Approaches to correct lower lip sucking in preschool children: a clinical study on effectiveness, oral health-related quality of life impact, and malocclusion improvement

Objectives To determine the most effective ways to correct lower lip sucking in preschool children, minimizing impacts on their Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and improving malocclusion. Materials and Methods 83 children aged 3–6 years were divided into behavioral therapy (Group A, n = 27), lip bumper therapy (Group B, n = 27), and Twin Block therapy (Group C, n = 29) groups. After 6 months of treatment, oral exams, model analysis, cephalometrics, and the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) were used for assessment. Results Success rates in Groups A, B, and C were 33.33%, 73.08%, and 96.43%, respectively ( P < .05). Groups A and B had no significant measurement differences ( P > .05). Group C showed significant changes in overjet, SNA, SNB, ANB, U1SN, and L1MP ( P < .05). The ECOHIS scores of all groups first rose, then fell ( P < .05). Conclusions Twin Block appliances are highly effective for correcting lower lip sucking. They have a higher success rate than other methods and can reduce skeletal malocclusion severity in children with specific dental conditions.