Sleep and Breathing for Children

The best part about The Vivos System is that it is non-surgical, non-invasive, and requires no medication. Vivos works with your child’s natural growth cycles, guiding and promoting their growth in the right direction. In the past decade, over 14,00 patients have received treatment in The Vivos System – including Dr. Bennett’s son Layten! One of the amazing aspects of The Vivos System for children is that often kids do not need braces after completing Vivos treatment because their teeth have straightened naturally during the Vivos process. And while having straight teeth and a nice smile is a wonderful effect of The Vivos System, the biggest benefit for a child is a good foundation – the ability to breathe better, sleep better, and succeed in their life. Call us today to learn how we can help your child thrive!

A compromised airway arises from a lack of upper and lower jaw growth and development. Many factors in modern society contribute to this including bottle feeding, pacifiers, and a soft diet. Certain types of orthodontic treatment can also inhibit the body’s natural growth pattern. Because these factors are so common in modern society, many children are suffering. The Vivos System works with a child’s natural growth process, guiding the child’s growth to better development of their jaws, airway, and facial symmetry. That is why the Vivos appliances are referred to as growth guides. To learn more about how a child develops a compromised airway, watch the short video below, created by non-profit organization Right To Grow.

The benefits that are often seen with Vivos treatment in children are: 

• Better Sleep
• Better Breathing
• Nasal Breathing
• Wider Upper Arch 
• Larger Airway
• Greater Tongue Space 
• Straighter Teeth
• Better Focus
• Better Concentration
• Improved facial profile
• Improved facial symmetry

The Vivos System is a custom designed solution unique to each child and their particular situation. Here are the steps involved with Vivos treatment:

Step 1

At the diagnosis appointment, we take records that include photos, a 3D digital scan, and records of your child’s teeth. We will then review the findings and develop your child’s plan. Dr. Bennett and Dr. Khanjari have assembled a multidisciplinary healthcare team, that are available and ready to help your child should Dr. Bennett and Dr. Khanjari feel their care and expertise is needed. While all children’s Vivos treatment involves the use of progressive growth guides, your child’s needs are unique and their treatment plan and will be tailored to address your child’s particular needs.

Step 2

At the diagnosis appointment, we take records that include photos, a 3D digital scan, and records of your child’s teeth. We will then review the findings and develop your child’s plan. Dr. Bennett and Dr. Khanjari have assembled a multidisciplinary healthcare team, that are available and ready to help your child should Dr. Bennett and Dr. Khanjari feel their care and expertise is needed. While all children’s Vivos treatment involves the use of progressive growth guides, your child’s needs are unique and their treatment plan and will be tailored to address your child’s particular needs.

This appointment is a celebration because it is the day your child will receive their first growth guide appliance! You and your child will be given special instructions regarding its wear based upon your treatment goals. In most cases, children wear their Vivos appliance when they sleep. If your child would benefit from working with one of the specialists on a multidisciplinary healthcare team, such as our myofunctional therapist or allergist, we will provide you with that referral at this time as well.

Step 3

This appointment is a celebration because it is the day your child will receive their first growth guide appliance! You and your child will be given special instructions regarding its wear based upon your treatment goals. In most cases, children wear their Vivos appliance when they sleep. If your child would benefit from working with one of the specialists on a multidisciplinary healthcare team, such as our myofunctional therapist or allergist, we will provide you with that referral at this time as well.

After a few follow up visits, generally 2-4 weeks apart, your child’s progress is checked every six months during their routine cleaning appointment. At these appointments, our doctors will tailor your Vivos appliance to fit the new expanded shape of your upper arch and airway. At this visit we will track and document the growth and changes your child is experiencing, congratulate them on their progress, and encourage them to continue. Treatment times vary as each child’s situation is unique, but generally we encourage the use of the growth guides into their early teens.

Step 4

After a few follow up visits, generally 2-4 weeks apart, your child’s progress is checked every six months during their routine cleaning appointment. At these appointments, our doctors will tailor your Vivos appliance to fit the new expanded shape of your upper arch and airway. At this visit we will track and document the growth and changes your child is experiencing, congratulate them on their progress, and encourage them to continue. Treatment times vary as each child’s situation is unique, but generally we encourage the use of the growth guides into their early teens.