CRIKE (CRIB + RAKE) -Tongue Thrust Eliminator.

Abstract

Background:
Tongue thrusting is a common parafunctional habit associated with anterior open bite and proclination of incisors. Conventional habit-breaking appliances such as tongue cribs are widely used; however, their effectiveness may be limited in cases involving both anterior and lateral tongue thrust.

Aim:
To introduce and describe a simplified appliance (CRIKE) combining tongue crib and tongue rake for effective management of tongue thrusting.

Materials and Methods:
The CRIKE appliance was fabricated using 19-gauge stainless steel wire and incorporated both anterior tongue rakes and posterior crib elements. It was soldered to maxillary molar bands and cemented intraorally. The appliance included a rotating bead to enhance neuromuscular re-education.

Results:
The appliance demonstrated effective control of tongue thrusting by restricting abnormal tongue movement and promoting proper tongue posture. Patients reported good comfort and compliance, with no evidence of soft tissue irritation or adverse effects.

Conclusion:
The CRIKE appliance is a simple, cost-effective, and efficient modification of conventional tongue crib appliances. It provides effective management of both anterior and lateral tongue thrust with good patient acceptance.