Sleep-Disordered Breathing Appliance

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Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing Appliance in Rockville

At Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that a good night's sleep is crucial for your child’s health and development. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a significant concern that can affect your child's sleep quality and overall well-being. We are committed to providing effective solutions for this condition, including specialized oral appliances that promote the growth of a healthy airway. As the pediatric dentist Rockville parents trust, we offer a compassionate and comprehensive approach to managing sleep-disordered breathing in children.

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What Is Sleep-Disordered Breathing?

Sleep-disordered breathing is a general term for breathing difficulties during sleep. SDB can range from frequent loud snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the child’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to numerous health issues, including behavioral problems, growth delays, and learning difficulties.

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Symptoms of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

The following signs may indicate that your child is suffering from sleep-disordered breathing:

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• Frequent snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
• Pauses in breathing, followed by gasps or choking noises
• Grinding of teeth (bruxism)
• Restlessness during sleep
• Sleeping in abnormal positions, often with the neck extended
• Chronic mouth breathing and bad breath in the morning 
• Daytime sleepiness or behavioral issues, including hyperactivity
• Poor school performance

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If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is crucial to consult with a children’s dentist who has extensive knowledge and experience in pediatric sleep appliances.

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Our Breathing Appliance Service

At Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry, the pediatric dentist Rockville loves, we offer a specialized service for children experiencing sleep-disordered breathing. Our treatment involves the use of specially designed breathing appliances (made by HealthyStart) that help maintain an open airway during sleep, thereby promoting healthy nasal breathing, enhancing sleep quality, and even positively influencing the growth and proper development of your child’s jaw bones. Crowded and crooked teeth are often a symptom of underdeveloped jaws, which can be a direct consequence of sub-optimal breathing during sleep. 

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Benefits of Breathing Appliances

Breathing appliances have several benefits for children with sleep-disordered breathing:

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• Improved Sleep Quality: By helping to keep the airway open, these appliances reduce the occurrence of breathing pauses, allowing for a more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
• Better Health Outcomes: Enhanced sleep quality leads to better overall health, including improved immune function and reduced risk of developmental delays.
• Increased Daytime Alertness: A good night’s sleep can significantly improve your child’s alertness and ability to concentrate during the day, positively impacting school performance.
• Behavioral Improvements: Children who sleep better are generally less irritable and show improvements in behavior and social interactions.

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How Breathing Appliances Work

The breathing appliances we provide may look similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards, but the HealthyStart appliances are FDA cleared medical devices designed by an orthodontist who recognized decades ago the importance of focusing on the airway to improve proper facial development in growing children. These appliances work by gently positioning the jaw and tongue in a way that promotes better airflow, better sleep, and better growth. 

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The Process

1. Consultation and Evaluation: The first step in addressing sleep-disordered breathing is a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Ball, a board-certified children’s dentist in Rockville. During this appointment, we discuss your child’s symptoms, review your child’s health history, their sleep questionnaire, and conduct a thorough oral examination with photographs.
2. Diagnosis: If moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing is suspected, we may recommend a sleep study (polysomnogram) and/or ENT consultation prior to considering appliance therapy. In milder cases, appliance therapy is often a great first step. The appropriateness of appliance therapy also depends on the age and expected cooperation and compliance of your child.
3. Customization of Appliance: if a decision is made to move forward with appliance therapy, we determine the best size for your child to get started and may provide the appliance the same day if we have the size in our inventory, or we may order it for your child. When your child is ready to receive their appliance, our goal is to ensure that the appliance is comfortable and your child understands why and how to wear it. They will have their first “practice session” in our office, with instructions for how to implement a strategy for success at home. Compliance is key!
4. Follow-up Care: Follow-up visits are important to ensure continued compliance and successful reduction or elimination of sleep-disordered breathing symptoms. We also encourage parents to track their child’s use of their appliance on a digital platform as well as check-ins via text and phone calls to ensure a smooth transition and journey.

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Why Choose Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry?

Choosing the right provider for your child’s health needs is paramount. As the pediatric dentist Rockville parents trust, we are dedicated to offering the highest standard of care in a warm, welcoming environment. Dr. Ball is specially trained in pediatric dental and orthodontic care, ensuring that your child receives the best possible treatment for sleep-disordered breathing as early as possible.

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Help Your Child Breathe Easier

If your child is showing signs of sleep-disordered breathing, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. We are here to answer any questions you have and to provide the care your child deserves to achieve restful sleep and healthy development. Let us help your child breathe easier and sleep better with our specialized breathing appliance service.

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