Authors : Patni V, Kolge NE
DOI : 10.18231/j.jco.2018.017
Volume : 2
Issue : 2
Year : 2018
Page No : 42-46
Introduction: Tongue thrust is stated as the forward movement of tongue tip between the teeth to meet the lower lip during deglutition and during speech, so that the tongue lies interdental. TAD’s supported tongue crib involves minimal compliance, they are simple and
relatively less expensive. The palatal area allows a convenient access and lowers the risk of damaging surrounding anatomical structures.
Procedure: Conventional tongue crib (0.023? SS Wire) soldered to ‘U’ shaped framework (0.036? SS Wire) with two loops at its end for engaging the miniscrews. Framework is adapted so as to place the miniscrews in the paramedian area around the first premolars. Materials and equipment: Stainless steel wire (0.023?, 0.036?), Silver solder, flux, universal plier, Spot welder, Hydrosolder unit and miniscrews. Clinical application: The TAD’s supported tongue crib can be used for various reasons like in patients with tongue-thrust in adjunct to the following; in mixed dentition phase with a number of mobile/erupting teeth; non-compliant patients who fail to comply full time wear of removable appliances. It can also be efficiently put to use in patients with agenesis and in cases where long-term use is necessary.
Conclusion: The TAD’s supported tongue crib can be used as a successful modality with fixed as well as removable appliances and can be useful during or after course of orthodontic treatment. It is easy to fabricate in the office requiring less time.