Is your child still sucking their thumb after starting kindergarten? Do you notice their tongue pushing forward when they talk or swallow? These persistent childhood habits might look innocent, but they’re quietly reshaping your child’s jaw, creating spacing issues, and potentially setting up speech challenges that become harder to fix as they get older.
Here’s the encouraging part: At Sturgill Orthodontics in Johnson City, we help children overcome these habits using gentle, proven methods with specialized habit appliances. Our team of four board-certified orthodontists brings decades of combined experience in pediatric orthodontics, understanding that each child develops differently and every habit requires an individualized solution.
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Could Your Child Benefit from a Habit Appliance in Johnson City?
✅ Thumb or finger sucking continuing past age 5-6
✅ Tongue pushing between teeth during swallowing or speech
✅ Front teeth that don’t touch when biting down (open bite)
✅ Difficulty pronouncing “s,” “z,” or “th” sounds
✅ Breathing through the mouth, particularly at night
✅ Persistent gaps between upper front teeth
✅ One or both sides of the bite not meeting correctly
Sturgill Orthodontics provides customized, fixed habit appliances in Johnson City to help children break stubborn oral habits—typically in just a few weeks. Our personalized approach targets the specific habit while promoting healthy jaw growth and development.
Wondering if your child needs intervention? Schedule a complimentary evaluation with our team to discuss your child’s development and explore the most appropriate treatment options.
When Should You Seek Help? A Parent’s Timeline
Understanding the right time to address oral habits can prevent bigger problems down the road. Here’s what to watch for at each stage:
Ages 2-4: Normal Development
- Thumb sucking and pacifier use are completely normal
- Most children naturally stop on their own during this period
- No intervention needed unless habits are very intense
Ages 5-6: Time to Pay Attention
- If thumb sucking continues as permanent teeth start coming in
- When tongue thrust becomes noticeable during eating or speaking
- Schedule a consultation if habits persist beyond kindergarten
Ages 7-8: Ideal Intervention Window
- Best time for habit appliance treatment
- Permanent front teeth are erupting
- Jaw is still developing and responsive to guidance
- Treatment is fastest and most effective at this age
Ages 9+: Don’t Wait Any Longer
- Habits are more ingrained and harder to break
- Dental changes become more pronounced
- May require longer treatment duration
- Risk of needing more extensive orthodontic work later
If your child is 5 or older and still has persistent oral habits, schedule a consultation now. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean immediate treatment, but it helps us create the best plan for your child’s unique development.
How Habit Appliances Work (Johnson City Parents’ Guide)
Habit appliances are specialized orthodontic devices designed to help children stop persistent oral habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. These appliances attach (bond) to your child’s back molars, providing consistent, comfortable guidance without requiring your child to remember a removable appliance.
Think of a habit appliance like a gentle speed bump—comfortable, fixed in place, and designed to interrupt the habit loop.
It doesn’t hurt; it simply removes the “reward” that keeps the habit going so your child can build a new pattern.
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Oral Habits We Address in Johnson City
Thumb Sucking & Finger Habits
While most children naturally stop thumb sucking by ages 2-4, some continue well into elementary school. When the habit persists beyond age 5, it can gradually push front teeth forward, create an open bite between upper and lower teeth, and narrow the roof of the mouth.
If you’re looking for thumb sucking treatment in Johnson City or habit appliances for kids in the Tri-Cities, we can help. Signs indicating your child might benefit from orthodontic habit correction include:
- Continuing to suck thumb or fingers past age 5-6
- Noticeable gap when upper and lower front teeth should meet
- Upper front teeth that protrude significantly
- Thickened skin or calluses on the thumb
- Upper jaw that appears narrower than the lower jaw
Many families from Washington County, Sullivan County, and throughout Upper East Tennessee travel to our Johnson City office for habit appliance treatment.
Tongue Thrust (Forward Tongue Posture)
Tongue thrust occurs when your child pushes their tongue against or between their teeth while swallowing or resting.
This repeated pressure gradually shifts teeth out of position and can interfere with clear speech development. Our tongue thrust treatment in Johnson City, TN targets both the habit itself and any contributing factors.
