You know that your child’s oral health is largely impacted on the level of care they receive in their early years. However, did you know that early oral health care can help prevent more than just tooth decay or problems with misaligned teeth? Orthotropic treatment is the process of helping children develop properly aligned and proportioned oral and facial structures as early as possible. At our Livonia, MI, dental office, we may recommend orthotropics for children who exhibit one or several signs of oral and facial misalignment, including sleep breathing disorders such as sleep apnea.
What is orthotropic treatment?
Orthotropics involves highly precise, digital imaging and diagnosis of your child’s oral and facial structures to determine the extent of their misalignment. Through the use of one or multiple custom-designed appliances, we can unobtrusively promote proper growth and spacing of your child’s palate and other oral and facial structures, according to their specific needs. When appropriate, orthotropics and the improved development of your child’s oral and facial structures can reduce symptoms such as sleep apnea, and the many related conditions that can result from the sleep breathing disorder.
Can it really address my child’s sleep apnea?
The interconnection between oral and facial structures plays a significant role in many different areas. For example, if your child’s teeth and/or jawbone are not properly aligned, then bite issues and oral health problems are almost sure to occur. When facial and oral structures don’t align, they can also impact vital functions such as breathing, which can lead to complications as your child sleeps and these structures relax at night. For this reason, the presence of obstructive sleep apnea is a common sign that your child may benefit from orthotropic treatment.
How do I know if my child needs it?
If your child exhibits signs of sleep apnea, such as constant daytime tiredness, trouble concentrating and/or behaving, or chronically snoring, then we can help determine if they’re a good candidate for orthotropics. After a comprehensive examination, we can diagnose the specific oral and/or facial development issue requires attention. Then, we can custom-design one or a system of aligners and other appliances to correct it.
Get answers to more questions about orthotropics
If your child experiences any issues with the growth and development of one or more oral or facial structures, then orthotropic treatment may help them avoid several significant conditions later in life. For more information, or to find out if your child can benefit from orthotropic treatment, schedule a consultation by calling the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.