In response, my son who is having orthodontics only sucked on me, no thumb, no pacifiers. My oldest son used a pacifier for years and has no orthodontic problems. My third son has just quit sucking his thumb at 6 3/4, my fourth son is still nursing at 4 1/2 no thumb or pacifier. Somebody sent me a private reply saying that across the board breastfeeding would greatly reduce the need for orthodontics, and to look to genetics. I am happy to look at genetics, I was breastfed for a short while but did suck my thumb and had many years of orthodontics for the same kinds of problems (lack of space) that my son is facing. Maybe my 3 other boys (and the baby in utero) will have inherited their father's jaw. However, he is the one who passed on the susceptibility to cavities! Susanna [log in to unmask] Canadian Homeschooling Resource Page http://www.flora.ottawa.on.ca/homeschool-ca/