Dillingham habit applianceresearched

Quick facts

Field	Value
ID	OA-0173
Type	habit_appliance
Category	habit_appliance
Fixed/removable	fixed
Primary function	habit interruption / myofunctional training
Related appliance	Tongue crib
Uses TADs	no

Overview

The Dillingham habit appliance is a fixed habit interrupter using a specific wire framework design that combines raking and cribbing elements. It is designed for both thumb/finger sucking and tongue thrusting habits. The design is associated with specific training in the Dillingham approach to habit correction. Fixed to molar bands.

For comprehensive research on fixed habit appliance mechanisms, fabrication, and CFL pricing, see the primary reference page: Tongue crib.

Clinical & technical

Mechanism of action

The Dillingham appliance uses lingual spurs soldered directly to molar bands (fixed version) or embedded in an acrylic baseplate (removable version) that project downward and posteriorly along the palatal surfaces of the anterior teeth. When the tongue thrusts forward it contacts the spurs, which redirects it to correct resting posture (tongue tip behind upper incisors, mid-tongue against palate). Unlike the hay rake, the Dillingham spurs are typically longer (5–8 mm) and positioned slightly further posteriorly, targeting the mid-tongue rather than the tongue tip.

Indications & case selection

• Tongue thrust contributing to anterior open bite or proclination of

upper incisors

• Residual tongue thrust after orthodontic treatment (retention phase)
• Used adjunctively with myofunctional therapy for best results
• Ages 6–14; can be used in adults for retention purposes

Contraindications & limitations

• Patients with palatine torus (prevents correct spur placement)
• Severe gag reflex
• Active palatal infection or ulceration
• Not effective as sole treatment for open bite with strong skeletal

component

Design & fabrication

Components & materials

• Fixed version: lingual spurs (0.9 mm SS wire, 5–8 mm) soldered

to a transpalatal arch wire connected to upper molar bands (Band with attachments)

• Removable version: spurs embedded in acrylic baseplate, retained

by Adams clasps (Adams clasp)

• Spur configuration: 4–6 spurs, evenly spaced, angled 45° toward

the tongue

Lab fabrication notes

For the fixed version: fabricate the transpalatal arch first (0.9 mm wire, adapted to palatal vault contour). Solder each spur to the arch at the correct mesio-distal position — spurs should sit 5 mm palatal to the upper incisors and extend 5–7 mm inferiorly. Tips should be blunted (not sharp). Solder all junctions, polish smooth. For the removable version: position spurs in wax before acrylic processing, ensure no spur extends beyond the baseplate boundary.

Common variants & modifications

• Dillingham with expansion (Dillingham combination expansion/habit appliance): adds

a midpalatal expansion screw to address simultaneous transverse constriction

• Quad helix + Dillingham elements: spurs soldered onto quad helix

framework

• Mini Dillingham: fewer, shorter spurs for younger patients or

mild habits

Sources

• [Lingual Spurs for Tongue Thrust Correction —

JCO](https://www.jco-online.com)

• [Fixed Habit-Breaking Appliances — Orthodontic Clinics of North

America](https://www.dental.theclinics.com)

• Myofunctional Therapy and Appliances — IJOM

Research log

• 2026-06-10 — page scaffolded from Master Appliance Database.
• 2026-06-09 — researched as variant of fixed habit appliance

category; cross-referenced to Tongue crib.