Airway Health

Intraoral Habits: Options for Early Treatment Intervention
 

Early treatment intervention is essential when the dentist observes the formation (or imminent adoption) of an intraoral habit. Habits can cause skeletal open bites, Class II malocclusions and major airway issues.

Arch length loss has already occurred when you see an erupting six-year molar caught under the distal edge of a primary second molar. Leaving it untreated will block the normal eruption of the second bicuspid, diminish the child’s arch length and possibly affect the space needed for the tongue to rest normally.

The ELASTIC HALTERMAN APPLIANCE      

The Elastic Halterman Appliance is an easy way to quickly regain lost arch length and return a tipped molar to its ideal position.

A mushroom-shaped button is bonded to the erupting molar’s occlusal surface. A band with a hook that extends distal to the molar is cemented to the primary second molar. Chain elastic is used between the hook and the button to provide the required force. NOTE: Always send the laboratory an opposing cast to evaluate if there is sufficient occlusal clearance for this appliance.
 

The Blue Grass Appliance has proven ideal for minimizing the negative effects of finger and thumb sucking. More positive than a strictly habit-control approach, this appliance is a counter-conditioning device that is particularly useful in the mixed dentition stage of development. Essentially, it exchanges punishment for entertainment…and the thrill of a new toy.

The BLUE GRASS APPLIANCE

A Teflon roller is placed in the most superior aspect of the palate. When patients try to suck their thumbs, the roller prevents them from experiencing the satisfaction of suckling. Instead, their tongue spins the roller…it’s fun!

For more information regarding the range of available early treatment appliances for all types of airway and sleep appliance therapy, be sure to access and review our extensive pediatric and sleep sections at: SMLglobal.com.                                                                                                                                                                  

Or call us at 800-423-3270 and tell us what you need.  SML® offers a complete range of appliances for your pediatric patients – fitting your every need when it comes to early treatment, sleep and airway treatment, arch development, Phase 1 Orthodontics and habit correction.

For the past 60 years and into the future, we have been and will always be Your Practice-Building Partner®.

To Download a Free Copy of our Guide to Pediatrics PDF, Click Here.