Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
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Habit-Breaking Appliances in Fitzrovia

Our Fitzrovia clinic specialises in Habit-Breaking Appliances using state-of-the-art 3D imaging and computer-guided surgery not available at general practices. Every practitioner has advanced training in their dental field, providing comprehensive care with accuracy. Receive superior Habit-Breaking Appliances results from our expert team serving the Fitzrovia community.

All our Habit-Breaking Appliances providers are GDC registered specialists with post-graduate qualifications, adhering to BDA clinical excellence standards. Every treatment we provide meets BDA, GDC and UK healthcare standards, ensuring Fitzrovia residents receive care adhering to professional guidelines.

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Habit-Breaking Appliances services for Fitzrovia patients
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What are Habit-Breaking Appliances?

Habit-breaking appliances are dental devices designed to help patients, particularly children, overcome harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or lip biting. These appliances can be either fixed (bonded to the back molars with thin metal wires that sit behind the teeth) or removable, and work by creating a physical barrier or reminder that discourages the problematic behaviour. They are typically recommended when habits persist beyond the age of 3-4 years and may cause dental issues like misalignment or bite problems. While not visible when smiling and generally not interfering with eating, habit-breaking appliances effectively protect teeth and support long-term oral health by helping patients break compulsive behaviours that could otherwise lead to developmental dental concerns.
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Why Choose Us

Your Habit-Breaking Appliances treatment at London Dental Specialists benefits from our complete support and specialist-only approach in Fitzrovia. Dr. Sodeinde holds advanced qualifications and leads a team of certified specialists. We welcome referrals from dental practices because of our proven expertise. See how our real patients describe their successful Habit-Breaking Appliances outcomes:

Contact Us & Lets Get Started

Looking for expert care? Book a private assessment with our GDC-registered specialists in Fitzrovia. We offer flexible scheduling—including early mornings.

Each visit includes detailed diagnostics, expert review, and a fully itemised plan—no pressure. We accept most dental insurers and offer easy monthly options.

You’ll be in expert hands—Dr. Sodeinde is one of London’s leading specialists in complex restorative and cosmetic cases. From diagnostics to aftercare, our team uses the latest dental technology and clinical protocols to deliver safe, consistent results.

Call us on +44 7700 100779 or use the form below to book today. We respond promptly—usually within one working day—and you’ll always speak to a knowledgeable member of our team.

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Our Process For Habit-Breaking Appliances

At London Dental Specialists, our Habit-Breaking Appliances are designed to help patients overcome persistent oral habits that can negatively impact dental health. Our comprehensive treatment process includes an initial consultation and assessment, the creation of a customised treatment plan, precise fitting of the appliance, and dedicated post-treatment care. This structured approach ensures that each patient receives personalised care tailored to their specific needs, promoting optimal oral health outcomes.

Recovery Timeline

Step 1

Consultation & Assessment



  • Evaluation of current oral habits

  • Examination of dental structure and alignment

  • Assessment of jaw positioning and bite relationship

  • Overall oral health assessment

  • Discussion of suitable treatment options

Step 2

Habit-Breaking Appliances Custom Treatment Plan



  • Detailed dental impressions for custom appliance design

  • Selection between fixed or removable appliance options

  • Personalised appliance specifications for comfort and effectiveness

  • Comprehensive care instructions and maintenance guidance

  • Structured follow-up appointment schedule

Step 3

Consultation & Assessment for Habit-Breaking Appliances



  • Detailed oral habit evaluation

  • Assessment of dental alignment

  • Discussion of treatment options

  • Custom appliance design considerations

Step 4

Post Habit-Breaking Appliances Treatment Care



  • Initial adjustment management

  • Daily cleaning routine

  • Regular follow-up appointments

  • Proper appliance storage

  • Monitoring for comfort and effectiveness

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Get Directions to our Dental Clinic from Fitzrovia

Come to our modern clinic from Fitzrovia via the Central Line to Oxford Circus, then change to Camden Town for 111 Regent's Park Road. London Dental Specialists offers specialist-only Habit-Breaking Appliances with Dr. Sodeinde's MClinDent Prosthodontics qualifications and flexible scheduling including evening appointments.

