Pediatric Orthodontics · Orlando, FL

Healthy Start: Help Your Child Breathe, Sleep, and Smile Better

Healthy Start is a proven, non-invasive program that straightens your child's teeth and opens their airway — addressing sleep-disordered breathing before it becomes a lifelong problem.

20+Years in Practice
5,000+Patients Served
FDACleared Treatment
4.9★Patient Rating

Straighter Teeth — and a Healthier Future — Start Here

Healthy Start is an FDA-cleared, American-made orthodontic and orthopedic appliance system designed for children. It's soft, flexible, BPA-free, and worn primarily during sleep. Unlike braces, which straighten teeth after the damage is done, Healthy Start works early — guiding jaw development and airway growth while your child is still forming.

The HealthyStart™ appliance can:

  • Address symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing
  • Develop the jaw and airway
  • Promote nasal breathing
  • Straighten teeth without braces
  • Correct tongue thrust and oral habits
  • Correct overbite, overjet, open-bite, crossbite, crowded and crooked teeth
Certified HealthyStart Provider since 2017 badge
Permanent Results, Not a Bandage

When started early enough, Healthy Start addresses root causes — and results can last a lifetime.

FDA Cleared & American Made

BPA-free, Silicone/Latex Free, safe, pain-free, and non-invasive.

Why Early Treatment Matters

All too often Sleep Disordered Breathing is ignored until a patient is in their 40s and is then told the only solution is to wear a bulky CPAP machine to sleep.

We can help your child now — before there is irreversible damage.

Dr. Boesch and her son lying in the grass
"If you are a parent like me, you will do anything to give your child the best start in life. Having studied and treated orthodontic cases over the years, I knew that my 2 year old would need orthodontic intervention. I went searching for answers and that's when I discovered Healthy Start. I wouldn't recommend anything to you that I wouldn't to my own family. Healthy Start is life changing!!! Literally, life changing!"

— Dr. Boesch, Boesch Dental · Orlando, FL

What a Compromised Airway Looks Like — and What's Possible

This side-by-side X-ray comparison shows the dramatic difference between a compromised airway and a fully developed airway in a child. When your child's airway is constricted, it interrupts sleep, reduces oxygen to the brain, and leads to a cascade of health and behavioral issues.

Healthy Start works to open and develop that airway — shifting the jaw forward and guiding growth so your child can breathe freely and sleep deeply.

Compromised airway: Narrow passage, restricted airflow, disrupted sleep, reduced oxygen to developing brain.

Developed airway: Open passage, full airflow, deep restful sleep, proper brain oxygenation.

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Side-by-side X-ray comparison showing a compromised airway (narrow, restricted) versus a developed airway (open, wide) in a 7-year-old child treated with Healthy Start

Early Treatment Is Crucial

Sleep-disordered breathing doesn't just affect sleep — it affects every part of your child's development. Statistics show over 40 million children can be affected by Sleep Disorders and 9 out of 10 children are suffering from one or more symptoms. HealthyStart™ evaluates and treats the underlying root cause — if started early enough, a permanent fix.

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HealthyStart Early Treatment is Crucial — chart showing conditions linked to sleep-disordered breathing including ADD/ADHD, mouth breathing, restless sleep, and crooked teeth

How Healthy Start Improves Your Child's Health

Open the airway, improve sleep — and watch your child thrive in every area of life.

Better Sleep

The HealthyStart appliances open the airway and allow for maximum airflow, allowing children to sleep deeper and more relaxed — without all the snoring, nightmares, and bedwetting.

Improve Grades

Better sleep plays a fundamental role in a child's health. By opening the airway and allowing for the most restful sleep possible, children have the ability to be their most successful selves.

Increase Focus

Quality sleep improves memory, executive function, and problem-solving during childhood. A person who is sleep-deprived cannot focus properly, and continuous improper sleep has long-term effects.

Improve Behavior

HealthyStart improves behavior by allowing for maximum airflow and non-interrupted sleep. Quality sleep allows children to be the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves.

