Treatment of Tongue Thrusting Habit Using Modified Blue Grass Appliance: A Case Report

Abstract

Tongue thrusting habit is a major aetiological factor in the development of anterior open bite. Persistence of an infantile swallow during childhood and adolescence leads to a tongue thrusting habit with clinical features of open bite and protrusion of anterior tooth segment. Sequelae of treatment for the habit are removal of the aetiology, retraining exercises and use of mechanical restraining appliances. Palatal crib or palatal spurs are commonly used as habit-breaking appliances. These appliances cause problems like difficulty in speech, mastication, and iatrogenically or self-inflicted injuries. This case report discusses a case with anterior open bite, dental proclination and spacing which was treated by a fixed tongue trainer in the form of modified blue grass appliance and extraction of the first premolar followed by fixed orthodontic therapy for treatment of dentoalveolar protrusion.

Keywords

• habit breaking appliance
• open bite
• tongue trainer