This device works through counter-conditioning. A teflon roller is placed in the most superior aspect of the palate. When patients try to thumb suck, the roller prevents them from experiencing the satisfaction of suckling. Instead, they use their tongue and spin the roller. This has proven to be a much more positive approach to controlling finger and thumb sucking habits as patients feel they have acquired a new toy. The Blue Grass appliance is particularly useful in the mixed dentition stage of development.

Note - With all habit appliances, an opposing model and bite relationship are required.