The Ace Bandage approach to digit-sucking habits.
This article describes an at-home program to assist children with nocturnal digit-sucking habits. Children with such habits are candidates for this program if they wish to discontinue their habits and have no psychological contraindications for habit cessation. The program involves nightly use of an elastic bandage wrapped across the elbow. Pressure exerted by the bandage removes the digit from the mouth as the child tires and falls asleep. Careful patient selection and parent education can lead to a success rate that makes the program worth attempting prior to instituting appliance therapy.
Adair
S M
SM
Department of Pediatric Dentistry Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, USA.
D001458:Bandages; D002648:Child; D005386:Fingersucking / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012201:Reward