What is appliance therapy?
A proactive, pre-orthodontic approach that guides and supports healthy jaw growth, encourages nasal breathing, and helps prevent—or even resolve—a wide range of future health issues. It addresses the underlying causes of crooked teeth, often eliminating the need for braces or extractions.
What is an airway focused dentist?
Airway-focused dentists specialize in how the mouth’s structure affects breathing. They assess whether mouth breathing during sleep could be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing.
How do I know if my child is a candidate for treatment?
Set up a consultation with one of our dentists and they will evaluate whether or not your child could benefit from guided appliance therapy.
What age is this most effective to help?
The treatment is most effective for children between 3 and 12 years old, as bone and growth are still very impressionable.
Will my mouthpiece help with my crowded or crooked teeth?
Possibly! Our providers evaluate each child individually, aiming first and foremost to support a healthy airway and improve nighttime breathing—that’s our top priority. If, along the way, we can also create a beautiful smile and encourage healthy tongue posture, those are wonderful added benefits. By guiding proper jaw growth, we can often make room for the teeth to fit naturally—goodbye, crowding! Your child may still need orthodontic treatment later to perfect alignment, but our primary goal is to help them breathe and rest better. A well-rested, better-breathing child becomes a better-sleeping child—and ultimately, a better learner.
How long does treatment usually last?
Treatment duration varies depending on your child’s starting age and the complexity of their case. Your dentist can outline treatment goals and provide an estimated timeline. They’ll also assess when your child is ready to move up to the next appliance and guide that transition.
When should I expect to see results?
With consistent daily nasal hygiene, guide wear, and exercises, you can typically expect to see noticeable changes in your child’s teeth or bite within 3–6 months. By 6–9 months, improvements should begin to show on the sleep and breathing questionnaire.
Is this appliance treatment covered by insurance?
Typically not. Dental plans will cover traditional orthodontics but this treatment doesn’t align with the insurance companies’ guidelines of traditional treatment. There’s back and forth from medical to dental about not covering it. You will be able to use your orthodontic benefit later when or if alignment therapy is indicated.
How often does my child wear it?
Worn for 1–2 hours during the day and overnight while sleeping, these appliances support natural growth and development while reducing the negative impact modern lifestyles can have on the mouth, jaw, and airway.
What are appliances made out of?
The material our appliances are made from is a BPA and latex-free medical-grade polymer.
What are some benefits of nasal breathing?
Your nose is specially designed to help you breathe safely, efficiently, and effectively. It does this by filtering out particles (nasal hairs trap dust, allergens, and pollen), humidifying the air (warming and moistening it to body temperature), and producing nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and supports better oxygen circulation throughout your body.
How do I store my appliance?
If it’s not in your mouth, keep it in its case! Once worn, your appliance develops a unique scent and taste that can attract pets—especially dogs. To avoid losing it, store it in the same spot every time so you’ll notice it before starting your bedtime routine. A smart spot is next to your toothbrush—just make sure it’s safely inside its case.
How long will my appliance last?
Success largely depends on your child’s willingness to follow the treatment plan and their natural ability to adapt habits and growth patterns. Beginning treatment earlier often leads to better outcomes. With strong compliance, treatment typically takes about two years—unless other health factors affect the progress. As your child grows, they will be given another appliance to facilitate new teeth and growth.
How do I keep my appliance clean?
Surprisingly, our top tip for keeping your appliance clean is to use a designated disposable toothbrush and wash it with antibacterial dish soap. We also recommend brushing it daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. A good routine is to clean it in the evening before bed and again in the morning when you wake up.
What happens if I lose my appliance?
If you ever misplace or lose your appliance, please contact our office. A $100 replacement fee applies. Our team will know the correct size based on your provider’s progress records and will order it for you.
What if I feel like my appliance doesn’t quite fit?
Our doctors take an airway-focused approach to determine the best appliance for your child. If it still doesn’t feel quite right, please reach out to them directly. Do not alter the appliance for a better fit, as this could minimize its effectiveness.
Does it cost to get a replacement case?
We’ll send your first replacement case at no cost. If you need extra spares or happen to lose or break your replacement case, please contact us. A $10 fee applies for any replacement case beyond your initial free one.
Is there any risk of forming an underbite using these appliances?
No—this has never happened in hundreds of cases. The appliance doesn’t move the lower jaw forward far enough to cause that risk.
What if my mouthpiece makes my teeth hurt?
When your child says “my teeth feel a bit sore,” this is usually normal as you begin wearing the appliance. It’s a sign that the appliance is doing its job! Providers typically do not recommend using anti-inflammatories for this soreness. Most of the time, it fades on its own—similar to the temporary soreness after a workout. If the discomfort continues, please reach out to your doctor.
When my child wears the appliance in their mouth, they are not able to close their lips together. Is that ok?
Absolutely! This is completely normal and part of the stretching process. You’ll notice small round dots on the lip area—use those as a guide for your child to bring their lips together. We can still encourage nasal breathing, which is the main goal. Over time, they’ll be able to fully close their lips over it.