Abstract :
Presence of an infantile swallow during childhood and adolescence often leads to tongue thrusting which clinically presents a picture of an anterior open bite with protruted of anterior tooth segment. Tongue thrusting habit is the primary etiological factor in the development of an anterior open bite. Management of such abnormal habit includes removal of the underlying etiology, retraining exercises along with the support of mechanical restrictive orthodontic appliances. Palatal crib or palatal spurs are the most commonly used habit-breaking appliances. This case report discusses a case with anterior open bite caused due to tongue thrusting with dental proclination and spacing which was treated by a fixed tongue appliance in the form of a palatal crib for three months, which was followed up regularly in subsequent months.
Keyword :
Tongue Thrusting, Anterior open bite, Infant swallow, Protrusion, Palatal crib, Palatal spurs.