What are some really great/proven ways to correct my tongue thrust without having to wear my retainer? (Photos)

Question

I've already had braces once, now I have a U Hawley with a sort of cage to keep my tongue back that I wear at night. Now, apparently, my bite has opened up again. They said I need to wear my stupid retainer even earlier into the evening. I hate this retainer enough and it's a serious boot to my self confidence whenever I put it in. I feel like a dog with a muzzle on. They said my gap is 1.5 mm- used to be less than 1. It hasn't affected my speech or anything but they said I had to fix it.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

Sorry to tell you that no appliance will stop your tongue thrust.  I strongly suggest you consider seeing an Oral Myofunctional Therapist to retrain your musculature.  Lonfg term I would suggest looking into Epigenetic Orthodontics/ Orthopedics to address your underdeveloped maxilla and increase your airway.  The tongue habits have underlying causes that should be addressed.Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMOChair, Alliance of TMD OrganizationsDiplomat, American Academy of Pain ManagementDiplomat, American Board of Dental Sleep MedicineRegent & Fellow, International College of CranioMandibular OrthopedicsBoard Eligible, American Academy of CranioFacial PainDental Section Editor, Sleep & Health Journal
Member, American Equilibration SocietyMember, Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences

What are some really great/proven ways to correct my tongue thrust without having to wear my retainer? (Photos)

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