Services
Pediatric Sleep Apnea
If your child snores, struggles to stay focused, or seems tired no matter how early they go to bed, it might not just be “growing pains” or a phase—they could be dealing with pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
At the Center for TMJ & Sleep Therapy in Alpharetta, we help children across Alpharetta, Atlanta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and surrounding areas breathe and sleep better with gentle, non-invasive treatment options designed just for them.
Sleep Apnea
What Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a child’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This blockage can cause snoring, gasping, restless sleep, and repeated interruptions in breathing—all of which prevent the brain and body from getting the deep, restorative rest they need.
Unlike adults, children with sleep apnea don’t always appear sleepy during the day. Instead, they may seem hyperactive, distracted, irritable, or even misdiagnosed with ADHD.
Left untreated, pediatric sleep apnea can impact your child’s:
Focus and learning
Behavior and emotional regulation
Physical development
Immune system function
Long-term heart and metabolic health
Sleep Apnea
Common Signs of Pediatric Sleep Apnea
As a parent, it can be difficult to spot the signs, especially when symptoms are subtle. Here are a few red flags we often see in children with sleep-disordered breathing:
- Loud or habitual snoring
- Restless sleep, tossing and turning
- Mouth breathing or dry mouth in the morning
- Pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep
- Bedwetting beyond the typical age
- Daytime irritability or emotional outbursts
- Difficulty focusing in school or being labeled as “overactive”
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
- Slow growth or frequent illness
If these sound familiar, your child may benefit from a sleep evaluation.
How We Treat Pediatric Sleep Apnea
At our Alpharetta office, we offer a non-surgical, child-friendly alternative to CPAP machines or more invasive procedures like tonsillectomy. Our primary treatment is the use of a custom-fabricated oral appliance—a small, comfortable device that your child wears while sleeping.
This appliance works by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. It’s quiet, easy to wear, and doesn’t require power, tubes, or bulky equipment—making it a practical solution for both children and parents.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy for Kids
- Non-invasive and comfortable to wear
- Encourages nasal breathing and proper jaw development
- Helps reduce snoring and mouth breathing
- Promotes deeper, more restorative sleep
- Can improve focus, behavior, and mood
- Easy to clean, pack, and use while traveling
- Often more tolerable than CPAP for young patients
Oral Appliance vs. CPAP for Children
| Feature | Oral Appliance (Our Treatment) | CPAP Machine |
|---|---|---|
|
Comfort for Children |
High – custom, kid-friendly |
Often difficult to tolerate |
|
Size & Portability |
Small and discreet |
Bulky, not travel-friendly |
|
Compliance |
High – easier for kids to accept |
Low – many children resist it |
|
Maintenance |
Simple cleaning |
Requires daily setup and care |
|
Noise Level |
Silent |
Can disturb sleep |
|
Long-Term Impact |
Supports jaw and airway growth |
Does not address structural issues |
|
Insurance Coverage |
Often covered |
Often covered |
Who Is a Candidate?
Your child may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy if they:
- Snore regularly or gasp during sleep
- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate pediatric OSA
- Cannot tolerate a CPAP machine
- Are not ideal candidates for surgery
- Grind their teeth or clench their jaw during sleep
- Have narrow airways or a history of mouth breathing
We’ll perform a gentle evaluation of your child’s airway, jaw, and sleep habits to determine the best course of treatment.
Why Choose Us?
At the Center for TMJ & Sleep Therapy, we’re not a general dental office. Dr. Manoj Maggan is dual-boarded in Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine and has over 20 years of experience treating both adult and pediatric sleep apnea using non-invasive, oral appliance-based solutions.
Parents across Alpharetta, Atlanta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and neighboring communities trust us for compassionate, specialized care that puts their child’s health—and comfort—first. We work closely with pediatricians, ENTs, and sleep specialists to ensure your child receives the highest level of coordinated care.
Sleep Apnea
What’s Included in Your Child’s Consultation
We make the process simple and stress-free—for both you and your child. Here’s what to expect during your visit:
A discussion of your child’s symptoms, sleep patterns, and medical history
A gentle exam of your child’s jaw, bite, and airway with a personalized treatment recommendation
A personalized treatment recommendation and Optional coordination with your child’s pediatrician or ENT
Sleep Apnea
Frequently Asked Questions
Occasional snoring isn’t uncommon, but loud or frequent snoring could be a sign of a sleep disorder. It’s best to have your child evaluated.
In most cases, children as young as 4–5 can safely and successfully use an oral appliance, depending on their development and airway needs.
Sometimes, but not always. If left untreated, pediatric sleep apnea can worsen or affect your child’s health and behavior. Early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes.
Yes—when custom-fabricated and professionally monitored, oral appliances are safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated by children.
A sleep study is the most accurate way to diagnose sleep apnea. If one hasn’t been done yet, we’ll help guide you through that process or work with your pediatrician.
Most kids adapt quickly. It’s custom-made for their mouth, soft, and designed to be easy to wear.
If your child can’t tolerate a CPAP, we offer an excellent alternative with higher long-term compliance and less frustration for parents.
Many medical plans cover treatment if the child has a formal diagnosis. Our team will help you understand and verify your insurance benefits.
Absolutely. We often see improvements in behavior, focus, and even academic performance once a child starts sleeping properly.
We specialize in airway and sleep therapy—not cleanings or fillings. Dr. Maggan is one of Georgia’s few dual-boarded providers in pediatric sleep apnea care, and we focus exclusively on these issues every day.