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Is Your Child Struggling to Breathe at Night? Pediatric Sleep Apnea Treatment in Indianapolis

Trained in facial growth and airway development — treating the root cause of your child’s sleep apnea.
Does your child experience:
✔Loud snoring
✔ Pauses in breathing during sleep
✔Bed-wetting
✔ Hyperactivity or ADHD-like behaviour
✔ Mouth breathing
✔ Daytime sleepiness
We are located at 9333 N. Meridian Street, Suite 301 Indianapolis, IN 46260

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“This was a great experience! The staff is courteous and the doctor was thorough and professional.”

Theresa S.

Pediatric Sleep Apnea: How We Can Help

A good night’s sleep is crucial at every stage of life, especially for children. Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea can greatly affect a child’s well-being. At The Center for Pediatric Sleep Apnea Orthodontics in Indianapolis, our doctors specialize in facial growth and development, understanding how craniofacial anatomy impacts airway function. By collaborating with Pediatric Sleep Medicine specialists, ENTs, and Primary Care Physicians, we address both sleep apnea and orthodontic issues to improve your child’s health.
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Meet the Doctors

Jeffery Biggs, DDS, MS

Vince Hansen, DMD, MSD

Our Expertise

Skilled and Experienced Care Provided by:

Orthodontic Specialists and Members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

ORTHODONTICS AND OSA

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious condition in children that can lead to significant health issues. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping, choking, bedwetting, nightmares, excessive sweating, daytime sleepiness, irritability, hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, and ADHD-like behaviors. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.

ANATOMIC FEATURES AND OSA

Certain anatomical issues, like an underdeveloped lower jaw or narrow upper jaw, are linked to OSA in children. If you suspect OSA, schedule an evaluation with our doctors at The Center for Pediatric Sleep Apnea Orthodontics. A follow-up with an ENT or sleep specialist is also recommended.

ADHD AND OSA

ADHD and pediatric sleep apnea are distinct conditions that often coexist, worsening symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Poor sleep quality from sleep apnea can impair cognitive functioning and behavior in children with ADHD. Addressing both conditions together is essential for effective management and improved well-being.

FAQs

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.
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 palatal expander 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.
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