Habit Breaking Appliance
WHAT is a Habit-Breaking Appliance?
A habit-breaking appliance is a mechanical or dental device used to deter or eliminate harmful behaviors or habits. These are most commonly used in pediatric dentistry or orthodontics, but they can also be used in other behavioral or therapeutic contexts.
Common examples:
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Thumb sucking appliances (e.g., Bluegrass appliance, crib appliance)
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Tongue thrust appliances
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Mouth guards (for nail-biting or teeth grinding)
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Bitter-tasting nail polish (behavioral version)
WHY is it Used?
To prevent or eliminate harmful habits that:
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Negatively affect oral or facial development (e.g., malocclusion from thumb sucking)
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Cause dental or health issues (e.g., tongue thrusting leading to open bite)
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Result in psychological or social problems (e.g., nail-biting or hair-pulling)
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Create parafunctional stress (e.g., bruxism or grinding teeth)
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HOW Does It Work?
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Mechanically deters the habit:
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For thumb sucking: a palatal crib blocks the thumb from creating suction.
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For tongue thrust: a rake or crib makes it uncomfortable or physically difficult to push the tongue forward.
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Creates discomfort or disincentive when the habit is attempted.
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Provides passive reminder of the unwanted behavior.
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Can be fixed (cemented) or removable depending on the treatment goal and patient compliance.
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DURATION of Use
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Typically 3 to 12 months, but it varies:
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Depends on age, habit severity, and patient compliance.
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Appliance may remain in place for a few months after the habit stops to prevent relapse.
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Regular monitoring by a dentist or therapist is required.
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