Look for these indicators:
- Tongue pushing forward between teeth during swallowing
- Open bite where front teeth don’t come together
- Difficulty with “s” and “z” sounds during speech
- Breathing primarily through the mouth
- Liquids or food escaping the mouth while eating
Many families in the Tri-Cities area find us after their speech therapist or pediatrician recommends orthodontic evaluation for tongue positioning issues.
Lateral Tongue Habits
Some children push their tongue sideways instead of forward, creating uneven pressure that leads to crossbites and unbalanced jaw development.
Common signs include:
- Teeth tilting toward one side
- Asymmetric jaw development
- Crossbite affecting one side of the bite
- Frequently biting the inside of one cheek
See If Your Child’s a Candidate
Treatment Appliances for Children’s Oral Habits
At Sturgill Orthodontics, we design your child’s treatment around their unique habit and stage of dental development. Here’s our approach:
Appliances for Thumb & Finger Habits
These devices incorporate a small gate or crib structure that makes thumb sucking uncomfortable rather than pleasurable. The appliance bonds to the upper back molars with thin connecting wires that create a gentle obstruction.
The mechanism: When your child attempts to suck their thumb, the appliance blocks the suction that makes the habit satisfying. Most children naturally stop within 2-4 weeks because they’re no longer getting the sensory reward they seek.
Treatment expectations:
- Remains bonded for 6-12 months
- Brief adjustment period (1-2 days)
- Follow-up visits every 6-8 weeks
- Excellent success rate at appropriate ages
Appliances for Tongue Thrust
For forward tongue thrust patterns, we use specialized gates or cribs that gently remind your child to maintain proper tongue position. These can work independently or pair with a palatal expander if your child also needs jaw widening.
The rationale: Your tongue naturally belongs resting against the roof of your mouth, not pushing against your teeth. These appliances help establish new muscle memory, creating lasting healthy patterns.
Working with speech and OMT providers: We regularly coordinate with local orofacial myofunctional therapists and speech providers across the Tri-Cities area, so your child’s appliance therapy and muscle training stay in sync for the best possible results.
Combined treatment approach: When your child needs both habit correction and jaw expansion, we can incorporate a habit crib into a palatal expander. This integrated method addresses multiple issues at once, streamlining treatment and improving efficiency.
Appliances for Lateral Tongue Habits
These targeted appliances bond to the lower back molars and discourage sideways tongue pushing. They’re especially effective for correcting crossbites resulting from lateral tongue habits.
Lower arch positioning: Since lateral tongue habits typically affect the lower teeth and jaw most significantly, lower molar placement provides optimal correction.
Strategic Elastic Configurations
In certain situations, our orthodontists use precisely positioned elastic patterns attached to braces or other orthodontic devices to discourage tongue thrust habits. This technique often complements other treatments for comprehensive correction.
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Comparing Your Treatment Options
Upper Crib (Thumb/Finger)
Tongue Crib
Lower Crib
Crib + Expander
Elastic Patterns
Not sure which option is right for your child? Our team will evaluate your child’s specific situation and recommend the most effective approach during your complimentary consultation.
Optimal Timing for Habit Correction
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests addressing ongoing oral habits by age 7. This timing matters because:
Ages 5-7: Perfect for stopping habits before permanent front teeth completely emerge
Ages 7-9: Prevents more significant orthodontic issues from developing
Ages 9-12: May need extended treatment as habits become more ingrained
This is why we recommend an orthodontic evaluation around age 7—catching these habits early makes treatment quicker, simpler, and more effective.
What Sets Sturgill Orthodontics Apart?
Four Board-Certified Specialists Working Together
Unlike practices with a single orthodontist, Sturgill Orthodontics offers the combined wisdom of four board-certified specialists. When complex cases arise, our doctors collaborate to ensure your child receives the most thorough care possible in Johnson City.
This team approach means multiple expert perspectives on your child’s unique situation—something you simply can’t get at a single-doctor practice.
Advanced Technology Meets Personalized Care
Our Johnson City practice utilizes cutting-edge orthodontic technology, including 3D imaging and digital treatment planning. This technological advantage allows more precise assessments and more efficient treatment protocols, often reducing overall treatment duration.
