HealthyStart System at Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry

As parents, we want the best for our children, including a healthy smile! Advancements in technology have made it easier to guide crooked and crowded teeth. Children's teeth can move into the optimal positions before their permanent teeth even emerge, thanks to the HealthyStart System!

This treatment option provides a unique way to address orthodontic concerns without the need for braces. The system also allows us to treat sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) health issues. It can even help correct harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking, pacifier, or bottle use at a young age.

Keep reading below to get a closer look at how it works.

What is HealthyStart Appliance Therapy?

The Healthy Start System is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, pain-free treatment. It uses specially designed oral appliances to promote proper breathing habits. The Healthy Start addresses mouth breathing, open-bite, crossbite, narrow palate, speech difficulties, and sucking and swallowing problems.

How Does the HealthyStart System work?

HealthyStart appliances are worn at bedtime to control the child's jaws, teeth, and tongue position. Some patients with severe cases will need to wear the device during the day and practice exercises that train the oral and facial muscles into the appropriate posture. Doing this helps guide the growth and development of the jaws and direct the child's teeth as they emerge. The appliances can even control habits like tongue-thrusting and teeth-grinding. 

HealthyStart addresses the anatomy of the mouth and jaws, the teeth' position, and the tongue's posture. It helps a child's airway to develop correctly and allows good airflow and breathing during sleep for the rest of their life. 

Depending on the child's age, the HealthyStart System consists of three different appliances and phases. 

Phase #1: This appliance is worn at night to change oral habits that may risk the child's oral health.

Phase #2: This custom-made appliance works with a child's incoming teeth to ensure they grow in the correct positions. It's worn every night for 2-6 months.

Phase #3: Once the child has at least four permanent teeth, they wear the last appliance to help guide their adult teeth into the correct position.

What are the Benefits of HealthyStart?

HealthyStart corrects the common problems associated with sleep-disordered breathing. With your child's quality of sleep improving, along with improved oxygen levels, children tend to be well-rested and show progress in the following:

• Snoring
• Teeth grinding
• Restless sleep
• Mouth-breathing
• Frequent awakenings
• Sleep-talking and sleep-walking
• Wetting the bed
• Daytime tiredness and irritability
• ADD/ADHD
• Poor school performance

‍

Additionally, it is a natural way of straightening teeth without braces. Many HealthyStart patients need minimal orthodontic treatment because their teeth have already been guided into the proper position. Often, patients will require no intervention at all.

Ask About HealthyStart at Shady Grove in Rockville

Would you like to learn more about how you can give your child the best start to a healthy smile and a good night's sleep? If so, contact Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bana Ball. HealthyStart does precisely what it implies: It gives your kids the best start for a lifetime of good oral and overall health!

‍