How a Palatal Crib Can Stop Thumb-Sucking Instantly

Most children stop sucking their thumb on their own by the time they reach six or seven months old. And sometimes, a child will suck their thumb until the age of four. However, if your child’s thumb-sucking continues past the age of five, it’s time to intervene. An orthodontist in Shawnee, KS, has a method that can stop your child’s thumb-sucking immediately!

What Is a Palatal Crib?

A palatal crib is a dental appliance designed to break harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting in children.

What Does a Palatal Crib Do?

A palatal crib breaks the comfort sensation a child gets from sucking their thumb. If thumb-sucking continues after the age of five, it could lead to improper jaw development, open bite, crossbite, misaligned teeth, and more.

How Does a Palatal Crib Work?

A palatal crib in Shawnee, KS, is a custom-made orthodontic appliance that is fitted to the roof of your child’s mouth. It’s a metal framework that is shaped like a half-circle. That appliance is cemented to the back of your child’s upper teeth.

The palatal crib is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and designed to prevent your child’s thumb from touching the roof of their mouth. This blockage breaks the comforting sensation a child receives from sucking their thumb. The palatal crib stops the thumb-sucking habit almost instantly. However, the appliance should be left in place for about six months to ensure your child’s thumb-sucking habit has stopped completely.

Why Getting a Palatal Crib for Your Child Is So Important

Breaking your child’s thumb-sucking habit will help prevent severe dental consequences caused by thumb-sucking. And that, in turn, will save you loads of money on expensive dental corrections in the future.

Are You Looking for an Orthodontist in Shawnee, KS?

If you want to stop your child’s thumb-sucking habit, please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to talk with you about a palatal crib for your child.