Back

A Breakthrough in Pediatric OSA Treatment

Patient Image

A Breakthrough in Pediatric OSA Treatment: A Removable Oral Appliance Offers New Hope

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has long posed a challenge for families and healthcare providers. Traditional interventions—such as adenotonsillectomy and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)—can be invasive, difficult for children to tolerate, or simply ineffective for long-term resolution. But a newly published multicenter clinical trial may have just changed the landscape.

In a landmark study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, researchers evaluated the safety and efficacy of a non-permanent, removable orthodontic oral appliance for children diagnosed with OSA. This device, known as the DNA (Daytime-Nighttime Appliance), gradually expands the upper jaw during evening and nighttime use—without requiring 24/7 wear.

What Makes This Study Groundbreaking?

This is the first clinical trial to demonstrate that slow maxillary expansion using a non-permanent, FDA-cleared oral appliance can significantly reduce OSA symptoms in children. Unlike traditional rapid expansion or lifelong devices like mandibular advancement appliances, this treatment is:

  • Removable and intermittently worn
  • Non-invasive
  • Designed to produce lasting anatomical changes

Key Findings from the Study:

The trial followed 55 children across five U.S. and Canadian sites over 12 to 24 months. Of the 47 participants included in the final analysis:

  • 79% showed improvement in OSA severity as measured by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), with 62% improving by 50% or more.
  • 17% achieved full resolution of OSA (AHI < 1).
  • All participants experienced an increase in intermolar width—a key indicator of airway expansion.
  • Subjective symptoms dropped by 31%, as measured by the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ).
  • CBCT imaging revealed a 67.8% increase in airway volume.

Importantly, no significant side effects were reported, and the device was well tolerated.

A New Option for a Challenging Condition

The results are particularly meaningful for children who cannot tolerate CPAP or whose OSA persists after surgery. Unlike rapid maxillary expansion (RME), which can cause discomfort and requires continuous wear, this slow-expansion device is designed to minimize side effects while still delivering structural changes that support better breathing.

Final Thoughts

This study signals a major step forward in pediatric OSA care. With its strong safety profile, significant efficacy, and non-invasive nature, this removable oral appliance could become a vital alternative for children who need relief from sleep-disordered breathing but want to avoid surgery or cumbersome machines.

For parents and providers alike, the DNA appliance may offer something that’s been in short supply in pediatric OSA: a safe, effective, and child-friendly treatment option that works—and lasts.

Naomi Hirsch

You may also like

TVI Blog – Men1
Help Him Sleep. Help Him Live. A Men’s Health Campaign That Matters
2 June, 2025
TVI Blog Image2 – Dentist04
Build Confidence in Patient Conversations: Turning Awareness Into Action
20 May, 2025
TVI Blog – Dentist01
Breathe New Life into Your Practice with The Vivos Institute®
20 May, 2025

By completing and submitting this order form, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

  1. Collection of Personal Data: You understand that in order to process your order effectively, we require certain personal information including but not limited to your name, contact details, shipping address, and payment information.
  2. Purpose of Data Collection: The personal data collected through this order form will solely be used for the purpose of processing and fulfilling your order, as well as communicating with you regarding your order status and related matters.
  3. Data Security: We are committed to safeguarding your personal information and maintaining its confidentiality. We utilize industry-standard security measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
  4. Third-Party Disclosure: We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to outside parties unless necessary for order fulfillment (e.g., shipping companies) or as required by law.
  5. Data Retention: Your personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this disclaimer or as required by applicable laws and regulations.
  6. Consent and Authorization: By submitting this order form, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal data as described herein.
  7. Data Subject Rights: You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information held by us. For any inquiries or requests regarding your personal data, please contact us using the provided contact information.
  8. Updates to Disclaimer: We reserve the right to update or modify this disclaimer at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website or notifying you directly.
  9. Acceptance of Terms: By proceeding with the order, you signify your acceptance of this disclaimer and consent to the processing of your personal data in accordance with its terms.

If you do not agree with any part of this disclaimer, please refrain from submitting the order form. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the handling of your personal data, please contact us before proceeding with your order.

Event Cancellation Policy for
The Vivos Institute®

Thank you for your interest in our programs at The Vivos Institute®. We understand that sometimes circumstances may arise that require you to cancel your participation. Please review our cancellation policy carefully.

Standard Cancellation Policy:

  • 100% Refund: Cancellations received within 61 days or more before the start date of the program will receive a full refund minus a 7% administrative fee.
  • 85% Refund: Cancellations received within 31 to 60 days before the start date of the program will be eligible for an 85% refund of the program fee minus a 7% administrative fee..
  • No Refund: Cancellations received within 30 days of the program start date will not be eligible for a refund.

Please Note: All cancellations are subject to an additional 7% administrative fee, regardless of how far in advance the cancellation is received.

Cancellation Process: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to ce@thevivosinstitute.com. Please include your full name, contact information, program name, and the reason for cancellation in your email.

Special Events: Please note that this cancellation policy is subject to change for special events. Specific cancellation policies for special events will be communicated at the time of registration and will supersede the standard cancellation policy outlined above.

Refund Processing: Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 30 days of receiving the cancellation request. Refunds will be issued to the original method of payment used during registration.

Contact Information: If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding our cancellation policy, please contact us at ce@thevivosinstitute.com. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding our cancellation policy. We look forward to serving you at The Vivos Institute® and hope to welcome you to our programs soon.