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THUMB SUCKING AND ORTHODONTICS

more than smiles

Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics
February 9, 2019

 

Along with teddy bears, blankets, and nap time, thumb sucking can be one of the most comforting aspects of childhood.  According to a recent report, between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.  So, chances are there’s a thumb-sucker (or a former thumb-sucker) in your family.  In most cases, this is not cause for worry.  However, it’s important to pay attention to your child’s habits, in case his/her behavior has the potential to affect their oral health.  Continued thumb sucking can effect the shape and size of the developing upper jaw bone and can create a protrusion of the teeth.

What is Thumb Sucking?
Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and it serves an important purpose. Sucking often provides a sense of security and contentment for a young one. It can also be relaxing, which is why many children suck their thumbs as they fall asleep.  According to the American Dental Association, most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ages of two and four.

When is Thumb Sucking a Problem or an Orthodontic Issue?
Some children, however, continue sucking beyond the preschool years.  If your child is still sucking when his/her permanent teeth start to erupt, it is time to take action to break or change the course of the habit.  It is very common for children to stop after being told by their pediatric dentist or orthodontist.  A useful tool in aiding them in breaking their thumb-sucking habit is a product called Mavala Stop.  This is an extremely bitter formula that you paint on like nail polish.  Mavala Stop can be purchased online, through our office, or through your pediatric dentist.

When Do I Need to Seek a Professional Evaluation?
The AAO – American Association of Orthodontists, along with Dr. Sherman and Dr. Balhoff, recommends that a child’s first visit to an orthodontic specialist should occur no later than age seven.  Children who suck their thumbs may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as early as four or five years of age. An early orthodontic examination can be a valuable preventative measure in controlling dental and skeletal irregularities in a growing child, like those caused by thumb sucking.  While most children do not start treatment at this time, early treatment and management of a patient’s skeletal growth before most of the permanent teeth have erupted or simple interceptive treatment to control harmful habits.  Some preventative treatment may be indicated including limited braces, thumb cribs, or rapid palatal expanders.  Such early, interceptive treatment can allow the jaws and the permanent teeth to grow more properly.  This may reduce additional orthodontic treatment potentially needed if thumb-sucking is continued.  In some cases, proper treatment timing can achieve results that are not easily attained once the face and jaws have finished growing.  Even if your child is not a thumb-sucker, it I still important to see an orthodontist by the age of seven.

By: David A. Balhoff, DDS – Orthodontic Specialist

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We love it when our patients smile, and we love it even more when want they want to tell the world! Check out what our patients have to say about their 5-star experience with us.
Kandace L.
Truly the kindest staff you will ever meet. They genuinely make my day so much better every time I have to come in for an appointment. Very personable and easy to make an appointment with. I go to them as an adult, but I would definitely recommend anyone who has children to take them here!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that our team has made such a positive impact on your visits. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to seeing you again!
Ben K.
The best orthodontic group there is! My treatment plan was very smooth and Dr. Kramer made sure to take his time to explain everything to me. They also made sure that my braces were never bothering me and that I was at comfort while getting my smile fixed. I still have my braces on currently, but so far it’s worth every penny. I have see very good results and I have only had my braces on for 10 months. I can’t wait to see the final result.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Ben! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience has been positive and that Dr. Kramer provided the care and explanations you needed. Looking forward to the final result of your treatment!
Cassandra C.
I transferred my care to this location after moving and I’m impressed ! They’re very kind and professional. The office is so cute. I definitely recommend !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Cassandra! We're thrilled to hear you feel welcomed and impressed by our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Alicia C.
My daughter just got braces at Sherman and Balhoff Prairieville's office. We are very pleased with the way the entire process. The staff are excellent! Very friendly, caring, and professional. They took great care of us by explaining every part of the process, and that put all our concerns to rest. I will always highly recommend Sherman and Balhoff. They're the best!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendations mean a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Rebecca
Five of our children have received treatment from Dr. Balhoff. We wouldn’t go anywhere else. The entire staff at Sherman and Balhoff Orthodontics has been wonderful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your family! We love having all of you here.
Gannon B.
It was easy to make an appointment and I was seen quickly by their professional and knowledgeable staff.
I had a great experience and would highly recommend them to any family or friends.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Gannon!! Patients like you make our day brighter!
MDU U.
From the very first time you walk though the door, it is a wonderful experience. The staff are all friendly, kind and knowledgeable. We have a wonderful experience every time and cannot recommend this practice highly enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review. Having wonderful people like you in our office makes our days spectacular!
Davia W.
The absolute best! We were recommended by my children’s dentist and the office was directly next door (Prairieville location). The entire office staff is amazing and very personable which had me sold from the consultation. My son started treatment in Aug 2024 and so did I Dec 2024. The reviews definitely match the experience and I’d recommend over and over again!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Davia! We're thrilled to hear that you and your son have had such positive experiences with us. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and your recommendation means the world to us. We look forward to continuing to support you both throughout your treatment!
Carly D.
After having my braces off for only 7 months from a previous orthodontist, I switched to S&B after not being happy with my results and incomplete treatment. One of the best decisions I've made. Great with time management, quick and easy appointments, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Carly! We're thrilled to hear that switching to Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has made such a difference for you. Our team is dedicated to providing efficient and friendly service, and your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your orthodontic journey!
Scott D.
I recently completed my second go-round with braces (my first was many years ago as a teenager), as a 60 year old patient of S&B.
I want to express my most sincere appreciation for the results I see when I look in the mirror...the results have exceeded my expectations.
Additionally, I was very impressed with the way I was treated (as a patient) each and every time I had an appointment.
Yet, I believe one of the most impactful (and unexpected) memories of this journey was the way I felt each time I left the building (at the end of each appointment.) With no exception, each time I was there, I felt a genuine teamwork atmosphere. To the person, they not only expressed care for me (the patient) but they expressed care for each other (the employee.)
Thank you, S&B, for not only leaving me with a visual example of success but, moreover, an emotional example of success.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!
Allison K.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Response from the owner:Allison thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!
Dana G.
I used Sherman and Balhoff myself as an adult and now my daughter is a patient there. They are the best and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Sherman even came back after closing because my daughter was having an issue with her bite after getting her braces put on. He was so very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
Response from the owner:Dana thank you for your kind words! Your vote of confidence in our practice is why we do what we do!
Spunky E.
I only been in for first appointment and so far it has been great. The facility is great and the staff is all fantastic!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great 5-star review!

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