If you have a child that is still sucking their thumb or pacifier after the age of five, your orthodontist in Norton, OH, might recommend a palatal crib. But what is a palatal crib, and how does it work?

Let’s take a look.

What Is a Palatal Crib and What’s It Used For?

A palatal crib is a dental appliance. It’s a metal framework shaped like a semi-circle and placed in your child’s mouth.

If your child is still sucking their thumb or pacifier after the age of five, fitting them with a palatal crib could save you from having to pay for extensive and expensive corrective dental procedures in the future. It will also help your child avoid damaging their mouth to the point of causing speech impediments and other issues.

A palatal crib is considered an early orthodontic intervention in Norton, OH, and it’s used to stop the following destructive behaviors.

• Prevent Thumb Sucking
• Break the Pacifier Habit
• Prevent Tongue Thrusting

How a Palatal Crib Works

A child sucks their thumb or pacifier as a self-soothing mechanism. A palatal crib prevents your child’s thumb or pacifier from being able to touch the roof of their mouth. So, the palatal crib prevents that self-soothing sensation from occurring. And this, in turn, breaks the sucking habit almost immediately.

A palatal crib is a non-invasive and well-tolerated dental appliance placed on the roof of your child’s mouth and held in place by cementing it to the backs of the upper teeth.

The Benefits of a Palatal Crib

These are just a few benefits of fitting your child with a palatal crib.

• Malocclusion Prevention
• Encourages Proper Facial Development
• Promotes Proper Tongue Posture
• Helps Break Bad Habits (thumb and pacifier sucking and tongue thrusting)

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

If you think your child might need a palatal crib to stop thumb or pacifier sucking, please Contact Hockenberger Orthodontics today. We would be happy to show you exactly how it works and answer all your questions.