Straighten Teeth

The HealthyStart System promotes the natural growth of teeth into their correct alignments — completely non-invasive, working with the natural eruption of teeth.

Develop Jaw

Our appliances open the airway and shift the jaw forward, all while straightening teeth. Unlike clear aligners, Healthy Start addresses the underdeveloped jaw rather than forcing teeth into alignment.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Healthy Start

Sleep-disordered breathing has many faces. If your child shows any of these symptoms, a Healthy Start evaluation can provide real answers — and real solutions.

Snoring or Noisy Breathing

One of the most common — and most overlooked — signs of compromised airway function in children.

Mouth Breathing

Breathing through the mouth during sleep or at rest suggests the nasal airway isn't functioning properly.

Crowded or Crooked Teeth

A visible sign of improper jaw development, often directly linked to breathing patterns.

Restless Sleep or Nightmares

Interrupted sleep cycles caused by reduced oxygen can manifest as restlessness or frequent waking.

ADD/ADHD or Difficulty Focusing

Poor sleep and reduced oxygen can mimic or worsen attention and behavioral challenges in children.

Bedwetting at Older Ages

Persistent bedwetting can be linked to disrupted sleep cycles caused by disordered breathing.

Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Chronic fatigue from poor sleep quality can show up as persistent under-eye discoloration.

Recessed or Underdeveloped Jaw

A jaw that sits further back than normal is a key indicator that early orthopedic intervention could help.

Morning Headaches or Fatigue

Waking up tired — even after a full night — can signal oxygen deprivation during sleep.

Seeing two or more of these signs? Don't wait. An early evaluation could change the course of your child's health.

Book a Free Child's Evaluation Take the Quiz: Is Healthy Start Right for Your Family?

How Does Healthy Start Work?

Healthy Start works with your child's natural growth process — not against it. The program follows three phases, each building on the last.

Evaluation & Airway Assessment

Dr. Boesch evaluates your child's jaw development, airway, teeth, and overall growth. We assess for signs of sleep-disordered breathing, jaw position, and dental crowding to determine if Healthy Start is the right fit.

Custom Appliance Fitting

Your child receives a soft, custom-fit Healthy Start appliance. It's gentle, comfortable, and worn primarily during sleep. The appliance gradually guides jaw growth, expands the dental arch, and opens the airway over time.

Guided Growth & Monitoring

We monitor progress at regular visits, adjusting the appliance as your child grows. Most patients see significant improvement in breathing, sleep, and dental alignment — with lasting results that may eliminate the need for braces.

Schedule Your Child's Evaluation →

Why Healthy Start Is Different

Traditional braces treat the result. Healthy Start treats the cause — at the ideal time in your child's development.

Feature Healthy Start Traditional Braces
Treats root cause of crowding✓ Guides jaw growth✗ Corrects symptoms only
Addresses sleep-disordered breathing✓ Core benefit✗ Not addressed
Best age to startAges 2–12 (earlier = better)Ages 11–14
Pain level✓ Pain-freeModerate discomfort
Removable appliance✓ Yes✗ Fixed in mouth
Material✓ BPA-free, soft, FDA-clearedMetal brackets & wires
Relapse risk✓ Lower — treats causeHigher without retainers
Additional health benefits✓ Better sleep, focus, behaviorCosmetic only
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Who Is Healthy Start For?

Ideal age: 2–12 years old

The Healthy Start program is designed for growing children whose jaws and airways are still developing. The earlier we begin, the more natural — and permanent — the correction can be.

Your child may be a great candidate if they have any of the following:

  • Snoring or labored breathing during sleep
  • Habitual mouth breathing
  • Crowded, crooked, or spacing issues with baby teeth
  • A jaw that appears underdeveloped or recessed
  • Behavioral concerns, difficulty focusing, or bedwetting
  • Finger sucking or thumb sucking habits
  • Family history of sleep apnea or orthodontic issues
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Our Commitment to Your Child

Dr. Boesch and Dr. Shah have specialized training in pediatric growth and development. Dr. Shah practiced Pediatric Dentistry in India before completing dental school in the United States.

