HealthyStart dental program for kids

HealthyStart is an innovative orthodontic device meant for children who are too young for braces but are still having teeth-related complications. Technically, HealthyStart treats something called “sleep-disordered breathing” or SDB which happens when a child’s dental arches and jaw don’t develop correctly. The result is a compromised airway which causes snoring, ADD/ADHD, irritability, bedwetting, poor school performance, and other negative effects. Some of the other SDB symptoms include:

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• Mouth Breathing
• Restless sleep
• Delayed Growth
• Nightmares
• Allergies
• Chronic Allergies
• Crowded Teeth
• Overbite/Overjet
• Swollen Adenoids/Tonsils
• Aggressive Behavior
• Daytime Sleepiness

If a child has SDB, they’re unable to get a full night’s sleep because their airway is compromised. Instead of going through the various cycles of sleep, their consistent inability to breathe is keeping them awake — even if they feel like they’re asleep. SDB is similar in this way to sleep apnea in adults.

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What is HealthyStart?

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HealthyStart is a unique oral appliance that has two objectives:

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• Proper jaw and tooth development
• Appropriate tongue position and open airway

The appliance is custom-fitted using a soft, flexible plastic that’s comfortable and easy to wear.

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How does HealthyStart work?

The HealthyStart treatment works in three different stages. During the first stage, your doctor will give your child a habit corrector. This specially made device works to stop any bad oral habits your child may have. In most cases, this stage lasts around 1 to 5 months.

The second stage involves a device that guides the incoming adult teeth, repositions the jaw, and helps to expand the dental arches into proper alignment. This phase takes 2 to 6 months to complete.

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The final HealthyStart stage comes when your child has at least four permanent teeth. This last device accommodates incoming adult teeth and ensures everything is perfectly straight.

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How long does HealthyStart take?

Your child will wear the Healthy Start appliance for a few hours during the day or at night to stimulate nasal breathing. The appliances work with the child’s natural growth pattern to widen the dental arch and properly develop the jaw.

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Why HealthyStart may be the right choice?

During the process of tooth eruption, the HealthyStart appliance gently encourages the teeth to grow in the proper position. As we have learned in our years of orthodontic experience in our Cary, NC dental practice, teeth will return to their original (eruption) position if retainers are not diligently worn for a lifetime. With HealthyStart, the teeth grow into the correct position so there’s no need for retainers later in life.

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In addition to the lifetime benefit of straight teeth, the appliance positions the jaw to encourage nasal breathing. HealthyStart seats (places) the tongue on the roof of the mouth instead of the floor of the mouth. This opens the airway and causes high oxygen saturation in the bloodstream. These actions produce restful sleep and encourage the natural release of growth hormones. HealthyStart children are less distracted and not as tired during the day, leading to better school performance and social competence.

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Can Stanley Dentistry help my child?

Dr. Bobbi Stanley has been practicing dentistry in Cary, NC for over 20 years and is a mother of four. She has extensive training in the ten dental disciplines recognized by the American Dental Association and has years of experience when it comes to pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. She brings a unique, comprehensive perspective to the diagnosis and treatment of our pediatric patients, placing an emphasis on facial balance and harmony that can be achieved through the child’s natural growth pattern. Since using HealthyStart in the Stanley Dentistry office in Cary, NC, she’s seen some incredible success stories that prove the appliances’ unique abilities.

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What is a HealthyStart appointment like?

At your first visit, Dr. Stanley will review your child’s health history and evaluate his or her oral health.

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After individual analysis and treatment planning, Dr. Bobbi will review her findings with the patient and discuss her professional recommendation.

Patients and their parents are finding HealthyStart treatment to be truly life-changing. Watch the video below to see what our patients are saying about this revolutionary appliance!

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Is my child a good fit for HealthyStart?

As your child grows, HealthyStart will not always be an option. The appliance works best on young children who are just starting to show symptoms. If you feel like HealthyStart may be what your child needs, make an appointment today.

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