Improving Nighttime Breathing With Oral Appliances

Have you ever heard of orthotropic treatment? Using custom-made oral appliances, we use this unique treatment option to ensure open airways and help address sleep troubles in young children. Addressing these issues not only improves their mood and behavior, but also offers long-term benefits for kids in Livonia, MI. How do we improve nighttime breathing with oral appliances?

Signs Your Child Has Sleep Disordered Breathing

When children develop obstruction in their breathing at night, they have difficulties breathing and may have trouble reaching the REM stage of sleep. As a result, they sleep, but don’t obtain the rest needed to stay alert and happy during the day. Obstruction could be caused by overly large tissues, such as the tonsils, or by problems with the growth and development of the jaw or oral structures.

As a result, children may begin to snore, wake in the night, experience restless sleep, or walk and talk during the night. Kids tend to have trouble waking up, fight bedtime, and may be moody and have problems concentrating during the day. In fact, many children with difficulties breathing at night often experience behavioral issue during the day and may even be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. If you feel like one or more of the symptoms we discuss applies to your child, then consider seeing your Livonia dentist right away.

The Orthotropic Treatment System

With orthotropic treatment, we will create a personalized oral appliance that the child wears at night. The device repositions the jaw to ensure airways stay open. Kids breathe easily and the body doesn’t have to try and establish an airway, a complication that often leads to acid reflux. Over time, the device guides the growth and development of the jaw, improving sleep and reducing the risk of misalignment, bite imbalance, and sleep apnea in later years.

Tips for Better Bedtimes

In addition to orthotropic treatment, you could also take steps to help ensure bedtime runs a little more smoothly. Try to keep your child on a regular sleep schedule, which means going to bed and waking up at the same times daily. Avoid caffeine and sugary sweets in the two hours before bed, and have a routine that lets them know bedtime is approaching (such as story time). If you have any questions about your child’s sleep issues, please let our team know! We want to help you and your family enjoy better oral health and better sleep!

Do You Have Questions About Orthotropics?

We want to help your child breathe easier and enjoy a better night’s rest. James Stewart, DDS, and our team serve patients from Livonia, MI, as well as Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth,  and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.