Sleep apnea can be especially disruptive during a child’s critical developmental years. At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry in Kirkland, WA, Dr. Susan Kim offers oral appliance therapy as a non-invasive, comfortable way to support healthy breathing in children. As a pediatric dentist, she provides oral appliances, such as those in the Vivos system, that are custom-fit for growing mouths and designed to promote airway development.
Oral appliances offer a promising alternative for managing sleep apnea in children by addressing the unique challenges they face with traditional treatments. These devices are tailored to the individual needs of a child, ensuring a better fit and a higher likelihood of consistent use.
Unlike treatments that rely on external equipment, oral appliances are compact, worn comfortably inside the mouth, and designed to be unobtrusive during sleep. This allows children to rest without the distraction of bulky masks or noisy machines.
They’re also adaptable. As a child grows, the appliance can be adjusted to ensure it continues to work effectively, evolving with the child’s development. This flexibility makes oral appliance therapy a sustainable, long-term solution for many families.
Just as important, these appliances are easy to clean and maintain, an advantage that makes nightly use more likely and treatment success more achievable.
Why Custom-Fit Appliances Work So Well for Kids
Every child’s mouth is different, which is why generic solutions often fall short. Oral appliances designed specifically for pediatric patients help ensure comfort, consistent use, and results that support long-term health.
These benefits make oral appliances a smart fit for families:
- Custom-designed for your child’s oral structure
- Easy to wear, quiet, and travel-friendly
- Adjusts as your child grows, no replacements every few months
- Encourages natural jaw and airway development
Because they’re easy to use and tailored to the child’s comfort, these appliances are more likely to become a routine part of your child’s sleep. That kind of consistency can make a real difference in mood, energy, and overall wellness.
At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, Dr. Susan Kim works with families to ensure the device not only fits well but fits seamlessly into everyday life.
Understanding the Real Impact of Pediatric Sleep Apnea
When a child struggles with sleep apnea, the symptoms don’t always look like what most parents expect. Sometimes it’s mouth breathing, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. These signs can be overlooked or mistaken for common behavior, especially in younger kids.
Recognizing pediatric sleep apnea early is crucial. Interrupted sleep affects more than just rest, it can interfere with cognitive development, emotional regulation, and physical growth.
Dr. Susan’s approach focuses on treating the underlying anatomical causes using dental expertise. Rather than relying on external pressure or surgical interventions, oral appliances provide a comfortable, adaptable solution that helps open the airway naturally.
They also remove the need for bulky equipment, making it easier for kids to sleep soundly and stick to the treatment long-term.
How Oral Appliances Help Keep Airways Open
Oral appliances work by gently guiding the mouth, jaw, or tongue into positions that reduce airway obstruction. Dr. Susan offers a range of devices based on each child’s specific needs.
Some reposition the lower jaw slightly forward to increase space in the airway. Others help stabilize the tongue to prevent it from blocking airflow during sleep. In cases involving a narrow upper arch, expanders can gradually widen the palate, improving nasal breathing and overall oral structure.
These custom appliances are made using digital scans and can be adjusted as the child grows, allowing for continuous support without disrupting their development.
Our Process: Simple, Comfortable, and Fully Customized
At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, fitting an oral appliance starts with a careful evaluation. Dr. Susan uses 3D imaging to understand your child’s oral structure and airway function. Based on this, she recommends a device that matches your child’s anatomy and goals.
Once the appliance is created, we ensure it fits comfortably and securely. As your child grows, we make timely adjustments to maintain effectiveness and comfort.
Side effects are rare, but if any discomfort arises, our team is quick to help. Whether it’s a small tweak or additional guidance, we make sure the device works, and works well, for your child’s unique needs.
Supporting Growth Through Prevention and Smart Monitoring
Ongoing care is key to success. Dr. Susan provides regular check-ins to monitor how your child is responding to therapy. As kids grow quickly, we make sure the device grows with them.
Preventive care also plays a big role. By catching airway concerns early and introducing treatment that’s easy to use and non-invasive, we help kids avoid more intensive interventions later on.
We also guide parents through appliance maintenance and check for other factors, like tongue posture or mouth breathing, that might impact your child’s progress. This holistic approach ensures your child stays on track toward healthier breathing and better sleep.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep for Your Child
If your child is snoring, breathing through their mouth, or showing signs of interrupted sleep, it might be time to explore oral appliance therapy. At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, Dr. Susan Kim offers comfortable, personalized solutions that grow with your child and support healthy airway development.
Schedule a consultation today and learn how oral appliances can help your child sleep easier, breathe better, and thrive.
Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry
Dr. Susan Kim
12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #103
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 814-3196
Get Directions on Google Maps
evergreenkidsdentist.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oral appliances for sleep apnea safe for children?
Yes, oral appliances are made specifically for kids and designed to be gentle, safe, and effective. When fitted by a pediatric dentist like Dr. Susan, they support proper growth and breathing during sleep.
How do oral appliances compare to CPAP machines for kids?
Oral appliances are quieter, more comfortable, and easier to use. For children who can’t tolerate CPAP equipment, these devices offer a less disruptive option that still delivers excellent results.
Will my child need to wear the appliance forever?
Not necessarily. Oral appliances are designed to evolve with your child. As their airway and oral structures grow, we adjust the device accordingly. Dr. Susan will guide you based on your child’s progress.
