At some point, your child will probably need to see an orthodontist in Laurel, MD. But when, at what age, and for what issues? In some cases, early orthodontics can help curb destructive habits like thumb-sucking. So, let’s talk about that for a moment.

At What Point Does Thumb Sucking Become Destructive?

Thumb sucking is normal behavior. Between 60-80 percent of children suck their thumb during infancy. It’s a self-soothing mechanism. This behavior usually wanes after six months of age or so. However, if your child is still sucking their thumb after the age of five or six, it could result in serious damage.

The Damages Thumb Sucking Can Cause

Thumb-sucking should be curbed at some point. If it’s not, the following are just a few of the consequences.

• Misaligned teeth
• Open bite or overbite
• Speech impediments
• Social abuses

And if the thumb-sucking continues after your child’s permanent teeth have come in, it could result in permanent damage.

Using Early Orthodontic Treatments to Stop Thumb Sucking

If you can’t seem to stop the thumb-sucking behavior, early orthodontic treatment in Laurel, MD, could be the solution. But what are early orthodontics? Keep reading…

Orthodontists have a dental appliance for this. The orthodontic “fence” is placed on the roof of your child’s mouth. It’s designed to stop thumb-sucking. It works by breaking the sensation a child gets from sucking their thumb.

Once your child doesn’t experience the self-soothing sensation of sucking their thumb, they won’t continue to do it. The orthodontist will go over everything in more detail with you.

Looking for an Orthodontist in Laurel, MD?

If you are concerned about your child’s thumb-sucking habits, we can help. Please Contact Heller Orthodontics today. We can make some recommendations based on your child’s needs, and together, we can decide on the best path forward.