Give your kids a healthy start in Annandale, VA
The Cleveland Clinic estimates as high as 30 percent of children suffer from sleep disturbances. Symptoms of a compromised airway are often left untreated or may be misdiagnosed. However, it is critical to identify them early and restore the airway of young children during growth stages, to provide effective treatment with more permanent results. Dr. Gyu Hwang and his team at Evergreen Dental Wellness in Annandale, VA, are uniquely qualified to help children get a healthy start in life.
Developmental years are critical!
Consider those children among your family and friends who may suffer outward symptoms such as:
- Restless sleep
- Learning difficulties
- Headaches
- Swollen tonsils and adenoids
- Teeth grinding
- Bed wetting
- ADD/ADHD
- Behavioral issues
- Night terrors
These health challenges may occur as a single symptom, or could be linked together suggesting a potential underlying situation – sleep disordered breathing. According to statistics, the number of children adversely affected by breathing difficulties and obstructive airway issues during sleep is enormous. It potentially affects millions of youngsters in the US alone. Evidence shows that sleep disorders in children interfere with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Without proper treatment, these children are likely to be plagued with related health issues as adults.
Annandale, VA, team is Healthy Start™ certified
Our office has been successfully treating adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea, sleep disordered breathing, and snoring for 15 years. Dr. Hwang is an active member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, enabling him to successfully tackle sleep apnea-related issues. Last year, our entire team became Certified Healthy Start™ providers. That certification allows us to expand our care, providing profound health benefits to children as young as three years of age with sleep disordered breathing.
Healthy Start™ is a proven system that improves the health and well-being of children by correcting the root causes of a compromised airway. The technique utilizes a non-pharmacological and non-invasive procedure that straightens jaws and teeth, for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. This approach uses soft, pliable oral devices which are simply worn at night to correct thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, abnormal swallowing, and other harmful habits. Once the habits are corrected, the developing jaws and erupting teeth are gently guided into proper and stable position. This normalizes the child’s airway size for easy breathing, while at the same time establishing healthy TMJ anatomy and function.
Healthy Start™ was developed by a Board-certified orthodontist (Dr. Earl O. Bergersen) who taught growth and development for 25 years at Northwestern University. The system has enjoyed a 40-year track record of success, now having treated over three million patients worldwide.
Dr. Hwang and his team are excited about their ability to assist in the gentle care of the youngest patients of Evergreen Dental Wellness. Enabling their truly healthy start in life helps to prevent future TMJ and obstructive sleep apnea issues as these children mature into adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Start
How can Healthy Start support my child’s long-term health beyond straight teeth?
Healthy Start focuses on correcting the underlying causes of poor oral development, particularly airway issues. By improving how a child breathes, sleeps, and swallows, this system can positively impact overall wellness, including better sleep quality, improved focus, and proper facial development. At Evergreen Dental Wellness in Annandale, Virginia, this approach is used to support both dental health and whole-body well-being.
What signs might indicate my child could benefit from Healthy Start treatment?
Children who snore, breathe through their mouth, grind their teeth, or have trouble sleeping may be showing signs of a compromised airway. Other indicators include thumb-sucking, speech issues, or crowded teeth at an early age. Identifying these habits early allows Healthy Start to gently guide development before more complex orthodontic concerns arise.
How does Healthy Start address harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing?
Healthy Start uses soft, comfortable oral appliances worn primarily at night to retrain muscles and correct harmful habits. These devices encourage proper tongue position, nasal breathing, and natural swallowing patterns. As these habits improve, the jaws and teeth are guided into healthier alignment without the need for forceful interventions.
Why is early intervention important with Healthy Start?
Early treatment allows dentists to work with a child’s natural growth and development rather than correcting problems later. By guiding the jaws and teeth as they develop, Healthy Start can reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later. This proactive approach helps create a stable foundation for proper oral function and facial structure.
What makes Healthy Start different from traditional orthodontic treatments?
Unlike braces or aligners that primarily focus on straightening teeth, Healthy Start addresses the root causes of misalignment, such as airway issues and improper oral habits. The treatment is non-invasive and does not rely on brackets, wires, or frequent adjustments. Instead, it uses gentle guidance to promote natural, balanced growth over time.
Will my child need to wear the Healthy Start appliance all day?
Most Healthy Start appliances are designed to be worn at night and, in some cases, for a short period during the day. This makes it easier for children to stay consistent with treatment while minimizing disruption to school and daily activities. The system’s comfort and flexibility help improve compliance and overall effectiveness.
How does Healthy Start contribute to better breathing and sleep quality?
By encouraging proper jaw development and tongue positioning, Healthy Start helps open the airway, making it easier for children to breathe through their nose. Improved airflow can lead to deeper, more restful sleep, which is essential for growth, immune function, and cognitive development.
Is Healthy Start a safe and comfortable option for children?
Healthy Start is designed to be both safe and comfortable, using soft, pliable materials that are gentle on developing teeth and tissues. Because the treatment is non-pharmacological and non-invasive, it avoids many of the concerns associated with more aggressive interventions. At Evergreen Dental Wellness in Annandale, VA, each appliance is carefully selected to ensure a positive and effective experience for young patients.
Evergreen Dental Wellness proudly accepts new patients in Annandale, VA, looking to give their youngest family members a healthy start. Call 703-215-9630 to schedule your first visit today.
