When is Thumb-sucking a Cause for Worry? Orthodontic Partners Explain

Lots of you have asked us at Orthodontic Partners about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call at Orthodontic Partners and we will help assess the situation, and, if necessary, provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Don't Miss Your Last Chance to Enter Orthodontic Partner's April Contest

Hurry in to Orthodontic Partners before the end of April for your chance to win a $25 gift card to iTunes!

If you remember, there are three ways to win...

1--Add Orthodontic Partners as a friend on MySpace.

2--Become a fan of Orthodontic Partners on Facebook.

3--Go to our website and answer this question, "Which high schools did Dr. Lohse, Dr. Corbridge, and Dr. Bruntz attend? There is a link on our site to email your answer.

There are three prizes, one for each category. Make sure to enter all before the end of April for three chances to win!

Just One Way We Show Our Appreciation at Orthodontic Partners in Reno, Nevada

It means a lot to us at Orthodontic Partners when you refer your friends and family. We would like to show our appreciation by sending you a $20 gift card to the movies for every friend or family member that comes in for an exam.

Just make sure they let us know you referred them when they come in for their exam. As an additional thank you, your name will go into a quarterly drawing for an I-Pod. For your convenience our front desk has referral cards available.

Once again, thank You for the confidence you show in us.

--Orthodontic Partners

Thumbs Up To Anderson School's Top Readers From Orthodontic Partners

Orthodontic Partners is pleased to give a big Thumbs Up to the 20 top readers of Anderson School. Orthodontic Partners has been a Partner in Education with Anderson School since 1991 and recently sponsored their “Reading Counts Challenge” and hosted a pizza party for the top readers. As part of the festivities impressions were taken of the student’s thumbs and poured in plaster so each student would have a remembrance to take home.