An Experience Kids Actually Enjoy
We recognize that beginning orthodontic treatment can feel overwhelming for children. That’s why we’ve built an environment where kids genuinely enjoy their visits:
- Louie, our friendly therapy dog, helps children feel relaxed and comfortable
- Age-appropriate explanations that make sense to kids
- Compassionate, patient care at every appointment
- Recognition and rewards for reaching treatment milestones
- Parents are always invited into the treatment area
- Our custom “Sturbucks” coffee bar with specialty drinks for everyone
The Sturgill Difference: Expertise You Can Trust
Our orthodontists represent the top tier of the profession. Board certification as Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics—held by less than 40% of orthodontists—requires:
- Rigorous written and clinical examinations
- Demonstrated excellence treating challenging cases
- Ongoing commitment to advanced education
- Proven track record of exceptional treatment outcomes
When your child’s development is at stake, this level of expertise matters significantly.
The Treatment Journey: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Step A: Discovery Visit (No-Cost Evaluation)
Your experience begins with a complimentary consultation where our orthodontists will:
- Thoroughly examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development
- Evaluate the habit’s severity and impact on oral health
- Discuss your child’s specific situation and concerns
- Review treatment options and anticipated timeline
- Address all your questions about the process
Step B: Digital Scan & Custom Design
When we determine a habit appliance suits your child’s needs, we use advanced 3D imaging technology to:
- Create precise digital scans of your child’s mouth (no messy impressions!)
- Design a custom appliance perfectly fitted to your child’s anatomy
- Plan the exact placement for optimal comfort and effectiveness
- Show you digital previews of the appliance before fabrication
Step C: Placement Day (30-45 Minutes)
At your placement appointment:
- The appliance is precisely customized for your child’s mouth
- Bonding typically takes 30-45 minutes
- Your child can attend school that same day
- We provide thorough care instructions and food guidelines
- You’ll have our direct contact for any questions
Step D: The First 10 Days (What to Expect)
Most children adapt surprisingly quickly, though the first several days might include:
Days 1-2:
- Initial awareness of the new appliance
- Minor speech adjustments (very temporary)
- Slightly increased saliva production
Days 3-5:
- Speech returns to normal
- Eating becomes more comfortable
- Child begins forgetting the appliance is there
Days 6-10:
- Habit typically stops during this period
- Full adjustment to the appliance
- Return to all normal activities
Parent insight: Most families tell us their children adjusted far more easily than anticipated!
Step E: 6-8 Week Habit Checks
We’ll see your child regularly to:
- Track habit cessation progress
- Verify appliance condition and fit
- Perform any necessary adjustments
- Monitor dental development
- Celebrate achievements and milestones!
Step F: Graduation & Retention
Once the habit is successfully broken (usually 6-12 months), we’ll:
- Remove the appliance in a brief, comfortable appointment
- Assess your child’s overall dental development
- Review any future orthodontic considerations
- Offer retention recommendations to prevent habit recurrence
- Celebrate your child’s success!
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Day-1 to Week-2: What Johnson City Parents Can Expect
Food and Eating
Your child can maintain a normal diet with a habit appliance, though we suggest avoiding:
- Very sticky sweets (caramels, taffy, toffee)
- Hard candy or lollipops
- Chewing ice
- Unpopped popcorn kernels
Smart food selections: Soft fruits, pasta dishes, sandwiches, pizza (reasonable bites), most typical foods
Explore more about caring for orthodontic appliances.
Maintaining Cleanliness
Keeping the appliance clean is straightforward:
- Brush teeth normally, cleaning around the appliance
- Consider a water flosser for difficult-to-reach spaces
- Maintain regular dental cleanings
- We supply special cleaning tools when helpful
Activities and Sports
Your child can participate in all regular activities:
- Sports are completely fine (we suggest a protective mouthguard)
- Musical instruments typically require no adjustment
- Swimming, playing, and school activities proceed normally
If the Appliance Becomes Loose
If it happens (rare), we’ll fix it fast:
- Contact our office immediately
- We’ll arrange a prompt repair appointment
- Most repairs complete in 15-20 minutes
- No extra charge for repairs during active treatment
Quick Parent Checklist: Is It Time for a Consultation?
