title: The comparative effectiveness of two digit-sucking deterrent methods.
abstract: A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the crib and positive reinforcement in eliminating anterior open bites and increased overjets caused by digit-sucking. The overjet and overbite were measured using an overjet ruler at the start and end of the seventeen-week observation period. Forty patients consented to participate but measurements were only obtained for 11 subjects. The trend in this study is that the crib is more effective than positive reinforcement in preventing digit-sucking.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. dentsch@carib-link.net
authors.forename: C O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Bourne
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D010379:Peer Group; D011678:Punishment; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology