Dentofacial Orthopedic Approach
Several studies have demonstrated the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obesity, temporomandibular joint pain, headaches and undeveloped maxilla in children and adolescents.
At Sunrise Orthodontics, Dr. Calkins evaluates and offers treatment alternatives for children with OSA accomplished by changes in the growth of the midface. A narrow upper airway has been correlated with a prevalence of OSA between 4–11 percent. The incidence of sleep-breathing disorders and chronic facial pain is increasing: one in six children and adolescents has clinical signs of TMJ disorders.
Headaches and migraines can be experienced in the pediatric population. Children diagnosed with migraines are 8.5 times more likely to have a sleep-breathing disorder.
“If children come to us for a pediatric evaluation and we detect signs and symptoms of possible OSA, a pediatric sleep study will be recommended”, affirms Dr. Calkins. Dentofacial orthopedics has proven to be a clinically acceptable approach with favorable outcomes in the management of OSA in children. Dr. Calkins will target maxillary and mandibular development. Patients will resolve with less snoring, headaches and favorable sleep studies to monitor the effectiveness of the orthopedic approach.
Dynamic skeletal development in children as early as 4 years old with severe apnea can be helped by modification of facial growth. “The goals of a practice focused on the comprehensive health of our patients allows us to render protocols to serve in an integrated and interdisciplinary collaboration”, says Dr. Calkins. Diagnosis and treatment modalities that bring benefits to early intervention are worth the benefit for the integral health of children and adolescents. If your child is experiencing conditions known as airway-related craniofacial dysfunctions (ACDs) that include: chronic naso-pharyngeal obstruction, lip-tie or tongue-tie tissues, open mouth posture, not swallowing or chewing correctly, chronic hyperventilation or hypocapnia, breathing-disordered sleep, clenching of teeth, temporomandibular joint pain, cranial or postural concerns; consider visiting Dr. Calkins for a comprehensive evaluation of your children or adolescent.
Dr. Calkins will look at the opportunity to improve the quality of life of your family.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics will establish the priorities to care for the needs to address the airway in your children.
