growth and positioning.
Aesthetic Improvements: Contributes to a more attractive and confident smile.
Speech Improvement: Helps with clearer articulation if tongue positioning affects speech.

Why Choose Mountain View Orthodontics?

At Mountain View Orthodontics, our expertise and commitment to personalized care set us apart. We can help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile through our innovative treatment options. Here’s why you can trust us with your child’s orthodontic needs:

Experienced Orthodontists: Our team has years of experience in treating children with oral habits, equipped with the latest tools and techniques in orthodontics.
Individualized Care: We know that every child is different, which is why we provide treatment plans that cater to individual needs.
Comfortable Environment: Our clinic is a welcoming space, designed to make our young patients feel at ease throughout their treatment.
Education and Support: We believe in educating both parents and children about the treatment process, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools needed for success.