OUR ROLE

At The Center for Pediatric Sleep Apnea Orthodontics in Indianapolis, IN, our goal is to improve the lives of children who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and facilitate optimal growth and development. Considering the profound impact that obstructive sleep apnea can have on a child’s overall health, neuropsychological development, and quality of life, timely diagnosis and care to address the disorder is essential.

As specialists with several 35+ years of advanced training in the field of dentofacial orthopedics, and as members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, our orthodontists have a comprehensive knowledge of facial growth and development and are well equipped to recognize the multiple anatomical and airway anomalies that can contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea.

the center for pediatric sleep apnea orthodontics indianapolis in our role our orthodontists image
the center for pediatric sleep apnea orthodontics indianapolis in our role our orthodontists image
Our orthodontists routinely diagnose and treat dental and skeletal issues that can affect the airway (nasopharyngeal & oropharyngeal passages) and/or be indicative of obstructed breathing, including:

  • An underdeveloped or recessed lower jaw
  • A high-vaulted palate (roof of the mouth)
  • Narrow upper and lower jaws
  • Severe crowding

Our orthodontists can also identify enlarged tonsils and adenoids, mouth-breathing and other functional, skeletal and soft tissue issues that can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea in children.

Working as part of an interdisciplinary team with pediatric sleep medicine specialists, ENTs, and primary care physicians, our orthodontists can help to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in children and provide orthodontic treatment and oral appliances to support positive airway changes that can alleviate the symptoms and consequences of the disorder.

The Modified Palatal Expansion approach is specific to pediatric sleep apnea. This specific approach is designed to address the underlying anatomical issues that contribute to sleep apnea in pediatric patients. Pediatric Sleep Apnea is often associated with certain anatomical abnormalities, such as narrow or constricted airways, particularly in the palate (the roof of the mouth). These structural abnormalities can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to snoring, breathing pauses, and fragmented sleep patterns. The Modified Palatal Expansion approach aims to widen the narrow palate and promote better airflow, thus improving the breathing and sleep quality of affected children. The procedure typically
nvolves the use of orthodontic appliances, such as expanders or rapid maxillary expanders, to gradually widen the upper arch of the mouth.

the center for pediatric sleep apnea orthodontics indianapolis in our role our orthodontists image