What orhto appliance for tongue thrusting patient?
There are various orthodontic appliances that can be used to correct tongue thrusting in patients. Some common options include:
1. Tongue crib: A tongue crib is a wire appliance that is placed behind the upper front teeth. It has a loop that extends over the tongue, which helps to prevent the tongue from pushing forward during swallowing.
2. Modified Hawley retainer: A modified Hawley retainer is a removable appliance that consists of a plastic baseplate with wire clasps that fit around the teeth. It can be customized with an acrylic extension that covers the palate and helps to prevent the tongue from thrusting forward.
3. Bionator: A bionator is a removable appliance that is designed to correct both tongue thrusting and jaw problems. It has a bulky design that helps to reposition the tongue and promote proper jaw development.
4. Herbst appliance: A Herbst appliance is a fixed appliance that is used to correct severe overbites and tongue thrusting. It consists of two metal bands that are cemented to the upper and lower molars, which are connected by a metal rod. The rod helps to create a forward force that encourages the lower jaw to move forward and the tongue to rest in a proper position.
5. Myofunctional appliances: Myofunctional appliances are a group of appliances that are designed to help correct tongue thrusting by retraining the muscles of the tongue and mouth. They can include a variety of different designs, such as tongue trainers, lip bumpers, and palate plates.
The specific type of orthodontic appliance that is best for a particular patient will depend on the individual's age, the severity of the tongue thrusting, and other factors. An orthodontist will be able to assess the patient's needs and recommend the most appropriate appliance.