An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than usual when the jaw is closed. It can contribute to issues like wear on the teeth, jaw discomfort, or uneven growth of the face, particularly in children whose mouths and bodies are still developing.
Couple an overbite with a habit like thumb-sucking, and it’s normal to be concerned about how your child’s oral health might be impacted. Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, are here to help.
We offer specialized overbite treatment services designed to address both tooth and jaw alignment. Proactive orthodontic evaluation is the best way to get the answers you need.
Thumb-sucking is a common self-soothing behavior for young children. Most kids grow out of the habit naturally by age four, and it generally poses no long-term risk if the thumb-sucking stops before your child’s adult teeth begin to erupt.
But when the habit persists beyond about four years old, or when your child starts losing their baby teeth, it can push their upper teeth forward, make their lower teeth tip inward, and even alter the roof of their mouth. These changes contribute to the development or worsening of an overbite.
Research shows that prolonged thumb-sucking exerts continuous pressure on the front teeth and palate, which can lead to misalignment of the upper and lower arches and create a deeper overbite.
While it might seem like the wise thing to do, waiting until your child completely quits thumb-sucking before seeking orthodontic evaluation may not always be the best strategy. Here’s why.
Early evaluation gives Dr. Touni and our team the opportunity to identify how much the habit is affecting your child and monitor changes. We can also help you decide when it’s the right time to start treatment based on when your child stops sucking their thumb.
For example, if your child stops thumb-sucking naturally, orthodontic treatment might be simpler. But if the habit persists, it can continue to drive forces that deepen their overbite or create other bite issues. The sooner action is taken, the easier it often is to correct their bite with less invasive tools.
That’s why we typically recommend scheduling an orthodontic evaluation early and pairing it with habit-breaking efforts. This method helps you put a plan in place, whether that’s monitoring, habit-breaking appliances, or early orthodontic intervention.
Along with talking to your pediatrician, here are some steps to take if your child has an overbite and is still thumb-sucking after age four.
Start the process by using positive reinforcement and gradually reducing opportunities for thumb-sucking. Praise your child for reducing their thumb-sucking, rather than focusing on the negative.
Notice when your child sucks their thumb the most, and gently wean by offering alternatives, like fidget toys, or changing up routines to help replace the habit of thumb sucking.
We often recommend early assessment around age seven, so Dr. Touni can evaluate your child’s jaw development, tooth alignment, bite relationship, and how their thumb-sucking habit is influencing those factors.
During this evaluation, we can discuss if habit-breaking appliances (such as a crib appliance or habit-blocker), early orthodontic intervention, or simple observation is the right path for your child.
If habit-breaking on its own isn’t working and your child’s overbite is moderate or worsening, we may recommend a habit appliance. These devices help discourage thumb-sucking by reducing the satisfaction of the habit and protecting tooth alignment as your child’s mouth grows.
Once your child successfully weans from thumb-sucking, the next step is treating the overbite itself. At Touni Orthodontics, we offer overbite treatment services tailored to children and teens.
Depending on the type and severity of the overbite, your child could be a good candidate for braces, clear aligners, or other growth-modification methods. Early intervention often simplifies treatment, reduces long-term complexity, and improves outcomes.
If your child has an overbite and still sucks their thumb, you don’t need to wait without a plan, but you do need a thoughtful approach. By combining habit-help strategies with a proactive orthodontic evaluation, you give your child the best chance for a healthy, confident smile.
Get started and schedule a consultation at Touni Orthodontics today. Call our office or book an appointment online.
