🎯 3-5-7 Rule for Duration & Risk
- Stop by 3 → Minimal risk
- Stop after 5 → Moderate risk (AOB, PXB start appearing)
- Stop after 7 → High risk (Multiple malocclusions likely)
🍼 Pacifier vs. 👍 Digit — Think “Short vs. Strong”
- Pacifier = Short habit (≈14 mo), causes AOB + Class II if ≥4 yrs
- Digit = Strong persistence (≈33 mo), causes AOB if ≥5 yrs
| Duration | Anterior Open Bite | Posterior Crossbite | ≥4 mm Overjet | Bilateral Class II | ≥1 Malocclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 36 mo | 4% | 9% | 29% | 29% | 53% |
| 36–59 mo | 12% | 18% | 28% | 29% | 51% |
| ≥ 60 mo | 27% | 20% | 40% | 39% | 76% |
| Feature | Pacifier | Digit |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Duration | Shorter (mean ~14 mo) | Longer (mean ~33 mo) |
| Strongest Malocclusion Link | AOB & Class II molar | AOB (≥60 mo) |
| Arch Form Impact | Narrower maxillary arch; occasional PXB | Less arch narrowing, but more vertical changes |
Quick Statistics for Parent Communication
- Digit ≥60 mo → 26% have AOB despite habit cessation.
- Over 50% of mixed dentition children show ≥1 malocclusion.
- AOB prevalence jumps from 4% (