Orthodontics · Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion
Thumb-sucking and pacifiers in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion: when to worry about the teeth?
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01In brief
Can a thumb or pacifier move the teeth?
Common before age 4
Sucking a thumb or a pacifier is normal in young children. The risk to the teeth appears mainly if the habit continues after age 4 or 5, and even more once the permanent teeth come in: the upper teeth can push forward, the front teeth may stop touching (open bite) or the palate can narrow. Most often, these effects lessen if the habit stops early. The dentist monitors the situation at each exam, in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion: 514-533-3368.
- ClinicsGo Dentiste Valleyfield
785, boulevard Monseigneur-Langlois, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
Go Dentiste Vaudreuil-Dorion
275, boulevard Harwood, Vaudreuil-Dorion - Phone514-533-3368
- HoursValleyfield: 7 days a week · Vaudreuil-Dorion: Monday to Friday
- EvaluationFrom age 7, no referral needed
- TreatmentBy our general dentists
- OnlineBooking 24/7
02What to know
What to know
The age, frequency and intensity of sucking matter more than the habit itself.
- Before age 4The habit is common and comforting for the child. The effects on baby teeth are often reversible.
- Between ages 4 and 6This is the right time to encourage the child to stop, before the permanent front teeth come in.
- After age 6If sucking continues, it can move the permanent teeth. An evaluation can measure the effect and offer help.
- Pacifier or thumb?Both can have effects. A pacifier is often easier to stop, because it can be taken away; the thumb is always there.
Possible effects to watch for
- The front teeth no longer touch when the child closes their mouth
- The upper teeth push forward
- Upper side teeth bite inside the lower teeth
- A callus or redness on the thumb
- The tongue sits between the teeth when the child speaks
Good to know: Encouragement works better than punishment: a sticker chart, a gentle reminder at bedtime, a comfort object. The dentist can also talk about it directly with your child.
New patients · First visit
Your complete checkup, in a single visit.
A 45- to 75-minute visit
- Complete exam service and low-dose X-rays
- Cleaning service, the same day when possible
- Written treatment plan, every cost explained
- Coming as a family? Grouped appointments on request: a single trip
Vaudreuil-Dorion just opened: openings for new patients
03Options
Possible steps
We start with the simplest solution.
- Encouraging the child to stopAdvice suited to the child’s age, often enough on its own. The effects on the teeth often lessen once the habit stops.
- A reminder applianceIf the habit continues after age 6 or 7 despite efforts, a fixed appliance can discourage sucking.
- Correcting the effectsIf the teeth stay out of place after the habit stops, an orthodontic evaluation makes it possible to offer treatment at the right time.
04At our clinics
Follow-up at our clinics
At each exam, the dentist notes the position of your child’s teeth and the effect of the habit. The dentist explains whether encouraging the child to stop is enough or whether it’s better to step in.
For children under 10, the regular dental exam is covered by RAMQ (Quebec’s public health insurance plan). Our clinics in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion see children from age 1.
Directions to the Valleyfield clinic
Directions to the Vaudreuil-Dorion clinic
Opening hours
| Valleyfield | Vaudreuil-Dorion | |
|---|---|---|
| MondayMon | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| TuesdayTue | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| WednesdayWed | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| ThursdayThu | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| FridayFri | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| SaturdaySat | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Closed |
| SundaySun | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Closed |
05Related services
Services that may be offered to you
The plan depends on the exam: the dentist explains the options and their costs before starting.
06FAQ
Frequently asked questions: thumb and pacifier
At what age should my child stop?
Ideally around age 4, and before the permanent front teeth come in, around age 6 or 7. The longer the habit lasts, the more it can move the teeth.
Do the teeth move back after the habit stops?
Often partly, especially if the habit stops early. If they stay out of place, an orthodontic evaluation is recommended.
Does a so-called “orthodontic” pacifier prevent problems?
It can reduce some effects, but doesn’t eliminate them. What matters most is limiting use and stopping around age 4.
My child only sucks their thumb at night: is that a problem?
Prolonged sucking every night can also move the teeth. Mention it to the dentist, who will check the effect on the position of the teeth.
Is an appliance needed to stop?
Rarely as a first step. We start with encouragement; an appliance may be discussed if the habit continues after age 6 or 7.
07See also
Other orthodontic guides
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Orthodontic evaluation from age 7 in Valleyfield (7 days a week) and Vaudreuil-Dorion (Monday to Friday). New patients welcome, online booking 24/7.
Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: October 11, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation. At Go Dentiste, orthodontic services are offered by general dentists; cases that require it are referred to an orthodontist.