Sometimes just knowing what you’re dealing with makes it easier to relax... or at least know what to watch for.
That’s been my experience too, especially since dental stuff can get pricey fast. I found it helpful to ask for a written treatment plan and compare costs before committing. A second opinion saved me from an expensive (and unnecessary) appliance once. Sometimes dentists really do see things differently—worth checking if you’re on a budget.
Couldn’t agree more about getting that second opinion, especially with kids’ teeth. When my daughter’s thumb sucking started causing issues, the first dentist jumped straight to suggesting a pricey appliance—didn’t even mention waiting it out or trying rewards first. The next dentist was way more chill and suggested some habit-breaking tricks before spending a dime. Honestly, sometimes you just need someone who isn’t in a rush to sell you on something expensive... especially when kids grow out of stuff at their own pace.
Honestly, sometimes you just need someone who isn’t in a rush to sell you on something expensive... especially when kids grow out of stuff at their own pace.
That right there is the real MVP advice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen kids get fitted for all sorts of gadgets before anyone tries the low-tech stuff first. I get where those dentists are coming from—malocclusion and open bites can be a pain to correct later—but if there’s no skeletal change yet, why not try a sticker chart or some good old-fashioned bribery? Half the time, the habit fizzles out when they start school or get self-conscious anyway.
My youngest was a hardcore thumb sucker, like, Olympic level. The first doc we saw wanted to slap a “palatal crib” in her mouth right away. I was like, whoa, let’s not put medieval hardware in her mouth just yet. We tried painting her thumbnail with that yucky-tasting stuff, and—no joke—she hated it so much she stopped in a week. I’m not saying it’s a cure-all, but sometimes the simplest interventions work. And if not, then yeah, maybe it’s time to talk hardware.
That said, I do get why some dentists jump to appliances. There’s always that worry about anterior open bite and speech issues if the habit sticks around too long. But unless there’s real evidence of dental changes that won’t self-correct, I’m all for a more relaxed approach. Plus, kids are stubborn little weirdos—what freaks them out one week will be totally fine the next.
Anyway, you’re definitely not alone in feeling like you need a second (or third) opinion. It’s your kid, your money, and honestly, your sanity on the line. Stick to your gut. And if you ever run out of sticker charts, I’ve got a drawer full from my own failed attempts...
But unless there’s real evidence of dental changes that won’t self-correct, I’m all for a more relaxed approach.
Totally agree with this. My middle kid sucked his thumb through preschool and honestly, we tried everything except the full-on appliances. What finally worked? He saw a classmate get teased and just... stopped on his own. Timing is weird with these habits. I do think some dentists are a little too quick to recommend hardware, but sometimes it’s warranted. It’s such a balance between patience and intervention.