Pediatric Sleep Apnea Treatment

Help Your Child Breathe Better, Sleep Better, and Thrive

At Textbook Orthodontics, we care about more than just straight teeth — we care about your child’s overall health and development. One often-overlooked condition that can dramatically impact a child’s quality of life is pediatric sleep apnea. If your child snores, tosses and turns at night, or seems constantly tired during the day, they may not be getting the quality sleep their growing body needs.

How Can Orthodontics Help?

One of the most effective orthodontic tools in the treatment of pediatric sleep apnea is a dental expander, specifically a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE). This appliance gently widens the upper jaw, increasing the size of the nasal and airway passages. As the palate expands, your child’s ability to breathe through their nose improves — which often reduces or eliminates snoring and restless sleep.

Many parents are surprised to learn that the shape and size of the mouth and jaw play a major role in how well a child breathes at night. When the upper jaw is narrow, it can constrict the nasal airway, forcing children to breathe through their mouths and increasing the risk of sleep-disordered breathing.

By expanding the palate early in life — ideally between the ages of 6 and 12 — we can create long-term improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and overall health.

Signs Your Child May Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea in children is often undiagnosed because the symptoms can mimic other conditions like ADHD or general tiredness. Look for these common signs:

  • Loud or frequent snoring

  • Restless sleep — tossing and turning, waking up multiple times

  • Mouth breathing

  • Pauses in breathing while asleep

  • Chronic fatigue or irritability during the day

  • Difficulty concentrating or behavioral issues

  • Bedwetting beyond the expected age

If your child shows one or more of these signs, it’s important to take action.

Why a Consultation Is So Important

At Textbook Orthodontics, we offer comprehensive consultations where we evaluate your child’s airway, jaw development, and bite. Using advanced imaging and clinical evaluation, we can determine if your child would benefit from a palatal expander or other airway-focused treatment.

Early intervention is key. The earlier we address a narrow palate and restricted airway, the better your child can breathe, sleep, and grow into a healthy, confident adult.

Book a Free Sleep Apnea Evaluation Today

If you suspect your child may be struggling with sleep apnea, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation at our office and let’s explore how we can help your child sleep and feel better through gentle, effective orthodontic care.

📍 Located in Los Angeles, CA
📞 Call us at [818-510-3440]