Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when throat muscles relax too much during sleep, restricting the airway. As a result, it causes repeated breathing pauses that prevent restful sleep. Unfortunately, it’s very common among children with Down syndrome. And as they grow into adulthood, they’re even more likely to develop this sleep disorder. As parents, it’s only natural to feel concerned and want to make the best choices for your child’s well-being. Fortunately, the right oral appliances can help your child with Down syndrome breathe easier at night.
At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we use orthodontic treatments to treat sleep apnea in our diverse patient population, including children with Down syndrome. Using oral appliances, we help reposition features that contribute to sleep apnea, such as a lower jaw set too far back. If your child’s OSA is more severe, we may recommend other orthodontic interventions that correct the course of your child’s growth.
Why Sleep Apnea Is So Common Among People With Down Syndrome
Sleep apnea is prevalent among people with Down syndrome. But what exactly is the relationship between the two?
First, we need to understand what causes OSA. This form of sleep apnea can be caused by multiple factors. But facial bone structure is a very common cause. When patients have features such as narrow airways or a small jaw, they might struggle with airflow problems. These characteristics also happen to be very common among patients living with Down syndrome.
Other factors that cause sleep apnea in patients with Down syndrome include low muscle tone and poor coordination of airway movements.
Because of all these factors combined, children with Down syndrome tend to develop OSA at a very high rate. In fact, 50-75% of children with Down syndrome have the sleep disorder. As they grow into adulthood, they’re even more likely to have the sleep disorder. More than 80% of adults with Down syndrome are diagnosed with OSA.
One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. But many patients with sleep apnea struggle to stick with CPAP therapy, finding it too uncomfortable to wear at night. This is even more true for children with Down syndrome, who have additional sensory issues.
Thankfully, using the right oral appliances can help ensure a better and more comfortable night’s sleep.
How Oral Appliances Help Your Child With Down Syndrome Sleep Better
How can oral appliances help your child ease into better sleep?
Different appliances gently reposition your child’s facial structures while they lie down at night, reducing their sleep apnea symptoms. These noninvasive treatments help your child breathe more easily and feel comfortable enough to fall asleep while wearing them.
When you bring your child in for their first visit, we will assess your child’s bone structure to determine how it contributes to sleep apnea. Then, we will identify how and which oral appliances can help reduce the severity of their sleep apnea.
One treatment option is a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This custom-fit oral appliance looks like a mouth guard. Essentially, it gently pushes the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open. This prevents the throat from collapsing at night, reducing sleep apnea episodes.
Another option is a tongue-stabilizing device (TSD). This appliance helps hold the tongue in place without moving the jaw. If your child finds the MAD uncomfortable to sleep in, a TSD may be a better option.
Because oral appliances can feel unfamiliar at first, your child may need time to adjust. They might benefit from gradually practicing with the device during the day before wearing it overnight. With patience and support, many children can successfully adapt to these appliances and enjoy more restful sleep.
Corrective Orthodontic Intervention for Children With Down Syndrome
Oral appliances are just one way orthodontics could help your child improve their sleep quality. Other interventions are corrective and permanently widen your child’s facial structure to enhance airflow.
For instance, if we see that your child has a narrow upper jaw, we might recommend a rapid palatal expander to widen it. We might also recommend overbite correction to permanently reposition your child’s lower jaw forward.
When we take these actions, we help change your child’s bone structure to enlarge their airways before they solidify with age.
While it may not always stop all cases of OSA in patients with Down syndrome, early intervention with orthodontic correction helps mitigate sleep apnea if other treatments don’t provide relief.
At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we advocate for early intervention whenever possible. If your child with Down syndrome struggles to achieve a good night’s rest, we can help improve their sleep with noninvasive oral appliances and corrective orthodontics.
Learn More About Oral Appliances for Children With Down Syndrome
If your child has Down syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be preventing them from getting the rest they need. But with oral appliances, we can help alleviate OSA symptoms by improving airflow during sleep.
At our office, we always advocate for early intervention orthodontics for all children. If you’re wondering if an oral appliance or orthodontic intervention could help your child, please book a free consultation at one of our offices across Western New York: Hamburg, Lancaster, Niagara Falls, Olean, Orchard Park, Dunkirk, and East Aurora.
