From an Open Bite to a Harmonious Smile: Orthodontic Intervention With Bluegrass Appliance and Tongue Thrust...

The tongue-thrusting habit significantly contributes to the development of the anterior open bite (AOB), particularly when an infantile swallowing pattern persists into the later stages of childhood and adolescence. This habit results in the protrusion of the anterior teeth. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying causes, incorporating retraining exercises, and utilizing mechanical appliances to control tongue positioning. However, commonly used devices such as palatal cribs or spurs may present challenges, including speech impediments, chewing difficulties, and the potential for unintended injuries. This paper presents a case report detailing the treatment of a patient with an AOB, dental protrusion, and spacing. The treatment approach included the application of a fixed tongue trainer, in the form of a modified bluegrass appliance. Subsequent fixed orthodontic therapy was employed to rectify proclined teeth within the dental arch.