Fueling Their Futurewith Better Sleep.
Airway & SleepSolutions for Teens
Breathing issues often signal developmental concerns in the jaw. We look beyond the teeth to help them breathe better, sleep deeper, and perform at their peak.
What is Sleep Apnea in Teens?
Sleep apnea and airway issues can be caused by enlarged tonsils or other factors, and have serious health consequences.
As your child becomes a teenager, their sleep patterns will naturally shift, due to changes in the brain’s circadian system as well as environmental factors such as their schedule.
But what happens if you suspect your teen’s problems with sleep extend beyond the normal teenage struggles to get those 8 to 10 hours of restful shuteye every night? If you’ve noticed symptoms such as snoring, hyperactivity, mouth breathing, mood changes and daytime sleepiness, they may be suffering from sleep apnea and airway issues.
Obstructive sleep apnea can cause your teen to stop breathing for more than 10 seconds during sleep, triggering the brain to wake them up to breathe. This results in precious sleep being interrupted.
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can negatively impact your teen’s physical, emotional and psychological health, now and in the future. It may be caused by airway issues such as blocked airways or enlarged tonsils. Along with airway issues, sleep apnea can be addressed and treated at any of our three Calgary locations.
Symptoms of Airway Issues
If your teenager is suffering from sleep apnea or airway constriction and breathing-related issues, you may see many symptoms such as:
- Snoring
- Irritability
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Breathing pauses during sleep
- Choking or drooling
- Obesity
- Headaches
- Chronic mouthbreathing
- Hyperactivity
- Learning and behavioral disorders
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Restlessness in bed
- Slips in academic performance
- Sleepiness or sluggishness
- Unusual events while sleeping (sleepwalking, night terrors)
How Sleep Apnea & Airway Issues are Treated
Teens (and their parents) who are dealing with sleep apnea and airway issues often notice symptoms that might worry them. At Vivid Orthodontics, we take a non-invasive, client-first approach to orthodontics, developing a customized orthodontic treatment plan for your teen.
We can conduct a myofunctional orthodontic exam for your teen to identify common indications of constrictions or blockages, such as tonsils that are abnormally sized or positioned. We can also perform a sleep study and take X-rays.
Treatment for sleep apnea and airway issues may take place after early orthodontic treatment, or in conjunction with other orthodontic treatment options such as Invisalign to address the current condition, treat symptoms and prevent future health issues.
Faq
Understanding Teen Airway Health.
The teenage years are the final window to influence jaw development before adulthood. Here is why addressing airway issues now is critical.
The airway is supported by the jaws. If the upper jaw is narrow or the lower jaw is recessed, the airway tube gets pinched. By expanding the dental arch and aligning the jaws, we physically widen the space available for breathing.
Yes. While snoring is a red flag, many teens suffer from Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). They work harder to breathe silently, which triggers a stress response (fight or flight) all night, preventing deep rest even without loud snoring.
While we still straighten the teeth, the primary goal is skeletal expansion. We might use Invisalign with specific “mandibular advancement” features or custom expanders to widen the palate and bring the lower jaw forward, opening the throat.
Often, yes. Sleep deprivation destroys emotional regulation. When a teen finally gets consistent, oxygen-rich sleep, we frequently see a significant stabilization in mood, anxiety levels, and overall outlook.
Stop the Cycle of Exhaustion.
If your teen is struggling to reach their potential, the answer might be in their sleep. Book an airway assessment today.