Comparative Evaluation of Tongue Crib and Tongue Tamers in Repositioning the Tongue in Subjects With Tongue Thrusting: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Tongue thrusting is a common neuromuscular habit associated with abnormal tongue posture and dentoalveolar changes. Tongue crib and tongue tamers are commonly used habit-breaking appliances, but limited studies have compared their effectiveness using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis. Aim This study aims to compare the efficacy of tongue crib and tongue tamers in repositioning the tongue in patients with tongue thrust using CBCT analysis. Materials and methods Forty subjects aged 14-30 years with tongue thrusting habit were randomly divided into two groups: tongue crib (Group 1) and tongue tamers (Group 2). CBCT with barium sulphate coating was used to evaluate tongue posture. Parameters assessed included tongue tip position, U1-PP, L1-MP, interincisal angle, overjet, overbite, and lower lip retraction. Patient discomfort was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results Tongue tip position and dentoalveolar parameters significantly improved with both appliances. Compared to tongue tamers, tongue crib showed statistically significant improvement in tongue tip retraction and overbite improvement. On the other hand, tongue tamers demonstrated greater patient acceptability and comfort. Conclusion Both tongue crib and tongue tamers were effective in repositioning the tongue and improving associated dentoalveolar changes, but the tongue crib was more effective clinically, whereas tongue tamers provided better patient comfort.