Children’s Airway Treatment in South Pasadena, FL

At Sonrise Dental, we understand that your child’s oral development affects more than just their teeth; it can influence how they sleep, grow, and thrive. That’s why we offer pediatric airway evaluations and early intervention treatment inspired by the VIVOS® system — a safe, non-surgical way to help children develop healthier breathing patterns and facial structure. Led by Dr. Maydelin Martinez, our team supports families in South Pasadena, St. Petersburg, and Gulfport, FL with advanced, holistic care for growing smiles.

What Is Pediatric Airway Treatment?

Children’s airway treatment focuses on guiding proper jaw, tongue, and facial development to correct or prevent airway restriction — a common but underdiagnosed condition that can impact:

  • Sleep quality
  • Behavioral development
  • Speech patterns
  • Immune function
  • Future orthodontic needs

Using a comfortable, removable oral device similar to a VIVOS oral appliance, we encourage the jaw and palate to grow in harmony, allowing more space for the tongue and better airflow through the nasal passages.

This early, preventive treatment supports nasal breathing, healthy growth, and lifelong wellness.

Who Is This Treatment For?

Airway-focused dental care is recommended for children as young as 3 years old, especially if they show signs of:

  • Mouth breathing (especially at night)
  • Snoring or noisy sleep
  • Frequent bedwetting
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Daytime fatigue or hyperactivity
  • Difficulty focusing in school
  • Speech delays or lisp
  • Chronic nasal congestion

These symptoms often point to an underdeveloped airway, which may go undetected during routine pediatric checkups. At Sonrise Dental, we use advanced diagnostics — including digital impressions and 3D imaging to assess your child’s oral and facial development in detail.

How the Treatment Works

Custom Oral Appliance (VIVOS-Inspired)

Our treatment utilizes a gentle, FDA-registered oral device worn passively — usually during sleep. The appliance is designed to:

  • Promote jaw expansion and arch development
  • Encourage nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
  • Improve tongue posture
  • Support alignment of developing teeth
  • Enhance airway volume naturally

Depending on your child’s growth stage, the appliance may also help address bite issues, such as open bites or crossbites, reducing the need for braces later.

Myofunctional Support & Monitoring

In addition to the appliance, we often incorporate myofunctional therapy — simple breathing and tongue exercises that retrain oral habits. Regular follow-ups ensure your child’s treatment remains on track, with minimal disruption to their routine.

Benefits of Early Airway Intervention

By supporting your child’s growth at the right time, you may help:

  • Eliminate snoring and improve sleep
  • Prevent long-term orthodontic issues
  • Reduce the risk of pediatric sleep apnea
  • Improve focus, mood, and school performance
  • Support healthier immune and nervous system function
  • Encourage full facial and jaw development
  • Avoid future surgical intervention or CPAP devices

It’s not just about straight teeth — it’s about whole-body health.

Why Choose Sonrise Dental for Pediatric Airway Care?

As a trusted provider of children’s dentistry in South Pasadena, Dr. Martinez brings a unique, airway-conscious approach to pediatric dental care. She has trained extensively in airway-focused growth and development, equipping her to:

  • Detect issues that may go unnoticed in traditional care
  • Customize non-invasive treatments for each child
  • Collaborate with parents to educate and empower them
  • Use advanced tools like digital X-rays, 3D CT scanning, and laser dentistry

We’re committed to a gentle, prevention-first model that protects your child’s future health — in a stress-free, family-friendly setting.

Additional Services for Kids and Families

In addition to airway therapy, Sonrise Dental offers a full spectrum of services to support your child’s oral health:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my child needs airway treatment?

Signs like snoring, mouth breathing, poor sleep, or crowding in baby teeth may indicate airway issues. We offer full screenings for children as young as 3.

Will my child still need braces?

Airway treatment often reduces or eliminates the need for braces by allowing proper jaw development during key growth stages.

Is the appliance safe?

Yes — the devices we use are FDA-registered, non-invasive, and well-tolerated by children. They're worn passively during rest and customized for each child’s comfort.

How long does treatment take?

Every child is different. Most cases take 12–24 months, with regular monitoring to track progress.

Does insurance cover this?

Coverage depends on your plan. We’ll help you understand benefits, and flexible financing is available.