Hi T.,
I agree with Pam M. I too had similar issues.
My oldest never used anything and needed braces.
Middle guy used a pacifier and needed braces.
The youngest 2 one used a pacifier the other did not. They are 5 & 6 they too look like they will need braces.
The pacifier does not decide whether or not they need braces. It is the shape of their mouth & size of the mouth. We all have small mouths. I had to have 4 molars pulled before I could get braces the Dr. said my mouth was too crowded. Then I had to have all 4 wisdom teeth pulled I still have a full set of teeth and I had a total of 8 pulled.
My oldest had braces & I mentioned her teeth are crowded like mine. He said we are here to save teeth not pull. She had braces for 4 years once she had them taken off her teeth went crooked within 3 months as if she never had braces. I took her to another Ortho. He pulled 4 teeth & put braces on. Now her teeth stayed straight and it's been 10 years. My son had braces 4 teeth pulled and his teeth have been straight for 6 years.
Both boys with their pacifiers gave them up on their own. They both just started using them for bed I never replaced it with a new. The pacifiers (Nuk brand) my boys used would get sticky when it was time to replace. They did not like the sticky and would not use it but it was there....
You did very well T.. Keep up the terrific job you are doing. Remember just read over everyone's advice on this site BUT use your judgement when it comes to your children. MOM KNOWS BEST!!
I hope this helps.