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Good morning.

It’s not every day that we get to share a moment of history in the making, but today is one of those days. We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Bennett is a co-author of a newly published clinical study demonstrating the safety and efficacy of a non-permanent oral appliance to treat pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is the first FDA-cleared oral appliance for pediatric OSA, and the findings could change the sleep health landscape for children across North America.

The study is now live in Sleep and Breathing and available here: Clinical Study

In Today’s Edition:

1. Meet the new appliance that's helping kids breathe and grow better

2. How slow maxillary expansion works—without 24/7 wear

3. What this means for dentists, families, and the future of sleep medicine

4. Our favorite number? 67.8%. You’ll see why below!

5-minute read👇

Clinical Corner

🥼Use the clinical corner as your secret weapon to impress your colleagues and patients!

Key Takeaways🔑

The Science (And the Story)

This was no ordinary clinical trial. Over 55 children with diagnosed OSA were fitted with a removable, custom appliance designed to gradually expand the upper jaw, creating more room in the airway. The device was worn only in the evening and at night, offering a gentle but consistent approach that avoids the intensity of traditional 24/7 orthodontics.

At the end of 12–24 months, the results were in:

• PSQ symptom scores (parent-reported symptoms):
  31% decrease

• Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) (number of breathing disruptions per hour):
  29.3% reduction overall
  79% of children improved
  61.7% improved by ≥50%
  17% resolved their OSA entirely
  93% of those with severe OSA improved by ≥50%

• Intermolar Width (jaw growth):
  13% increase (average 4.03 mm)

• CBCT Airway Volume:
  67.8% increase (average gain of 4053 mm³)

• PSQ Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scores:
  57.8% improvement

Did you notice the increase in airway volume??? That’s why it’s our new favorite number!!! And yes, there were no adverse safety concerns.

This study confirms what we’ve seen anecdotally in our practice for years: slow, intermittent expansion works, and it can do so safely, without surgery, constant wear, or long-term dependency.

From Dr. Bennett & Cathy

Dr. B: “This study is a landmark. For years, we've told families that growing the airway can transform a child's health, and now we have multi-site, published, peer-reviewed evidence to back it up. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the science catch up to what so many of us have observed clinically.”

Cathy: “I’m thinking of the mamas and papas out there. The ones up at night with a restless child, or worrying about surgery. This device gives families hope and control. And it’s not just about sleep—it’s about thriving.”

The Business of Sleep: Turning Research Into Revenue (and Results)

With the publication of this groundbreaking pediatric OSA study, we’re seeing a shift from fringe to foundational: sleep is no longer a specialty—it’s a standard of care. So what does that mean for your practice?

Here’s how you can leverage this moment:

Market a Unique Offering: Highlight that your office offers the first FDA-cleared oral appliance for pediatric OSA. Parents are hungry for non-surgical, non-PAP options. (For more information about Vivos appliances, click here.)

Educate & Enroll: Host a Parent Education Night or share short social videos explaining how oral development affects sleep. Use tools like the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and simple visuals to start the conversation.

Integrate into Hygiene Visits: Train your hygiene team to ask about snoring, mouth breathing, or behavior concerns. Flag these kids for further airway evaluation.

Bill for Value: Document findings thoroughly and consider medical billing for CBCT, HST coordination, and oral appliance therapy. Most importantly, highlight the health outcome, not just the device.

Be First, Be Known: Early adopters of this approach are becoming referral magnets—not just for other dentists, but for pediatricians, ENTs, and sleep physicians looking for help with non-surgical cases.

Remember: you’re not just aligning with cutting-edge science—you’re providing families with a path to wellness that’s hopeful, gentle, and growth-focused.

🎙️ Introducing the More Than Teeth Podcast 

From pediatric sleep struggles to adult TMJ pain… from bite splints to behavior change… from research breakthroughs to practical tools for your dental team—we’re covering it all.

Curious about oral appliances for sleep apnea?
Want to hear from the parents, providers, and pioneers making a difference?
Looking for bite-sized, hope-filled, evidence-backed insight?

You’re in the right place.

Because teeth are just the beginning, real healing happens when we connect the mouth to the rest of the body. Listen to the More Than Teeth Podcast!

Miscellaneous

😅P.S. … Did You Know?

A child with untreated OSA may lose up to 1 IQ point per lost hour of sleep each night.
Better sleep isn’t just rest—it’s brain fuel, behavior support, and emotional resilience.