Use this simple checklist to determine if your child might benefit from a habit appliance evaluation:
Age & Habit Duration:
- ☐ Child is 5 years or older
- ☐ Thumb/finger sucking has continued for 6+ months after you first tried to stop it
- ☐ Tongue thrust has been noticeable for several months
Dental Changes:
- ☐ Visible gap between upper and lower front teeth when biting
- ☐ Upper front teeth sticking out noticeably
- ☐ Spacing between front teeth that wasn’t there before
- ☐ One side of bite not meeting properly (crossbite)
- ☐ Roof of mouth appears narrow or high
Speech & Function:
- ☐ Difficulty with certain sounds (“s,” “z,” “th”)
- ☐ Tongue visible between teeth when talking or swallowing
- ☐ Speech therapist has mentioned tongue positioning issues
- ☐ Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
Behavioral Signs:
- ☐ Child wants to stop the habit but can’t
- ☐ Habit has caused social concerns (teasing at school)
- ☐ Other methods (rewards, reminders, bitter nail polish) haven’t worked
If you checked 3 or more boxes, schedule a complimentary consultation. Early evaluation helps prevent more extensive treatment later and gives your child the best chance for quick, successful habit correction.
Get a Habit-Break Plan for Your Child
Common Questions About Habit Appliances
Will this hurt my child?
No. Habit appliances are engineered for comfort.
Your child will initially notice it, but it doesn’t cause pain. Any minor discomfort is brief and typically resolves within 1-2 days during adjustment.
How long will my child wear it?
Most children wear habit appliances for 6-12 months. The habit itself usually stops within 2-4 weeks. We maintain the appliance longer to reinforce new patterns and prevent the habit from returning.
What if my child has difficulty adjusting?
We offer complete support throughout treatment. If your child experiences adjustment challenges, we’ll collaborate with you to find effective solutions. In our experience, though, children typically adapt far more quickly than parents anticipate—often in just a couple of days.
Will this change my child’s speech?
Minor, temporary speech variations may occur during the first 1-3 days while adjusting. These resolve quickly as they learn to speak with the appliance.
Interestingly, many children with tongue thrust experience speech improvements after treatment because their tongue positioning becomes more appropriate.
Can we try other approaches first?
We understand every parent prefers the least invasive option. However, by the time families visit us, they’ve usually attempted:
- Bitter-tasting nail products
- Thumb bandaging
- Incentive programs
- Gentle verbal reminders
When these approaches haven’t succeeded after several months and your child has reached age 5 or beyond, a habit appliance often proves most effective and actually most compassionate—it removes the tension of constant reminders and empowers your child to succeed.
What happens when the appliance comes off?
The habit is generally eliminated permanently. We provide guidance on maintaining proper oral posture and may suggest a brief retention phase for some children.
Our orthodontists will determine whether your child requires additional orthodontic treatment based on their dental development.
What’s the cost of habit correction in Johnson City?
Treatment investment varies depending on your child’s specific needs and whether the appliance works alone or combines with other treatment. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll provide:
- Clear cost information
- Insurance benefit details (most plans include coverage for habit appliances)
- Flexible payment arrangements
- Interest-free financing programs
Learn more about our financing and insurance options.
How does early treatment cost compare to waiting?
While specific costs vary by case, here’s what we typically see:
Early Habit Correction (Ages 5-8):
- Single appliance treatment
- Shorter duration (6-12 months)
- May prevent need for comprehensive braces later
- Lower overall investment
Waiting Until Later (Ages 10+):
- Often requires comprehensive braces (18-24 months)
- May need tooth extractions
- Possible jaw surgery in severe cases
- Speech therapy costs
- Significantly higher total investment
Many parents find that addressing habits early not only saves money but also prevents their child from experiencing years of dental issues and potential self-consciousness about their smile.
Why Early Action Matters: The Price of Postponing
Many parents ask, “Should we wait to see if they outgrow it?” Here’s what evidence demonstrates:
Delaying often results in:
- More comprehensive orthodontic treatment later
- Possible tooth extractions to create necessary space
- Extended treatment duration with braces
- Increased overall treatment investment
- Potential speech therapy requirements
- Jaw surgery in severe situations
Addressing habits early (ages 5-8) typically leads to:
- Briefer overall orthodontic treatment
- Improved jaw development
- Decreased likelihood of extractions
- Lower total treatment expense
- Enhanced speech development
- Better breathing function
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends evaluation by age 7 for solid reasons—this timing allows us to make the greatest impact with the least invasive approach.
