Oral Appliances

Oral appliances help in the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring in children. The oral appliances are custom-made devices that fit into the mouth of the child to open up the airway, improve breathing, and reduce snoring or OSA episodes. The appliances are designed to hold the jaw in a more forward position than usual to prevent the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing at the back of the throat, which is the primary cause of OSA.

Who should get it?

Oral appliances are recommended for children who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. OSA is a condition that affects children who have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity, or craniofacial abnormalities. The condition causes interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to symptoms such as snoring, gasping for air, and restless sleep. An oral appliance is recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate OSA in children.

What are the services offered?

At Galloway Dental Associates, we offer three types of oral appliances:

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  Space maintainers- Used to preserve space for permanent teeth in children who lose their baby teeth early.
  
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  Early orthodontics- Orthodontic treatment in children to correct jaw growth and tooth alignment before adulthood.
  
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  Habit-breaking appliances- Used to correct oral habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
  

Oral appliances are a safe and effective treatment option for children with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. A pediatric dentist can help evaluate if an oral appliance is appropriate for your child’s condition and provide customized treatment to improve their quality of life. Contact us at (305) 271-0861 to know more.