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Conditions We Treat With Habit-Breaking Appliances

We treat particular dental conditions using Habit-Breaking Appliances at our Fitzrovia practice, focusing on conditions that achieve good results with this treatment. Our experienced team determines which conditions are most responsive to Habit-Breaking Appliances. We provide detailed information about treatment success for different conditions.


  • Thumb Sucking: We treat persistent thumb sucking habits using fixed or removable habit-breaking appliances that gently remind children to stop the behaviour, preventing potential long-term issues with tooth alignment and jaw growth.

  • Tongue Thrusting: Our palatal crib appliances help correct tongue thrusting habits that can lead to open bites and speech problems, supporting proper oral development through early intervention.

  • Lip Biting: We use specialised labial shields to discourage chronic lip biting, which can cause tissue damage and affect dental alignment over time.

  • Finger Sucking: Similar to thumb sucking treatment, our habit-breaking appliances provide gentle reminders to help children overcome finger sucking habits that can affect dental development.

  • Pacifier Dependency: We offer preventive dentistry solutions to help transition children away from prolonged pacifier use, which can impact tooth position and palate formation.

  • Nail Biting: Our habit correction approaches include appliances that can help discourage nail biting, which can damage front teeth and introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth.

  • Mouth Breathing: We address chronic mouth breathing with appropriate orthodontic interventions to promote nasal breathing and proper oral development.

  • Cheek Biting: Our custom appliances can help prevent habitual cheek biting that may lead to tissue damage and oral health complications.

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Meet Our Top-Rated Dentistry Team Specializing in Habit-Breaking Appliances in Fitzrovia

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dr ope sodeinde specialist in periodontics london

Dr Ope Sodeinde

Principal Dentist & Specialist in Periodontics

BDS MFDS RCS(Ed) MSc(Rest Dent) MClinDent(Perio) MPerioRCS(Ed)

GDC No: 104071

dr neha patel specialist endodontist london

Dr Neha Patel

Specialist in Endodontics

BDS MFDS RCS(Ed) FHEA MClinDent(Ed) MEndoRCS(Ed)

GDC No: 150517

dr kia papagalani specialist orthodontist london

Dr Kia Papagalani

Specialist in Orthodontics

DipDS Athens MS(Ortho) OSU

GDC No: 228487

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are habit-breaking appliances in dentistry?


Habit-breaking appliances are specialised dental devices designed to help patients overcome harmful oral habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or lip biting. These custom-made appliances work by creating a physical barrier or reminder that discourages the problematic behaviour. At London Dental Specialists, our habit-breaking appliances are carefully designed to be comfortable while effectively helping patients break habits that could otherwise lead to dental misalignment or other oral health issues.



At what age should habit-breaking appliances be considered?


Habit-breaking appliances are typically considered when a child hasn't naturally outgrown harmful oral habits by age 4-5. Ideally, habits like thumb-sucking should cease by age 3-4, but if they persist beyond this age, intervention may be necessary to prevent dental development issues. At London Dental Specialists, we assess each child individually, considering their specific habits, dental development stage, and psychological readiness before recommending a habit-breaking appliance.



Are habit-breaking appliances uncomfortable or painful?


Habit-breaking appliances are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Patients may experience mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure during the initial adjustment period, typically lasting 3-5 days. These appliances are custom-made at London Dental Specialists to fit each patient's mouth precisely, minimising discomfort. They are not painful and do not cause harm to the teeth or mouth. Our specialists ensure proper fitting and make adjustments as needed to maintain comfort throughout treatment.



What types of habit-breaking appliances are available at London Dental Specialists?


London Dental Specialists offers several types of habit-breaking appliances, including:



  • Fixed palatal cribs - for thumb-sucking and tongue thrust habits

  • Removable palatal cribs - offering flexibility for older, more cooperative patients

  • Bluegrass appliances - less intrusive options for thumb-sucking

  • Lip bumpers - for lip biting or lip sucking habits

  • Tongue spurs - specifically designed for tongue thrust issues

  • Habit reminder appliances - for various oral habits requiring conscious awareness



How long does treatment with habit-breaking appliances typically last?