Success Stories: What Parents Are Saying
Karlee Goodwin
I’m so thankful I chose Sturgill Orthodontics and specifically Dr. Williams for treatment! From start to finish, it was such a fun and positive experience. As an adult considering braces, I asked around, friends and even my aunt who had braces recently, about whether it was worth it. Aligners just didn’t fit my busy lifestyle, so I met with Dr. Williams to explore options. She explained everything clearly: how quickly my treatment could be completed and what to expect. It all felt very doable and even exciting. After my first appointment, I went home, thought about it for one night, and called the next day to move forward. They got me in right away, and just three months later, my braces were off! The movement I needed was minor, but the results were incredible. Every visit to Sturgill Orthodontics was a joy, whether it was the welcoming staff, seeing Dr. Williams (straightforward in the best way—honest, kind, and such a joy to work with!), or catching Dr. Harper, who was always friendly and kind. I’d recommend them to anyone, but only if you want great teeth. They don’t settle for less.
Staci K
We love Sturgill! The staff is so friendly! The orthodontists are friendly, knowledgeable, and so great with my kids. They take the time to answer questions, explain the process, and really get to know us as a family and not just as patients. We have had 4 kids in treatment here and are very happy with our experience.
Brittany Bresette
Sturgill Orthodontics is hands down the best orthodontic provider by far! From the moment you walk in they treat you like family. The friendly staff go above and beyond to make sure your appointment is the best it can be. The providers all genuinely care for their patients and their families, and are more than considerate of finances, care, and comfort all while achieving the best smile possible for you! We will always highly recommend Sturgill Orthodontics!
Proudly Serving the Tri-Cities Region
While our primary office is in Johnson City, families travel to see our team from throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, including families from the Appalachian Highlands and communities across Washington County.
Washington County, TN:
- Jonesborough
- Gray
- Elizabethton
- Boones Creek
- Telford
- Limestone
Sullivan County:
- Kingsport
- Colonial Heights
- Blountville
Additional Areas:
- Bristol (TN/VA)
- Norton, VA
- Erwin
- Unicoi
- Greeneville
Our strategic locations and flexible scheduling make exceptional orthodontic care accessible throughout the Tri-Cities region. We’re proud to serve ETSU families, local educators, healthcare professionals, and families from all walks of life across Upper East Tennessee.
Begin Your Child’s Smile Transformation
Breaking persistent oral habits doesn’t need to be a battle. With appropriate timing, the right appliance, and expert guidance from our four board-certified orthodontists, your child can develop healthy oral patterns that support a lifetime of confident smiles and proper function.
Getting started is easy:
- Schedule your complimentary consultation
- Meet our team and discuss your child’s unique needs
- Receive a customized treatment plan with clear pricing
- Begin treatment and watch your child thrive
Visit Our Johnson City Office:
Sturgill Orthodontics
801 Sunset Dr., Suite E5
Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone: (423) 528-9931
Office Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thur: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Additional Resources for Children’s Orthodontic Care
Since habit appliances often represent part of comprehensive early orthodontic intervention, these resources may help answer additional questions:
Prevention & Early Development:
- Your First Visit – What to expect during your initial consultation
- Sleep Apnea Treatment – Understanding breathing issues and oral development connections
Treatment Options for Children:
- Metal Braces – Traditional orthodontic treatment for kids
- Clear Braces – Less noticeable options for children and teens
- Invisalign for Teens – Clear aligner treatment for adolescents
About Sturgill Orthodontics
Sturgill Orthodontics brings together four board-certified Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics—Dr. Jeremiah Sturgill, Dr. Allison Williams, Dr. Anne Miller Harper, and Dr. Emma Anderson. This exceptional team combines decades of specialized training and experience to provide comprehensive orthodontic care for families throughout the Tri-Cities region.
Our evidence-based approach, paired with genuine compassionate care, has established us as the trusted choice for families across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. We believe in treating only when necessary and creating thorough treatment plans that address alignment, function, and overall oral health.
Beyond perfecting smiles, our team actively serves the Johnson City community through church involvement, mission work, and supporting local organizations. We’re grateful to call the Tri-Cities home and honored to serve the families who make this region special.