Habit Appliances in Harrisonburg, VA | Stop Thumb Sucking & Tongue Thrust

Does your child still suck their thumb past age 5? Notice their tongue pushing forward when they swallow?

These common childhood habits might seem harmless, but they can actually change the shape of your child’s jaw, create gaps between teeth, and lead to speech problems that get worse over time.

The good news? At Giardina Orthodontics in Harrisonburg, we help kids break these habits gently and effectively with specialized habit appliances. As a Board-Certified Orthodontist with advanced training in pediatric orthodontics and airway health, Dr. Julia Giardina understands that every child is different – and every habit needs a customized approach.

Is My Child a Candidate for Habit Appliances in Harrisonburg?

✅ Thumb or finger sucking past age 5
✅ Tongue visible between teeth when swallowing (tongue thrust)
✅ Open bite or narrow upper jaw

✅ Speech difficulties with “s” or “z” sounds
✅ Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
✅ Gaps between front teeth that won’t close
✅ Crossbite affecting one or both sides

Giardina Orthodontics offers gentle, fixed habit appliances in Harrisonburg, VA to help children break persistent oral habits—often within just a few weeks. Our customized approach addresses the specific habit while supporting healthy jaw development.

Not sure if your child needs treatment? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Giardina to discuss your child’s development and explore the best options for their smile.

What Are Habit Appliances?

Habit appliances are small orthodontic devices that help children break persistent oral habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. These appliances are bonded (glued) to your child’s first molars, making them comfortable and effective without requiring your child to remember to wear something removable.

Think of them as gentle reminders that help your child’s brain create new, healthier patterns. They’re not painful – they simply make the old habit less satisfying, helping your child naturally transition away from it.

Common Oral Habits We Treat in Harrisonburg

Thumb Sucking & Finger Habits

Most children naturally stop thumb sucking between ages 2-4. But when the habit continues past age 5, it can push teeth forward, create an open bite (where front teeth don’t touch), and narrow the upper jaw.

If you’re searching for “thumb sucking treatment near me,” you’ve come to the right place. Signs your child may need orthodontic habit correction:

• Still sucking thumb or fingers past age 5
• Visible gap between upper and lower front teeth
• Front teeth that stick out noticeably
• Calluses or skin changes on the thumb
• Narrower upper jaw compared to lower jaw

Tongue Thrust (Forward Tongue Posture)

Tongue thrust happens when your child pushes their tongue forward against or between their teeth when swallowing or at rest. This constant pressure can push teeth out of alignment and affect speech development. Our tongue thrust therapy in Harrisonburg addresses both the habit and its underlying causes.

Watch for these signs:

• Tongue visible between teeth when swallowing
• Open bite (front teeth don’t meet)
• Speech difficulties, especially with “s” and “z” sounds
• Mouth breathing during the day
• Food or drink spilling when eating

Lateral Tongue Habits

Some children develop a habit of pushing their tongue to the side rather than forward. This creates uneven pressure that can cause crossbites and asymmetric jaw development.

You might notice:

• Teeth that tilt to one side
• Uneven jaw growth
• One side of the bite not meeting properly
• Cheek biting on one side

Types of Orthodontic Appliances for Kids

At Giardina Orthodontics, we customize your child’s treatment based on their specific habit and dental development. Here’s how we help:

Thumb & Finger Habit Appliances

These appliances feature a small gate or crib design that makes thumb sucking uncomfortable without being painful. The appliance is bonded to the upper first molars with thin wires that create a gentle barrier.

How it works: When your child tries to suck their thumb, the appliance prevents the suction that makes the habit satisfying. Most children stop within 2-4 weeks because the habit simply isn’t rewarding anymore.

What to expect:

• Bonded in place for 6-12 months
• Minimal adjustment period (1-2 days)
• Regular check-ups every 6-8 weeks
• High success rate when used at the right age

Tongue Thrust Habit Appliances

For forward tongue thrust, we use specialized gates or cribs that remind your child to keep their tongue in the correct resting position. These can be used alone or combined with a palatal expander if your child also has a narrow jaw.

The science behind it: Your tongue should rest on the roof of your mouth, not push against your teeth. These appliances help retrain the muscle memory, creating a new, healthier pattern.

Combined treatment option: If your child needs both habit correction and jaw expansion, we can add a habit crib to a palatal expander. This dual-purpose approach addresses both issues simultaneously, saving time and making treatment more efficient.

Lateral Tongue Habit Appliances

These specialized appliances are bonded to the lower first molars and prevent side tongue pushing. They’re particularly effective for correcting crossbites that develop from lateral tongue habits.

Why lower arch placement? Lateral tongue habits often affect the lower teeth and jaw more significantly, so placing the appliance on the lower molars provides the most effective correction.