Every child at Boesch Dental receives a comprehensive evaluation at every visit — not just a cleaning. We assess airway, jaw development, occlusion, and overall health to catch problems early.

40M+Children affected by SDB
9 in 10Show 1+ SDB symptoms
FDACleared & American-made

The American Academy of Pediatrics Agrees

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a first dental visit within six months of a child's first tooth — and no later than their first birthday. Early monitoring allows us to catch airway and jaw concerns at the most treatable stage.

Real Families, Real Results

Parents throughout Orlando trust Boesch Dental with their children's health and smiles.

★★★★★
"Our son used to snore so loudly we could hear him across the house. After just a few months with Healthy Start, he sleeps quietly — and his teacher says his focus in class is completely transformed."

Jennifer M.

Mother of 6-year-old · Orlando, FL

★★★★★
"Dr. Boesch explained everything so clearly. We were nervous about starting treatment so young, but the results have been incredible. My daughter's teeth look so much better — and she actually loves wearing her appliance."

Michael T.

Father of 4-year-old · Dr. Phillips area

★★★★★
"I was told my son would definitely need braces. After Healthy Start, his teeth came in beautifully. Knowing we also helped his breathing and sleep is worth so much more than just straight teeth."

Rachel K.

Mother of 8-year-old · Windermere

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Start

Everything parents ask about Healthy Start — answered honestly and clearly.

Healthy Start is an FDA-cleared, BPA-free orthodontic and orthopedic appliance system designed for children aged 2–12. It addresses the underlying causes of crooked teeth and sleep-disordered breathing simultaneously by guiding jaw growth and opening the airway — without traditional metal braces. The appliance is soft, comfortable, and worn primarily during sleep.

Healthy Start addresses symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing, develops the jaw and airway, promotes nasal breathing, straightens teeth without braces, corrects tongue thrust, positions the tongue properly, eliminates oral habits such as finger and thumb sucking, and corrects dental conditions including overbite, overjet, open-bite, crossbite, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and gummy smile.

Unlike braces that straighten teeth after the damage is done, Healthy Start works while your child is growing to guide jaw and airway development. It's removable, pain-free, and addresses root causes — not just visible symptoms — of crowded teeth and breathing problems. Many children who complete Healthy Start avoid braces entirely.

The ideal age is between 2 and 6 years old, when the jaw and airway are most responsive to gentle guidance. However, children up to age 12 can still benefit significantly. The earlier treatment begins, the more natural and permanent the results tend to be. If you have any concern, it's better to have an evaluation sooner rather than wait.

Yes — snoring in children is one of the most common signs of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Other signs include mouth breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting beyond the expected age, behavioral issues, difficulty concentrating, ADD/ADHD symptoms, and crowded or crooked teeth. Statistics show that 9 out of 10 children experience one or more symptoms. If your child shows any of these signs, schedule a Healthy Start evaluation right away.

No — Healthy Start is completely pain-free and non-invasive. The soft, flexible appliance is worn primarily during sleep. There are no metal wires, no tightening, and no recovery time. Most children adapt very quickly and find it comfortable to wear.

When started early, Healthy Start can permanently resolve sleep-disordered breathing and straighten teeth — often eliminating the need for braces. Over 40 million children are affected by sleep disorders. Healthy Start evaluates and treats the underlying root cause. When treatment begins early enough, the results are not a bandage — they are a permanent fix with little to no relapse.

Simply call us at (407) 857-0950 or book online to schedule your child's evaluation. During the appointment, Dr. Boesch or Dr. Shah will assess your child's airway, jaw development, and overall growth to determine whether Healthy Start is the right fit. The evaluation is warm, thorough, and child-friendly — we love meeting our youngest patients.

Your Child Deserves to Breathe, Sleep, and Smile to Their Full Potential

The window for the most effective Healthy Start treatment is narrow — and it's open right now. Don't wait for problems to become permanent.

Or call us today: (407) 857-0950