The HealthyStart® program in Durango, Colorado, is a dental program aimed to straighten teeth and fix sleep disorder problems in children. This is a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical, pain-free approach to opening the airway and straightening teeth without the use of braces. With over 50 years of research behind it and a portfolio of over four million children who have been treated around the world, there is a reason it is such a popular option for many families. There are many sleep disorders in children that can occur, and it is important to get these sorted as soon as possible for the best quality of life. Sleep disordered breathing can be an underlying cause of many issues with children, and it is important to get it rectified as soon as possible. If a child’s breathing is restricted while they are asleep, it can also lead to other issues, such as lower oxygen levels, higher heart rate and higher blood pressure, as the body reacts as though the child is choking.
What Can HealthyStart Help With?
Dr. Mason Miner may recommend HealthyStart here at Durango Laser Dentistry for your child to help with the following physical and mental health concerns:
Sleep Disordered Breathing Symptoms
Sleep disordered breathing symptoms can be debilitating for anyone who suffers from them, impacting every aspect of their everyday life. Aside from feeling excessive tiredness, it can also lead to various cognitive dysfunctions and mood swings.
ADHD/Academic Challenges
ADHD/academic challenges are one of the symptoms that is commonly associated with sleep disorder breathing. There is presently no test for academic challenges, yet it is suspected that many children who have ADHD and suffer from an inability to focus, are easily distracted and irritable, and act on impulse could cite sleep disordered breathing as the underlying cause.
Straightens Teeth without Braces
If your child’s teeth are crooked or their jaw is underdeveloped, it could mean that their airway is also underdeveloped. This could mean it is obstructed and your child cannot breathe as easily as they should during sleep because there is not adequate room for complete airflow. Your child may benefit from HealthyStart if they have crooked teeth, an overbite/overjet, signs of teeth grinding or an underdeveloped jaw.
Mouth Breathing
If your child breathes through their mouth, it might be a sign that there is an obstruction to their nasal airway and be a cause of sleep disordered breathing.
Emotional Behavior and Depression
In a similar way to ADHD, sleep disordered breathing could be affecting your child’s behavior and mood. Without a good night’s sleep, they will suffer from fatigue and insomnia, which can have a negative impact on their everyday life and mental well-being.
Bedwetting, Snoring & Sleep Apnea
If your child suffers from bedwetting or snoring, it could be a side effect of sleep disordered breathing. Obstruction of the airway can cause a child to snore, and it also affects their arousal response and bladder pressure.
HealthyStart works to open the airway by bringing the upper and lower jaws forward, allowing for maximum airflow. This helps with the width of the airway, encouraging nasal breathing, and can positively impact all aspects of your child’s life. The HealthyStart system can also encourage midface growth and ensure that their sleep disordered breathing symptoms are fixed before they get too bad.
How To Get Started With HealthyStart in Durango, Colorado
With the HealthyStart program, our dentist can create a customizable plan for your child to enjoy a beautiful smile and life without discomfort. If you think HealthyStart might be the right solution for your child’s needs, please contact us at 970-247-2677 to schedule a consultation.