Elastic Patterns for Tongue Thrust

In some cases, Dr. Giardina uses strategic elastic patterns attached to braces or other orthodontic appliances to prevent tongue thrust habits. This approach is often used in combination with other treatments for comprehensive correction.

The Right Age for Early Orthodontic Intervention

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends addressing persistent oral habits by age 7. This timing is crucial because:

Ages 5-7: Ideal for breaking habits before permanent front teeth fully erupt Ages 7-9: Can prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing Ages 9-12: May require longer treatment as habits are more established

That’s why we recommend an orthodontic screening by age 7 – catching these habits early makes treatment faster, easier, and more successful.

What Makes Giardina Orthodontics Different?

Evidence-Based Treatment Planning

Dr. Giardina doesn’t just treat the habit – she evaluates your child’s complete oral development, including airway health. Her specialized research in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea means she understands how oral habits connect to breathing and sleep quality.

Many children with persistent tongue thrust or thumb sucking also have underlying airway issues. We identify these connections and create comprehensive treatment plans that address root causes, not just symptoms.

Board-Certified Expertise You Can Trust

Dr. Julia Giardina is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics – a credential held by less than 60% of orthodontists. This certification requires:

• Extensive written and clinical examinations
• Proven excellence in treating complex cases
• Commitment to continuing education
• Demonstration of superior treatment outcomes

When your child’s development is on the line, board certification matters.

A Kid-Friendly Approach

We understand that starting orthodontic treatment can feel scary for children. That’s why we’ve created an environment where kids actually look forward to their appointments:

• Jerry, our trained therapy dog, helps children feel comfortable and relaxed
• We explain everything in kid-friendly language
• Gentle, compassionate care at every appointment
• Rewards and celebrations for progress milestones
• Parents are always welcome in the treatment area

The Treatment Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Complimentary Consultation

Your journey starts with a free evaluation where Dr. Giardina will:

• Examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development
• Assess the severity and impact of the habit
• Take digital X-rays if needed (90% less radiation than traditional)
• Discuss treatment options and timeline
• Answer all your questions about the process

Step 2: Custom Appliance Fitting

If we determine a habit appliance is right for your child, we’ll schedule a fitting appointment where:

• The appliance is custom-made for your child’s mouth
• Bonding takes about 30-45 minutes
• Your child can return to school the same day
• We provide detailed care instructions
• You’ll receive our direct contact information for any questions

Step 3: Adjustment Period (1-3 Days)

Most children adjust quickly, but the first few days may include:

• Slight speech changes (temporary and minimal)
• Increased saliva production (resolves in 24-48 hours)
• Awareness of the appliance (becomes normal within days)
• Learning to eat with the appliance (we provide food guidelines)

Pro tip: Most parents report their children adapt much faster than expected!

Step 4: Regular Progress Check-Ups

We’ll see your child every 6-8 weeks to:

• Monitor habit cessation progress
• Check appliance integrity
• Make any needed adjustments
• Track dental development
• Celebrate successes!

Step 5: Appliance Removal & Retention

Once the habit is broken (typically 6-12 months), we’ll:

• Remove the appliance in a quick, comfortable appointment
• Evaluate your child’s dental development
• Discuss any future orthodontic needs
• Provide retention guidance to prevent habit return

Life with a Habit Appliance: Parent’s Guide

Eating and Nutrition

Your child can eat normally with a habit appliance, but we recommend avoiding:

• Very sticky candies (caramels, taffy)
• Hard candies or suckers
• Ice chewing
• Popcorn kernels

Good food choices: Soft fruits, pasta, sandwiches, pizza (in reasonable bites), most regular foods

Learn more about caring for braces and orthodontic appliances.

Oral Hygiene

Keeping the appliance clean is simple:

• Brush normally, including around the appliance
• Use a water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas
• Continue regular dental cleanings
• We provide special cleaning tools if needed

Sports and Activities

Your child can continue all normal activities:

• Sports participation is fine (we recommend a mouthguard)
• Musical instruments adapt easily (most require no adjustment)
• Swimming, playing, and school activities continue normally

What If the Appliance Comes Loose?

Don’t worry – this is rare but easily fixed:

• Call our office right away
• We’ll schedule a quick repair appointment
• Most repairs take 15-20 minutes
• No additional cost for repairs during treatment

Frequently Asked Questions About Habit Appliances

Will the appliance hurt my child?

No. Habit appliances are designed to be comfortable. Your child will be aware of it initially, but it’s not painful. Any discomfort is minimal and resolves within 1-2 days as they adjust.

How long does my child need to wear it?

Most children wear habit appliances for 6-12 months. However, the habit itself often stops within 2-4 weeks. We keep the appliance in place longer to ensure the new patterns stick and prevent the habit from returning.

