Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just straighten your teeth. It can also help correct habits that put pressure on your bite and cause long-term problems. One of the most common is tongue thrust, a habit that can create an open bite and cause your upper teeth to push forward.
At Petrous Orthodontics, we utilize appliances such as tongue cribs to help eliminate tongue thrusting habits and protect your smile. Once the habit is corrected, we can repair any damage with braces or clear aligners. Let’s take a closer look at tongue thrust, the issues it can cause, and how orthodontics can help.
Tongue thrust happens when the tongue pushes forward against the back of the front teeth instead of resting on the roof of the mouth. It can occur while eating, speaking, or even when the mouth is at rest.
There isn’t one single cause of tongue thrust. Some of the most common include:
A tongue tie happens when the small flap of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is thicker or longer than usual, limiting how the tongue moves.
Tongue ties can:
In some cases, a tongue tie is treated in infancy with a minor surgical procedure. For others, therapy and orthodontic appliances may be needed later to improve tongue position and oral function.
Tongue thrust can be subtle, but catching it early prevents long-term issues. Signs may include:
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation.
One of the most effective treatments for tongue thrust is a tongue crib. This is a small orthodontic appliance attached to the back molars that prevents the tongue from pushing forward against the teeth.
Children typically wear a tongue crib for 6–9 months, depending on their needs.
Once the tongue thrust habit is corrected, braces or clear aligners can be used to fix any misalignment or open bite caused by the habit. Treating the habit first is essential — otherwise, the problem may return even after braces treatment.
Myofunctional therapy (also called tongue thrust therapy) uses targeted exercises to retrain the tongue’s resting position and swallowing pattern. This helps the tongue sit against the roof of the mouth instead of pressing forward.
Exercises may include:
If tongue thrust has caused a speech impediment, speech therapy may be recommended to address the issue. Therapy can be helpful either during treatment with a tongue crib or after braces, depending on the patient’s needs.
Tongue thrust is common in children and can carry into adulthood if untreated. The good news is that orthodontics, appliances, and therapy can work together to correct the habit and restore a healthy smile.
If you think your child may have tongue thrust, schedule an appointment with Petrous Orthodontics in Royal Oak, MI. Our team can evaluate your child, discuss treatment options, and create a personalized plan that supports both oral health and confidence.
Yes. Adults can benefit from orthodontic appliances, braces, and myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue position and correct open bites.
Not always. If caught early, a tongue crib and therapy may prevent the need for braces. In cases where teeth have already shifted, braces or clear aligners may still be needed.
Tongue thrust can contribute to swallowing challenges, which may in turn affect digestion in some cases. Correcting the habit helps support healthier chewing and swallowing.
Treatment length varies, but many children wear a tongue crib for 6–9 months, followed by braces or aligners if needed. Speech or myofunctional therapy may continue alongside orthodontic care.
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