Thumb sucking
Thumb sucking is a very normal coping mechanism that provides comfort to many little ones between the ages of three months and three years, but it has risks if it continues beyond the age of seven.
What problems can thumb sucking cause?
Thumb sucking can cause:
- Changes to the roof of the mouth and jaw, including the narrowing of the upper jaw so that the back teeth do not meet
- Delayed appearance of adult teeth
- Misalignment of adult teeth
- An overbite
- A space between the upper and lower teeth known as an ‘open bite’, which can make biting and chewing difficult
The problems tend to be worse if your child sucks their thumb for more than six hours per day.
Did you know?
One in every eight children between the ages of seven and eleven sucks their thumb1.
How can braces help?
Initially, you’ll want to see a general dentist to help your child break the habit. They can offer helpful advice and may also discuss a ‘habit breaker’ - this is a dental appliance that makes thumb sucking more difficult.
For conditions that have developed from the habit, for example, an overbite or crooked teeth, an orthodontist can talk you through the different teeth straightening options available to correct the problem.
Don’t worry if the options seem overwhelming, your orthodontist will take you through the pros and cons of each, and recommend the most suitable solution for your child. Some common options include:
Fixed braces: Braces that are attached to the teeth using wires and brackets
Twin block braces: A type of brace that uses two removable ‘twin blocks’ to straighten the teeth
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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Find out more
Learn more about orthodontics for children
Braces for children
Learn about the types of braces we have available for children, including fixed and removable options.
Fixed braces
Learn more about fixed braces, attached to the teeth using wires and brackets.
Cost of braces
Find out more about how much braces cost. You can also ask your local practice about payment options.
Our orthodontists
*Terms and conditions:
1.Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2.Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
