The tongue crib, also known as the velum or velum patch, refers to the small piece of soft tissue located on the underside of your tongue. It’s easy to overlook the tongue crib, but it actually plays an important role in helping you speak and swallow normally. Let’s take a closer look at the tongue crib to learn more about this lesser-known anatomy part.
How Does A Tongue Crib Work?
a tongue crib (or tongue guard) is a device worn by people who snore to hold their tongues in place, which stops snoring. Some say that wearing a tongue crib is like having a retainer for your tongue. The tongue crib rests behind and below your lower teeth and gently holds down your tongue when you sleep at night, which helps to prevent it from falling back into your throat. Tongue cribs are available over-the-counter in sports stores, online or even at some drugstores, but they can be pricey: prices range from $30 to upwards of $100+. Moreover, you’ll want to take care with personal hygiene since it’s necessary to remove and clean them after each use.
How A Tongue Crib Appliance Can Help?
Children with braces, particularly those that are having difficulty keeping their tongues in place and not touching their teeth, can benefit from wearing a tongue crib. Similar to a sports mouth guard, it goes in your mouth and keeps your tongue forward so you don’t grind your teeth. It’s worn during sleep only and takes a few days to get used to. The best thing about it is, it works!
How To Choose The Right Tongue Crib For Your Baby?
If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to breathe while sleeping, a tongue crib might be right for you. These devices are designed to prevent certain newborns from accidentally suffocating themselves by putting pressure on their tongues. This is particularly important in kids who were born with low muscle tone (hypotonia), which makes it difficult for them to lift their heads and/or turn their necks while sleeping. A tongue crib sits behind your baby’s teeth and holds his or her tongue up so it doesn’t fall back into his or her throat, giving him or her better access to oxygen. They usually work best for infants under 5 pounds, but some can accommodate older babies as well.
How Much Does A Tongue Crib Cost?
Mouthguards are typically customized for a particular user, which means you will need to visit your dentist or orthodontist to have one fitted. Depending on your health insurance coverage, a mouthguard may be partially or completely covered by your plan. Typical pricing is around $300. (Prices vary based on location.) Custom options such as color, tongue guards and prescription-strength guards can be purchased online at sites like MouthGuardStore and others. According to those sites’ estimates, fitting with a dentist costs an additional $100-$200; custom designs range from $20-$130 more. Some companies offer payment plans and interest-free financing options in addition to traditional purchase options through PayPal and other third-party sites.
Are Tongue Cribs Removable?
The tongue crib is a device that prevents your tongue from falling back into your throat and choking you. The tubular-shaped guard fits on to your teeth and is worn at night. Some guards are customized to fit your mouth perfectly, while others can be adjusted by cutting them down with scissors to size. For most patients, it is recommended that you wear a tongue crib for about three months until their jaw has healed and their teeth have shifted back into place. Some dental insurance companies may also cover all or part of the cost associated with wearing a device like a tongue crib, depending on your specific policy details.
What Are The Benefits Of Using The Tongue Guard?
Comfort, safety and convenience all make a tongue crib an attractive product. For these reasons, it’s no surprise that many patients request to use a tongue crib instead of other types of mouth guards. If you have dentures or bridgework, or if you wear a partial plate, then your dentist may also recommend one for you. Here are some benefits to using a tongue crib: ✔ Allows you to speak properly ✔ Creates comfort while preventing painful bites ✔ Protects teeth from chipping or breaking ✔ Ensures that food won’t get trapped between your teeth: Comfort, safety and convenience all make a tongue crib an attractive product. For these reasons, it’s no surprise that many patients request to use a tongue crib instead of other types of mouth guards.
