373 Steeles Ave W. Suite 201 Brampton, Ontario L6Y 0P8

Opening Hours Mon-Fri: 10am – 8pm
Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

Call 905-451-2999 to book an appointment Open on Sundays!

Habit Breaking Appliances

Habit breaking appliances are designed to prevent the negative effects of habits such as thumb-sucking, and conditions like sleep apnea. While most young children will grow out of their habit within the first few years, if the behaviour persists beyond around the age of five or six, it can impact tooth alignment and jaw development. Appliances can be fixed or removable, and each is customized to the patient.

Thumb Sucking

While most young children will grow out of the habit of thumb sucking within the first few years, if the behaviour persists beyond around the age of five, it can impact tooth alignment and jaw development. An overbite or protrusion can affect the upper teeth while the lower front teeth may be forced backwards over time, having a greater impact on bite.

A Thumb Guard or Mandibular Advancement Device is a dental appliance designed to prevent the habit being performed and break the cycle of behaviour. Attached to the child’s mouth using orthodontic bands, it is worn full-time for the duration of the treatment.

Sleep Apnea / Snoring is very common and easily treated condition that affects both the patient, and often their partner, due to frequent and loud snoring. Sleep apnea affects a person’s breathing during sleep, resulting in interrupted or shallow breathing spells, and preventing the deep, restorative sleep, that we all need.

Benefits of treating sleep apnea

  • Improve the quality of sleep
  • Lower the frequency and loudness of snoring
  • Reduce interruptions to sleep

Several dental appliances are available to treat sleep apnea – more commonly called snoring – and can be fitted by your dentist.

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is the most common dental device used to treat sleep apnea. The MAD has the familiar look of a sports mouth guard, and works by slightly altering the position of the jaw in order to maintain and open airway.

Night Guards are given, when patients have an unconscious habit of grinding their teeth, during sleep. This is detrimental to the teeth and may cause pain in the fascial muscles. They are custom made for each patient, and is worn when sleeping.

Tongue Retraining Device (TRD) is a splint that holds the tongue in place to keep the airway as open as possible.