It’s normal for a child to suck their thumb. But after a certain age, it could start to create a whole host of problems that could cost a significant amount of money to fix. Did you know your orthodontist in Zanesville, OH, can help your child break that habit? It’s true!

Let’s talk about childhood thumb-sucking for a moment.

At What Age Should a Child Stop Thumb Sucking?

Most children will stop sucking their thumbs on their own somewhere between the ages of two and four. However, if your child is still sucking their thumb after the age of five, you might want to look into ways to help them stop.

The Damage Thumb-Sucking Can Cause

Thumb-sucking can cause the following dental issues.

• Misaligned teeth
• Overbite, open bite
• Speech disorders (lisps, etc.)
• Tooth decay
• Breathing issues
• Misshapen jaw
• Abnormally shaped facial structure
• Bacterial infections

Your orthodontist can help stop your child’s thumb-sucking habit using a palatal crib.

What Is a Palatal Crib?

A palatal crib in Zanesville, OH, is a custom-made orthodontic appliance designed to discourage the thumb-sucking habit.

How Does a Palatal Crib Work?

A palatal crib is a metal framework shaped like a semi-circle and fits over the roof of your child’s mouth.

A child sucks their thumb as a self-soothing mechanism. A palatal crib blocks your child’s thumb from reaching the roof of their mouth, blocking the sensation they receive from sucking their thumb. Therefore, thumb-sucking becomes uncomfortable, which, in turn, discourages the thumb-sucking habit.

Your orthodontist will craft and affix the palatal crib on your child’s mouth, where it will remain for six to 12 months to ensure the thumb-sucking habit is completely broken.

Are You Looking for an Orthodontist in Zanesville, OH?

Please Contact Dean Orthodontics today. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are compassionate, fun, and truly care about your family’s oral health now and going forward.

Braces are the go-to dental tool for helping patients straighten their teeth and align their jaw. If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, your orthodontist in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH, can help by installing braces that meet your needs. There are several types of braces that you may consider for your orthodontic needs. Below, we’ve listed three types of braces for you to consider.

1. Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are made from metal brackets and wires. The brackets attach to the tooth enamel, and wires connect the brackets. To adjust the braces and move the teeth into position, the orthodontist must tighten the braces and give the teeth time to shift.

Traditional metal braces are very practical and strong, so they’re the go-to choice for patients who need an affordable, tried-and-true method for straightening their teeth. Traditional metal braces stand out against tooth enamel, so if you’re looking for something subtle that won’t impact your smile, traditional metal braces may not be the best option for you.

2. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces have tooth-colored ceramic components. They work much like metal braces, but the tooth-colored ceramic parts make ceramic braces more difficult to see. These braces are an excellent choice if you would like braces that stand out less when you smile. Ceramic braces are commonly recommended for adults.

3. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are plastic arches that fit over the teeth and gently move the teeth into place. Clear aligners are so subtle that they’re difficult to see, even up close. Clear aligners aren’t a great option for everyone, so if you’re interested in clear aligners, talk to your dentist.

Have questions about aligners and braces in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH? Call today to make an appointment.

If you are like most people, you weigh the pros and cons before deciding on anything…right? Well, getting clear dental aligners in Zanesville, OH, is no different. So, to make it a little easier, we have compiled some of those pros and cons for you.

The Pros and Cons of Clear Dental Aligners

Take a look at these. This information should help you decide whether clear dental aligners are right for you.

Pros:

• Invisible – They are clear. So, they are virtually invisible.
• Comfortable – They are made of plastic. So, there are no wires or brackets to cause discomfort.
• No Dietary Restrictions – They are removable. So, you don’t have to avoid any of your favorite foods.
• Removable – They are removable. So, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
• Easier to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – They are removable. So, it’s easier to brush and floss your teeth, which makes it easier to maintain good oral health.
• Cost Effective – They are a cost-effective tooth straightening option.

Cons:

• Length of Treatment – In some cases, opting for clear dental aligners might mean you have to wear them longer than you would if you had opted for traditional metal braces. Your orthodontist in Zanesville, OH, will let you know how long you must wear them.
• Requires Self Discipline – Clear dental aligners must be worn for 22-24 hours each day if you want them to be effective. That means you will need self-discipline to make yourself adhere to this schedule.
• Could Cause Temporary Speech Issues – Clear dental aligners sometimes cause speech issues until you get used to wearing them.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Zanesville, OH?

If you are thinking about getting clear dental aligners or just want to know if you are a good candidate for them, please Contact Dean Orthodontics today. We can help!