sleep apnea children nearby ab
Sleep Disorders in Children—What Every Parent Should Know
Sleep Apnea Treatment For Your Kid(s)
When breathing isn’t right, sleep—and development—can suffer.
Is your child snoring, grinding their teeth, or struggling to sleep through the night? It’s easy to assume it’s just a phase, but sleep disorders in children are more common—and more serious—than many parents realize.
At Bentley Family Dentistry, we help families across Central Alberta recognize the signs of sleep-disordered breathing and airway concerns in children. The earlier these issues are addressed, the better the chance of supporting healthy sleep, proper growth, and overall well-being.
How Airway Problems Affect Children’s Sleep
Healthy sleep starts with healthy breathing. When a child’s airway is restricted—due to enlarged tonsils, nasal blockages, improper tongue posture, or jaw development issues—it can disrupt their ability to breathe properly at night.
These airway obstructions often lead to conditions like:
Snoring
Restless sleep
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Mouth breathing
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea
Over time, disrupted sleep can affect a child’s mood, focus, growth, and overall health.
Common Issues Linked to Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is often an early sign of airway issues—and it’s linked to a wide range of health and developmental concerns, including:
Bruxism (teeth grinding): Chronic mouth breathing can exacerbate or lead to teeth grinding.
Hindered facial growth in children: Mouth breathing may affect the development of the facial skeleton, potentially leading to long-term changes in appearance.
Dry mouth: Reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
Thumb sucking: Often linked to mouth breathing and improper oral habits in children.
Nasal obstruction: Mouth breathing may indicate blockages in the nasal passages.
Shoulder and neck misalignment: Incorrect tongue and mouth posture can impact posture and alignment.
TMJ dysfunction: Habitual mouth breathing is associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Speech problems: Improper tongue positioning can hinder speech development and the ability to clearly articulate words.
Sleep disorders: Issues like snoring and sleep apnea often stem from mouth breathing.
Headaches and facial pain: Poor muscle posture can contribute to headaches and discomfort.
How Bentley Family Dentistry Can Help Your Child with Sleep Apnea
Our airway-focused approach looks beyond just teeth. We assess your child’s bite, jaw development, and breathing patterns to spot potential airway concerns early. If needed, we’ll work with trusted specialists to ensure your child gets the comprehensive care they deserve.
With early intervention, many sleep and airway problems can be managed or prevented altogether—giving your child the best chance for healthy sleep and proper development.
Concerned About Your Child’s Sleep? Let’s Talk
If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, grinds their teeth, or struggles with sleep, it’s worth having their airway checked. At Bentley Family Dentistry, we provide small-town care with big-picture thinking—helping Central Alberta families support their children’s health and development.
Call, email, or drop by to book a children’s airway and sleep consultation today.
Explore our Appliance Collection for Airway and Breathing
Myobrace® System
The Myobrace® system consists of a series of removable intra-oral appliances that are worn for just a few hours during the day and overnight while sleeping. The use of these appliances not only aims to straighten teeth without braces but also focuses on improving the function of the entire oral and facial system. This approach is particularly beneficial for children whose jaws are still developing, as it fosters better oral habits early on, potentially reducing the need for extensive dental work in the future. By addressing the root causes of orthodontic issues, the Myobrace® system emphasizes the importance of preventive care and long-term health, making it a valuable option for patients seeking an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments. Additionally, the Myobrace® system is customizable for each individual’s unique needs and can be combined with other dental treatments to achieve optimal results. With its innovative approach to orthodontic care, the Myobrace® system offers a gentle and natural way to straighten teeth and improve overall oral health, without the need for braces or invasive procedures.
Spark Aligners
Spark Aligners utilize innovative, advanced technology to provide a clear and comfortable orthodontic treatment option. Made from TruGEN™, a state-of-the-art material, these aligners are designed to be more transparent and stain-resistant than other brands, offering a nearly invisible solution for teeth straightening. The precision fit of Spark Aligners allows for effective and consistent pressure distribution, which helps achieve optimal tooth movement. Additionally, Spark’s software allows orthodontists to design personalized treatment plans, making it possible to predict and visualize the desired dental outcomes. This combination of cutting-edge materials and technology makes Spark Aligners a popular choice for those seeking a modern, discreet approach to orthodontic treatment..
