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Executive | Lab Tech Talk

Thumb Crib

Category:

Appliance Purpose / Function:

The thumb habit appliance is designed serve as a reminder to help end a digit habit. It presents a barrier between the digit and the palate to prevent the patient from achieving suction. It consists of a base wire with a crib adapted close to the tissue in the rugae portion of the palate.

Attention: In order to achieve the best function of this appliance a lower model is required for manufacturing

Appliance Components:

  • Bands on the 1st permanent molars
  • .040 base arch extending mesial to the middle third of the cuspids
  • Habit crib is adapted close to the tissue in the rugae portion of the palate Wire and crib are soldered to the bands

Suggested Materials:

  • Wire: Chromium Cobalt wire or Stainless-Steel
  • Solder: Silver Solder (Cadmium Free)

Options:

  • Laser welding (no solder)
  • Appliance may be made more aggressive for more persistent habits

Appliance Fabrication Standards:

  • The base arch slightly o the tissue
  • The base arch touches all the posterior teeth
  • The wire placed at the top 1/3 of the band and laying against the band for 4 to 5mm
  • The vertical arch 1 to 2mm above the height of the cuspids
  • Crib wire is adapted close to the tissue in the rugae portion of the palate
  • If you have no lower arch, the base wire extends no further than the mesial 1/3 of the cuspids If you have a lower arch, the crib will be as far forward as possible

Appliance Notes:

If the habit persists, it may be helpful to determine whether the habit is a simple habit or a mechanism to help the child cope with stressful events happening in his or her life.