Thumb Sucking

Thumb Sucking Treatment at Virginia Braces and Aligners

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is quite common in infants. It is a self-soothing technique that helps your child feel relaxed and comfortable and fall back to sleep. Studies show that infants who suck their thumb are more likely to sleep through the night and earlier than those who don’t. If this habit persists beyond the age of 4, it can have an impact on the oral development of your child. At Virginia Braces and Invisalign Center, our orthodontists offer individualized solutions for treating the complications arising out of prolonged thumb sucking. We help lay the foundation for your child to develop a healthy and beautiful smile.

Impact of Thumb Sucking

The problem of thumb sucking can cause two forms of teeth misalignment or malocclusion. This includes overbite or openbite.

  • Openbite: In this case, the upper or lower front teeth face outwards.

  • Overbite: In this situation, there is misalignment of the upper front teeth, which will then face outwards. These problems also have the potential to affect the facial shape and smile.

The habit can also affect speech by hampering the proper development of the jaw, palate, and teeth.

Treatment Options in Orthodontics

The orthodontic treatment for your child will be prescribed after we have determined the kind of issues that may have developed due to the habit of thumb sucking. Certain treatments involve the use of spacers or plates that help in future oral growth. These treatments also prevent dental issues from developing. In some cases, we may use lingual or metal braces for correcting misalignment and crossbites.

If your child is 5 years or older and continues to suck their thumb or fingers, you should visit our office in Arlington, Mechanicsville, Charlottesville, Ruckersville and Woodbridge. This is an important stage in their dental and oral development and it is essential to stop the habit. When malocclusions and other issues are stopped in time, it can help prevent the need for orthognathic surgery in the future.