| abstract |
A pacifier (10), a system and a method for maintaining proper dentitions in a child are provided. The pacifier (10) may have a bulb (16) which is connected to an external shield (15) by an isthmus. A child may suck on the bulb (16) when the pacifier (10) is worn in the mouth. The isthmus (12) connecting the bulb (16) and the external shield (15) may be flat. Moreover, the isthmus (12) may have a thickness which may be less than a thickness of known connectors, and may be wider from side-to-side than connectors associated with known pacifiers, which connect a bulb and an external shield. As a result, the pacifier (10) may prevent the child from developing, for example, an open bite or other malocclusion. The pacifier (10) may or may not incorporate a thickened pillow (94) to aid in the reduction of pain associated with teething. |