How do we, as Orthodontists, assist in the treatment of OSA?

Our doctors are trained specifically to monitor growth and development of the face and jaws, which may have a significant impact on a child’s airway. Our orthodontists have extensive experience in identifying jaw growth discrepancies, and may prescribe an appliance to aid in a child’s growth and development.

Personal Consultations

Prior to beginning treatment, patients and parents visit the office for a consultation appointment. Your consultation will be conducted personally by Dr. Biggs or Dr. Hansen, and will provide an opportunity for questions regarding the type and duration of treatment, as well as other important information. Patients are pleased to discover that due to the early intervention utilized by Dr. Biggs and Dr. Hansen, Herbst® and Headgear appliances are not used on their patients. Also, due to this early growth management, the extraction of teeth is now rare.

What appliances might be used to help my child's OSA?

The type of appliance used depends on the individual child’s problem. If the width of the upper jaw is the main concern, a Airway Expansion Appliance can often be utilized to address it. However, if the issue is a lower jaw that is under developed, a growth appliance may be utilized to encourage the forward growth and development of the lower jaw.

What anatomic features do orthodontists treat that are also present in children with OSA?

Children with OSA who also require orthodontic treatment, may have narrow or tapered upper or lower jaws, recessed lower jaws, severely crowded teeth, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, or may be mouth breathers.

If I suspect my child has OSA, should I go to the orthodontist first?

That depends. The recommendation by the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association is that children see an orthodontist by age 7. If your child is 7 years old, it would be appropriate for them to be screened by an orthodontist with a background in OSA. A medical diagnosis of OSA must be made by an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) doctor or a Sleep Specialist.

Pediatric OSA

The Crucial Link Between Orthodontics and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Children

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that affects both children and adults. In children, it impacts approximately 1% to 5% across all age groups and is much more than just loud snoring—it’s a serious medical condition that can disrupt breathing repeatedly during sleep. These pauses in breathing can lead to fragmented, poor-quality rest, which in turn may affect a child’s development, behavior, and overall well-being. Recognizing early signs such as loud snoring or daytime tiredness is crucial to ensuring your child receives timely evaluation and appropriate care.

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Do you notice any of these symptoms in your child?

Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Loud snoring often accompanied by gasping, choking sounds, or noticeable snorts. You might even observe long pauses in their breathing while they sleep, which can be alarming.
Nighttime Disturbances: Frequent bedwetting despite being toilet-trained, vivid nightmares, and excessive sweating during the night can all be indicators of OSA.
Daytime Impact: Persistent daytime sleepiness, even after what seems like a full night’s rest, can manifest as irritability, increased hyperactivity, and significant difficulty concentrating at school or during activities. In some cases, these symptoms can even be misdiagnosed as ADHD.

Early treatment of sleep apnea in children is crucial because it addresses the issue before it leads to serious long-term health complications. Untreated sleep apnea can negatively impact a child’s development, learning, and behavior, and increase their risk for other health conditions including heart problems. By intervening early, we can improve their quality of life, ensure proper growth, and prevent future health issues.

If sleep apnea isn’t treated, it can lead to:

Problems paying attention (like ADHD)
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart problems

If you’ve observed any of these signs, it’s important to understand that there could be a structural component contributing to your child’s sleep difficulties.

The Hidden Connection: Anatomic Features and Pediatric OSA

At The Center for Pediatric Sleep Apnea Orthodontics, powered by Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics, we understand that specific anatomic features within a child’s mouth and jaw structure can significantly contribute to the development of OSA. These include:

Underdeveloped Lower Jaw (Retrognathia): A smaller or recessed lower jaw can restrict the space available for the tongue, potentially pushing it back and obstructing the airway during sleep.
Narrow Upper Jaw (Maxillary Constriction): A constricted upper jaw can limit the size of the nasal cavity, making it harder to breathe through the nose and increasing the likelihood of mouth breathing, which can contribute to airway collapse.
Other Orthodontic Issues: Misaligned teeth, a deep overbite, or other orthodontic problems can also play a role in the overall airway space and function.

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from OSA, the most important first step is a comprehensive evaluation with our experienced doctors at The Center for Pediatric Sleep Apnea Orthodontics. We possess specialized knowledge in identifying these subtle yet critical anatomical factors that contribute to OSA.

We believe in a collaborative approach to care. While our orthodontic expertise focuses on the structural aspects of OSA, we recognize the importance of working closely with sleep specialists and Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) specialists. Following an initial visit with us, we often recommend consultations with these medical professionals for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Our commitment to this multidisciplinary approach is underscored by the fact that our doctors are proud members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. For years, we have cultivated strong relationships with leading sleep specialists and ENTs in the region, working together to successfully assist in the treatment of OSA in children.

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Understanding the Overlap: ADHD & Pediatric Sleep Apnea

The connection between ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and Pediatric Sleep Apnea is a critical area of understanding in children’s health. While they are distinct conditions, their coexistence can create a complex web of challenges for affected children.

ADHD: This neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly interfere with 1 daily functioning and development.
Pediatric Sleep Apnea: This sleep disorder involves repeated episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep due to airway obstruction.

The presence of sleep apnea in children already diagnosed with ADHD can significantly exacerbate their existing symptoms. The fragmented and poor-quality sleep caused by OSA impairs crucial cognitive functions, further diminishing attention span, increasing impulsivity, and intensifying hyperactivity during the day. This can lead to greater behavioral challenges at home and in school, making it even more difficult for these children to thrive.

Conversely, children whose sleep apnea symptoms manifest primarily as inattention and hyperactivity might be mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. This highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to consider and screen for sleep apnea in children presenting with ADHD-like symptoms.

Our Approach

Our treatment approach combines the expertise of dental sleep medicine with targeted orthodontic interventions to address the root causes of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Using Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), Airway Expansion Appliances, and growth appliances, we focus on guiding proper airway development in a non-surgical, child-friendly manner. We collaborate closely with sleep specialists and ENT physicians to ensure each child receives a coordinated, multidisciplinary care plan. By addressing structural airway issues and integrating medical or behavioral therapies when needed, we aim to enhance both nighttime breathing and daytime functioning—helping children thrive in every aspect of life.

Ready to explore a non-surgical solution for your child’s sleep apnea?

At The Center for Pediatric Sleep Apnea Orthodontics, we offer a unique and specialized approach using Airway Expansion Appliances as a non-surgical solution to address the underlying structural issues contributing to pediatric OSA. Our expertise in orthodontics, combined with our collaborative approach with medical professionals, makes us a valuable partner in your child’s journey to better sleep and overall health.