Objectives: To quantify the effects of digit sucking on the occlusion.
Design and Setting: Cross-sectional study based in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom.
Materials and Methods: In accordance with the sample size calculation, 39 digit suckers were compared to 36 non-suckers, all aged between 7-13 years. Subjects were recruited from a cohort of digit suckers identified in a previous study and from local general dental practitioners. Subjects were invited to attend a short appointment where upper and lower alginate impressions were taken, and the resultant study models were used to measure occlusal differences between the two groups.
Results: The prevalence of reduced overbites were significantly higher in the digit sucking group compared to the non-suckers (OR 5.61, 95% CI 1.55,20.76). The prevalence of anterior open bites was 36% higher in the digit suckers (P<0.001) and there was also a tendency to an increased overjet in the habit group. No significant differences were seen in the presence of posterior crossbites, buccal segment relationships or asymmetric open bites between the two groups.
Conclusions: The orthodontic management of reduced overbites can involve prolonged, complex treatment. Early intervention to eliminate digit sucking habits is therefore recommended on both oral health and health economic grounds.