Sleep Apnea & Airway Issues in Teens

Understanding 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. 

Treatment for Sleep Apnea & Airway Issues in Teens

Teens (and their parents) who are dealing with sleep apnea and airway issues often notice symptoms that might worry them. 

At Village 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 braces or clear aligners to address the current condition, treat symptoms and prevent future health issues.