Related Experiment Videos
An aid to stop thumb sucking: the "Bluegrass" appliance
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, KY.
Pediatric Dentistry
|March 1, 1991
Insights
A new fixed appliance with a Teflon roller effectively manages thumb sucking in children aged 7-13. This nonpunitive device, combined with positive reinforcement, showed success in all 24 treated cases without needing reinsertion.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Thumb sucking is a common habit in children.
- Persistent thumb sucking can lead to dental and social issues.
- Effective management strategies are crucial for pediatric dental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel nonpunitive fixed appliance for managing persistent thumb sucking.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this appliance when used with positive reinforcement.
- To assess the appliance's success rate and need for reinsertion in children aged 7-13.
Main Methods:
- A fixed dental appliance featuring a Teflon roller was designed.
- The appliance was implemented in a treatment program incorporating positive reinforcement.
- The study involved 24 children aged 7-13 years exhibiting persistent thumb sucking.
Main Results:
- The Teflon roller appliance demonstrated high success in managing thumb sucking.
- All 24 children in the study achieved cessation of thumb sucking.
- No instances required the appliance to be removed and reinserted, indicating sustained efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The described fixed appliance is an effective and nonpunitive tool for treating thumb sucking in children.
- Combining the appliance with positive reinforcement enhances treatment outcomes.
- The appliance offers a reliable solution with a low complication rate for pediatric habit management.
Abstract:
A nonpunitive fixed appliance utilizing a Teflon (E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Inc., Wilmington, DE) roller is described. The appliance is used in conjunction with a program of positive reinforcement in managing thumb sucking in children 7-13 years of age. It has been used successfully in 24 children, with no cases requiring reinsertion.