What if my child really struggles with the appliance?

We provide comprehensive support throughout treatment. If your child is having difficulty adjusting, we’ll work with you to find solutions. However, in our experience, children adapt much faster than parents typically expect – often within just a few days.

Will this affect my child’s speech?

Minor, temporary speech changes may occur in the first 1-3 days while your child adjusts. These resolve quickly as they learn to speak with the appliance. Interestingly, many children with tongue thrust actually see speech improvements after treatment because their tongue position becomes more correct.

Can we try other methods first before getting an appliance?

We understand that every parent wants to try the least invasive approach first. However, by the time families come to us, they’ve usually tried:

• Bitter nail polish
• Bandages on thumbs
• Reward systems
• Gentle reminders

If these haven’t worked after several months and your child is over age 5, a habit appliance is often the most effective and actually the kindest approach – it eliminates the stress of constant nagging and allows your child to succeed.

What happens after the appliance is removed?

The habit is typically broken permanently. We provide guidance on maintaining good oral posture and may recommend a brief retention phase for some children. Dr. Giardina will assess whether your child needs any additional orthodontic treatment based on their dental development.

How much does orthodontic habit correction cost in Harrisonburg?

Treatment costs vary based on your child’s specific needs and whether the appliance is used alone or combined with other treatment. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll provide:

• Transparent cost breakdown
• Insurance coverage information (most plans cover habit appliances)
• Flexible payment options
• Interest-free financing plans

Why Timing Matters: The Cost of Waiting

Many parents wonder, “Should we wait and see if they grow out of it?” Here’s what research shows:

Waiting often leads to:

• More extensive orthodontic treatment later
• Potential tooth extractions to create space
• Longer treatment time with braces
• Higher overall treatment costs
• Possible speech therapy needs
• Jaw surgery in severe cases

Addressing habits early (ages 5-8) typically results in:

• Shorter overall orthodontic treatment
• Better jaw development
• Reduced need for extractions
• Lower total treatment cost
• Improved speech development
• Better airway function

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends evaluation by age 7 for good reason – this is when we can make the biggest difference with the least invasive treatment.

Learn more about Phase 1 braces in Harrisonburg.

Real Results from Harrisonburg Families

Serving Families Throughout the Shenandoah Valley

While our office is located in Harrisonburg, families travel to see Dr. Giardina from throughout the region, including:

Rockingham County:

• Bridgewater
• Dayton
• Broadway
• Elkton
• Timberville
• Mount Crawford
• Massanutten
• McGaheysville
• Penn Laird

Surrounding Areas:

• Staunton
• Waynesboro
• Luray
• New Market
• Shenandoah
• Stanley
• Page County
• Augusta County

Our central location and efficient appointment scheduling make quality orthodontic care accessible for Valley families.

Your Child’s Smile Journey Starts Here

Breaking persistent oral habits doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right timing, the right appliance, and expert guidance from Dr. Giardina, your child can develop healthy oral patterns that support a lifetime of confident smiles and proper dental function.

Next steps are simple:

1. Schedule your complimentary consultation
2. Meet Dr. Giardina and discuss your child’s specific needs
3. Get a customized treatment plan with transparent pricing
4. Start treatment and watch your child succeed

Visit Our Harrisonburg Office:

Giardina Orthodontics
2505-A Evelyn Byrd Ave.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Phone: (540) 433-8814

Office Hours:

• Monday: 8am – 5pm
• Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
• Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
• Thursday: 8am – 5pm

Learn More About Children’s Orthodontic Care

Since habit appliances are often part of comprehensive early orthodontic intervention, these resources may also help answer your questions:

Early Development & Prevention:

• Early Treatment & Kids Club – Free monitoring program for children not yet ready for treatment
• Phase 1 Braces in Harrisonburg – Understanding early orthodontic treatment options
• Airway Orthodontics – How breathing issues connect to oral habits and development

Treatment Options for Kids:

• Affordable Kids’ Braces in Harrisonburg – Making orthodontic care accessible for families
• Types of Braces – Exploring different treatment appliances for children
• Orthodontics for Teens – Transitioning from early treatment to comprehensive care

About Dr. Julia Giardina

Dr. Julia Giardina is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and serves as Senior Director of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists. She earned her Master of Science in Dentistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she conducted important research on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea in orthodontic patients.

Her evidence-based approach, combined with her warm, compassionate care style, has made her the trusted choice for families throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Dr. Giardina believes in treating only when necessary and creating comprehensive treatment plans that address not just alignment, but overall oral health and airway function.

When she’s not transforming smiles, Dr. Giardina enjoys spending time with her husband Nick, their son Theo, and creating watercolor paintings. She’s an active member of the Harrisonburg community and sponsors a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors.