Sleep Apnea in Children
Orthodontics & Orthopedics Treatments for Sleep Apnea
At Dental Sleep Care, we’re dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible care for their orthodontic and orthopedic needs. Our team of highly experienced Doctors have personalized approach to treatment, focusing on improving the patient’s overall health and quality of life. We understand the importance of a good night’s sleep and work to address underlying breathing issues that may be interfering with our patients’ ability to rest peacefully.
Effects of sleep apnea in children
We are specialized in the treatment of Sleep apnea in children within the age group x-y years. Untreated Sleep Apnea can have negative effects on children’s health and development. Some of the potential effects of sleep apnea in children include:
Poor sleep quality
Children with sleep apnea may experience frequent awakenings throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.
Behavioral problems
Sleep apnea can cause children to feel irritable, moody, and have difficulty concentrating or paying attention, which can impact their behavior at home and school.
Learning difficulties
Poor sleep quality can interfere with a child’s ability to learn and retain information, leading to poor academic performance.
Delayed growth and development
Sleep apnea has been linked to delayed growth and development in children, particularly in the areas of speech and language development.
Cardiovascular problems
Sleep apnea in children can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems later in life.
Obesity
Sleep apnea and obesity can be closely linked, and children with sleep apnea may be at increased risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Orthodontics and orthopedics treatments for sleep apnea, particularly in cases where the condition is caused by structural issues in the mouth and jaw. The use of oral appliances and braces can help reposition the jaw and open up the airway during sleep, reducing the frequency and severity of apnea events.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs) are oral appliances used to treat sleep-disordered breathing in children. TRDs are custom-made devices that hold the tongue in a forward position, which helps prevent it from falling back and obstructing the airway during sleep. TRDs are typically made of soft, flexible materials and are designed to be comfortable to wear while sleeping. They are often used as an alternative to Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) for children who cannot tolerate MADs or who have dental or orthodontic issues that prevent their use.
Palatal Expanders and Jaw Expander
Palatal expansion devices are orthodontic appliances used to widen the upper jaw in children with narrow palates. The device attaches to the upper molars and applies gentle pressure to gradually expand the palate. This can improve breathing and treat conditions such as sleep apnea, as well as correct bite and alignment issues.
Jaw expanders are orthodontic devices used for children to widen the upper jaw. The device is attached to the teeth and gradually expands the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure over a period of time. Jaw expanders can be used to treat several orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, crossbite, and specially for breathing problems such as sleep apnea.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy for sleep apnea in children typically involves exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and throat to improve breathing and reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. We use oral appliances such as Mouth Guards, Splints, Tongue expanderetc to help correct muscle function and improve oral motor and breathing issues during sleep.
Braces
The type of braces used in sleep apnea treatment differ from traditional braces braces used in teeth alignment. Braces, also known as orthodontic appliances, can be used to correct dental and skeletal issues that contribute to sleep apnea.
For example, braces can be used to widen the upper jaw to create more space for the tongue and improve air flow. Braces can also help align the teeth and jaw to improve breathing and reduce snoring.
Are you at risk? Take Our Sleep Apnea Quiz
Do you doze off easily during the day? Daytime drowsiness may be a sign that you should be evaluated by a sleep physician for obstructive sleep apnea. Take this brief quiz and Contact Dental Sleep Care for more information.
Contact Dental Sleep Care of Hyderabad
Please Contact Us for your consultation or ask your physician to refer you to Dental Sleep Care of Hyderabad. We want you to enjoy a restful sleep again.