When Should Children Start Orthotropic Treatment?

We need our rest to feel alert during the day. As an adult, you know that just a few nights of poor rest can have negative impacts on your attitude and ability to function at work. For children, this is no different. Issues with oral and facial structures could lead to problems sleeping and cause problems for their oral and emotional health. To help, your Livonia, MI, dentist may recommend orthotropic therapy!

The Dangers of Breathing Obstruction

For many children, poor dental alignment and problems with the growth of the jaw and facial structures could lead to problems breathing at night. Many experience shallow breathing, cessation of breathing, and difficulties reaching the deep, uninterrupted state of rest needed to feel rested the next day. Over time, this lack of sleep could lead to emotional outburst, poor behavior at school, and your child missing emotional and educational milestones. Many are diagnosed incorrectly as having ADD or ADHD. Over time, this could lead to poor dental health, an increased risk of sleep apnea, weaker immune systems, and in adulthood, poor heart health. By addressing these concerns, your Livonia dentist can help your child rest easier.

When to See Your Dentist

We typically recommend treatment for children under the ages of 9/10, often as earl as age 3. Let us know if your child wakes frequently in the night, has trouble falling asleep or waking up, or kicks, sweats, or tosses and turns in the night. Sleep walking and talking, night terrors, tantrums during the day, and exhaustion are all common warning signs as well. We will have you fill out a sleep questionnaire so we can assess risk, and the we will perform a detailed exam of the face, jaw, teeth, and oral structures.

Homeoblock and Biobloc Therapy

Treatment often involves the use of a custom-made oral appliance. A Homeoblock or Biobloc device is similar in appearance and fit as a mouthguard, and is worn as the child sleeps. The device will be custom-made based on detailed impressions, measurements, and images we take of your child’s face and smile. The device is designed to help guide the growth of oral structures, improving dental alignment and preventing airway obstruction during the night. As kids breathe easier, they sleep better and avoid many of the common symptoms of poor sleep. If you have any questions, then please contact our team right away.

Do You Have Questions About Orthotropic Therapy?

If your children have issues sleeping or breathing without obstruction, then an oral appliance could help them rest easier and enjoy netter quality of life. For more information on care for children of all ages, or to schedule a consultation, call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.