Profile changes concurrent with management of thumb sucking habit

Abstract

The aim of this clinical study was to cephalometrically investigate profile changes after using a palatal crib and fixed orthodontic appliance therapy, in children with thumb sucking. Fifteen females with age ranged from 8 to 10 years were used in this study, irrespective of the molar relationship. Lateral cephalometric X-ray films were taken before and after treatment, and sixteen variables were measured and statistically analyzed using a paired t-test. Before and after treatment differences were statistically significant for all variables except mandibular apical base relationship and maxillary length. Dentoalveolar changes were evidenced as retrusion and extrusion of incisors and decrease in the open bite and overjet .The dento-skeletal changes implied soft tissue changes in the form of retracted upper and lower lips , decreased interlabial gap, and increased nasolabial angle. On the basis of the data obtained it could be concluded that the break of the habit allow skeleto-dental and soft tissue improvement, and early intervention of thumb sucking are essential to re-establish the adequate growth and development potential.

The Magnetic Habit Reminder For The Correction Of Thumb Sucking Habit. A Prospective Clinical Trial

“…However, the interlabial gap showed statistically significant reduction after treatment by 2.95 mm similar to those findings reported by Ghobashy and Ghoname [24].…”