Treatment duration with habit-breaking appliances typically ranges from 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the habit and the patient's response to treatment. Most patients at London Dental Specialists show significant improvement within the first month. With proper compliance and regular check-ups, habits can often be successfully broken within 3 months. However, some deeply ingrained habits may require longer treatment periods of up to 9-12 months for complete resolution.



How do I care for a habit-breaking appliance?


Proper care for habit-breaking appliances includes:



  1. Brushing teeth and the appliance thoroughly twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush

  2. Using a small interdental brush to clean around fixed appliance components

  3. For removable appliances, cleaning them daily with a denture cleaner or as recommended

  4. Avoiding sticky, hard, or chewy foods that could damage the appliance

  5. Attending all scheduled check-up appointments at London Dental Specialists

  6. Reporting any discomfort or damage to the appliance promptly



Can habit-breaking appliances affect speech or eating?


Habit-breaking appliances may temporarily affect speech, particularly sounds like 's' and 't', but most patients adapt within 1-2 weeks. Eating may be slightly affected initially, with recommendations to start with softer foods and gradually return to a normal diet. At London Dental Specialists, we provide specific guidance for each patient based on their appliance type. Any speech or eating difficulties are typically minor and transient, resolving as the patient adjusts to the appliance.



Are habit-breaking appliances visible when smiling?


Most habit-breaking appliances used at London Dental Specialists are designed to be discreet and minimally visible. Fixed palatal appliances are positioned behind the front teeth or on the roof of the mouth, making them virtually invisible when smiling or speaking. Some removable appliances may have small visible components, but these are typically designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. During your consultation, our specialists can show you exactly what your specific appliance will look like and address any aesthetic concerns.



What happens after the habit-breaking appliance is removed?


After successful habit correction and removal of the appliance, London Dental Specialists provides follow-up monitoring to ensure the habit doesn't return. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to address any dental alignment issues that developed due to the habit. Our specialists will assess whether additional interventions are needed or if regular dental check-ups are sufficient. Most patients maintain their results long-term once the habit is broken, especially when treatment is completed at an appropriate developmental age.


Interested in learning about Habit-Breaking Appliances in Fitzrovia? We're here to help - get in touch with any inquiries about Habit-Breaking Appliances. From our Fitzrovia location, we're here to help you.

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Habit-Breaking Appliances Aftercare Products and Methods




















































































Product Brands What it Takes Care of Details
Cleaning Solution Steradent, Retainer Brite Appliance hygiene Specially formulated to clean habit-breaking appliances without damaging them.
Storage Case DenTek, Boots Dental Protection and storage Ventilated case to store appliance when not in use, preventing damage and loss.
Ultra-Soft Toothbrush Oral-B Sensitive, Colgate Extra Soft Appliance cleaning For gentle cleaning of the appliance without scratching its surface.
Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Corsodyl, Dentyl Oral hygiene Helps maintain oral health without damaging the appliance materials.
Lip Balm Vaseline, Carmex Comfort Soothes lips that may become dry or irritated when adjusting to the appliance.
Dental Wax Ortho Wax, Eludril Irritation prevention Covers any rough edges on the appliance that might cause discomfort.
Interdental Brushes TePe, Boots Interdental Detailed cleaning Helps clean hard-to-reach areas around the appliance.
Fluoride Toothpaste Colgate, Sensodyne Cavity prevention Strengthens teeth during treatment with habit-breaking appliances.
Travel Cleaning Kit Boots, Superdrug On-the-go care Compact kit for maintaining appliance hygiene when away from home.
Antibacterial Mouth Spray Dentyl, Colgate Fresh breath Quick freshening solution that won't damage the appliance.
Appliance Removal Tool DenTek, Orthodontic Store Safe handling Helps safely remove the appliance without damaging it or hurting gums.
Progress Journal Boots, WHSmith Treatment tracking Notebook to track progress and record any issues to discuss with your dentist.
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Get Started with Habit-Breaking Appliances Treatments

Ready to take the next step with our  Habit-Breaking Appliances Treatments?

Inquiries about Habit-Breaking Appliances in Fitzrovia? We're here with answers. Our team ensures you feel confident and comfortable throughout your care process.

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