A tongue crib helps patients break thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting habits. It works by training the tongue not to push forward to the front teeth. Also, it has two bands on the back end of the device. The bands are cemented onto the back of the molars. The device helps to get rid of such a habit. However, it might take a few days to get used to.
Table of Contents
What is a Tongue Crib?
A tongue crib is an orthodontic device and wiring inside your mouth, depending on two rings. Besides, these rings are attached to your mouth to prevent the crib from affecting you. Furthermore, the crib prevents your tongue from moving towards your front teeth and improves tongue thrusting.
Does a Tongue Crib Hurt?
Tongue cribs used are hardly hurting, but it is essential to consider that all cribs are painful. However, it builds on how fat your lips are; the ideal way is to figure out if the dentist is keeping you at threat for worry during the placement process and need to ask before applying any metal hardware. If the dentist gives you a correct answer or looks uncertain about your concerns and thinks of switching dentists and consulting with them at your next appearance. However, it would be best if you were satisfied that you have been explained all the guidelines and instructions and addressed all your concerns before moving further for the orthodontic procedure that might risk your oral health and mental well-being.
Can You Eat with a Tongue Crib?
Initial few days, you have to stick to soft and liquid foods. But after some time, most foods can be considered when to be cut into little pieces.
Specific diets can damage the orthodontic device and might increase the risk of dental diseases. Dr Held’s objective is to achieve the medication goals by avoiding poor diet choices.
Foods and drinks that cause dental cavities should be avoided while wearing braces. Sticky food must be restricted to prevent the increased harm of dental decay and device damage.
Furthermore, food and drinks large in sugar need to be taken. Dr Held recommends daily meals to ensure that careful brushing and rinsing are done afterwards.
Cribs and expanders are attached to your teeth with a special orthodontic glue or cement that will resist the usual force of eating. However, it can be damaged or loosened, and wires can be broken after eating certain avoidable foods.
For most situations, If you are a child unsure, please ask a parent, family member, or guardian to ensure that the food is safe to eat.
Hard, sticky and crunchy foods caught between brackets can damage wires.
Moreover, reducing sugary foods is the source of tooth decay and related problems.
In addition, to protect your cribs, avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods. However, there are numerous alternatives to most foods; see the list below.
| Items to Avoid | Alternatives |
| Ice – do not suck or chew | Snow Cones; Slushies |
| Gum | Bite Wafer |
| Pens, Pencils, Nail-Biting | NONE |
| Popcorn | Kernel-less Popcorn (Chester’s® Puffcorn/ O-Ke-Doke Popcorn) |
| Pretzels, Doritos, Cheetos, Krunchers | Cheese Puffs, Pringles |
| Hard Tacos | Soft Tacos |
| Hard Candy | Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, York Peppermint Patties |
| Raw Vegetables | Steam, Shred, Boil |
| Boned Meat | Cut Meat off of the Bone |
| Apples, Peaches, Pears | Cut Into Bite-Size Pieces |
How Long Does a Tongue Crib Stay in?
The dentist recommends when to get it if it’s required. A tongue crib will stay in for 6 to 12 months, depending on the harshness of tongue thrusting.
Tongue Crib Price
The price of lingual braces in India ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 4,00,000. However, their superior creativity not known about lingual braces.
A dentist can remove fixed braces worn constantly and only. Most people wear braces for 1 to 3 years, depending on conditions that need correcting. The cost of braces can range from $2,000 to $7,000
However, a less entire process, such as inserting a crib, might cost you hundreds of dollars.
Conclusion
A tongue crib improves your oral health. It’s safe to use and, unlike braces, doesn’t cause any pain.
Tongue cribs used to prevent thumb sucking and reverse the effects of tongue thrusting. Since it’s connected to the back of your mouth, you can go about your normal activities comfortably.
