Is there more than one type of Tongue Thrusting?


Yes!  There are several different types of tongue thrust and resultant orthodontic problems.

Anterior Open Bite

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This is the most common and typical type of tongue thrust.  The lips do not close easily and the child often has their mouth open with the tongue protruding between and sometimes beyond the teeth and lips.


Anterior Thrust

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This category of tongue thrust is also called Anterior Protrusive Incisors.  This type of tongue thrust is most generally accompanied by a strong mentalis (muscle of the chin).  The upper incisors are extremely protruded and the lower incisors are pulled in by the lower lip.


Unilateral Thrust

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In this case the tongue thrust is to the sides of the front teeth.  The bite is characteristically open on either side.  Keep in mind the bite is on one side and not the other due to unilateral posturing/thrusting of the tongue.


Bilateral Thrust

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With this type of tongue thrust, the anterior bite is closed.  The posterior teeth from the first bicupsid to the back molars may be open on both sides.  This is the most difficult thrust to correct.


Bilateral Anterior Open Bite

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In this type of tongue thrust, the bite is completely open on both sides including the anterior teeth.  The only teeth that touch are the molars.  This type is also associated with the child having a large tongue

Closed Bite Thrust

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This is also called Bimaxillary Thrust.  This type of tongue thrust typically shows a double protrusion meaning that both the upper and lower teeth are flared out and spread apart.  As the name suggests, there is a closed bite, versus an open bite as in other versions of tongue thrust.


Mandibular Thrust

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With this type of tongue thrust, there is a protrusion of the mandible due to a low and forward posture of the tongue.  This is common for individuals with an inherited growth pattern.


References


Answers Coorporation. (2010). Prognathism. http://www.answers.com/topic/prognathism


Billings Speech Pathology Services. (n.d.). What is Tongue Thrust? Retrieved fromhttp://www.billingsspeech.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/TongueThrustBrochure.pdf


Braur, J.S., & Townsend, T.V. (1965). Tongue thrust classification. The Angle Orthodontist, 35(2), 106-112.

Hirsh, G. (2010). Tongue Thrusting. Retrieved from http://www.bracessandiego.com/tongue_thrust.htm

Nelson, R.M. (2001). Oral Myofunctional Disorders Explained. Retrieved from http://southwestoralmyo.com/omdinfo.htm


Palmer, B. (2002). The Importance of Breast Feeding, as it Relates to Total Health. Retrieved from http://www.brianpalmerdds.com/pdf/section_B.pdf

Westchester Orthodontics. (2006). Tongue Thrust Questions and Answers. Retrieved from http://westchester-orthodontics.com/1481/1490.html

Yamaguchi, H., & Sueshi, K. (2003, May). Malocclusion associated with abnormal posture. Department of Orthodontics, Tokyo Dental College, 22(2), 43-54.