*Available for adults, teens and children providing they have all their permanent teeth.
Healthy Start
The HealthyStart® System offers a groundbreaking approach to improving airway function and aligning teeth through a non-invasive and painless method that eliminates the need for traditional braces. With over five decades of research and practical experience, HealthyStart® has successfully treated over 4 million children worldwide. The system stands out from typical orthodontic aligners by providing an affordable solution for straightening teeth while simultaneously addressing Sleep Disordered Breathing symptoms.
In addition to these immediate benefits, the HealthyStart® System also has long-term advantages. By promoting proper airway development and aligning teeth at an early age, it can prevent future dental issues such as overcrowding and malocclusion. This means fewer visits to the orthodontist later in life and potentially avoiding more invasive procedures like tooth extractions.
SYSTEM
The VIVOS system stands out not only for its effectiveness but also for its non-invasive approach to addressing sleep-related breathing disorders. At its core, VIVOS utilizes personalized oral appliances that are custom-fit to each patient’s mouth, ensuring comfort and maximum efficacy. These appliances work by gently expanding the upper jaw and airway space, facilitating improved oxygen flow during sleep. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as it addresses the root cause of airway obstruction. Moreover, the system is part of a holistic treatment plan that may include lifestyle modifications and collaboration with healthcare professionals from various fields. The VIVOS system empowers patients with the potential to REDUCE or even ELIMINATE reliance on CPAP machines or other surgical interventions.
Hyrax Appliance
The Hyrax Appliance is a type of orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw, also known as the maxilla. It is primarily utilized to correct crossbites and create sufficient space for crowded teeth by expanding the palate. This appliance consists of a screw attached to bands that fit around the molars. When the screw is gradually turned, it exerts outward pressure on the palate, promoting bone growth and widening the upper jaw over time. The Hyrax Appliance not only aids in aligning teeth and improving the bite but also enhances breathing by increasing the nasal passage size, contributing to better overall oral health.
Twin Block Appliance
The Twin Block appliance is a versatile orthodontic device primarily used for correcting Class II malocclusions, where the upper jaw protrudes beyond the lower jaw. This functional appliance consists of two separate parts, fitting over the upper and lower teeth, and works by positioning the lower jaw forward. The Twin Block appliance encourages natural, progressive changes in jaw alignment by guiding facial growth and improving bite. Additionally, it can enhance facial aesthetics and boost patient confidence by aligning the jaw more harmoniously. Typically used in growing adolescents, the Twin Block appliance is highly effective in modifying jaw positioning and facilitating the natural growth of the lower jaw, ultimately contributing to a well-balanced bite and improved function
Schwarz Appliance
The Schwarz appliance is versatile, typically used for minor expansion or stabilization of the dental arch, enhancing both arch form and function without invasive procedures. It consists of a fixed metal wire and plastic components that gently guide teeth into their optimal position. The Swartz appliance, beyond its capabilities in dental arch expansion, plays a crucial role in improving airway function and breathing. By widening the upper arch, this device can help create more space in the oral cavity, potentially alleviating airway obstructions that lead to breathing difficulties. This is especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders, such as snoring or mild sleep apnea..
ALF Appliance
The ALF appliance plays a crucial role in enhancing airway functions by encouraging optimal growth and development of the craniofacial structures. This is achieved through its unique design, which applies gentle, consistent pressure to align teeth and correct jaw placement. By promoting proper alignment, the ALF appliance can help expand the dental arches, thereby increasing the space available for the airway and reducing obstructions. Improved jaw alignment often correlates with a reduction in common airway-related issues such as snoring and sleep apnea. The appliance’s ability to influence cranial development positively impacts the nasal passages and throat space, facilitating better airflow and contributing to overall improved respiratory health.
We care for patients from all across the region.
Besides our Bentley patients, we are proudly serving the surrounding communities of Benalto, Bingley, Birchcliff, Briggs, Carlos, Crestomere, Eckville, Elspeth, Farrant, Gilby, Gull Lake, Half Moon Bay, Jarvis Bay, Kasha, Labuma, Lacombe, Leedale, Leslieville, Lin Valley, Norglenwold, Ponoka, Prevo, Rimbey, Rosedale Valley, Sunbreaker Cove, and Sylvan Lake.
