Craniofacial development

Summary: Orthodontic techniques are increasingly used in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in children and adolescents, and it is important for healthcare providers, families, and patients to understand the available treatments. Orthodontists can guide craniofacial growth based on age, and a team-based approach is crucial for sleep-disordered breathing. From infancy to adulthood, the dentition and craniofacial complex change with growth patterns that can be targeted at critical time points. This article proposes a clinical guideline for multidisciplinary care with an emphasis on dentofacial interventions, and highlights the importance of these guidelines for future research directions. The appropriate application of these orthodontic techniques can provide therapeutic options for symptomatic sleep-disordered breathing in children and adolescents, and may also help mitigate or prevent its onset.