Oral & Facial Under‑development

Overview

Some children develop a narrow upper jaw (palate), recessed lower jaw, or a condition called tongue-tie. These issues can block healthy airflow through the nose, leading to mouth-breathing and poor sleep quality, even from an early age.

When the face and mouth don't grow properly, the airway (the passage used to breathe) may not grow big enough. This can increase the risk for problems like snoring, restless sleep, and even sleep-disordered breathing or pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Health Consequences

When oral and facial growth issues go untreated, research shows they can lead to:

  • Pediatric OSA

  • Daytime fatigue and low attention span

  • Frequent upper airway infections

  • Altered facial development

These issues may persist or worsen into adolescence and adulthood if not addressed early.

Rebis Treatment Approach

  • 3D CBCT airway scans – To map bone growth and airway size

  • Palatal expanders & functional appliances – To widen the palate and guide jaw development

  • Myofunctional therapy – Exercises that train tongue and facial muscles for proper posture and breathing

  • ENT & Orthodontic collaboration – For holistic airway and structural support

Connection to Other Health Domains

System Untreated Impact Key Evidence
Cardiovascular &
Metabolic		 Mirrors OSA risk profile (hypertension, insulin resistance) See OSA references
Hormone Imbalances Growth-hormone disruption in children RME outcome studies
Immune / Chronic Pain Airway inflammation fosters systemic stress Dental research reviews
Gastrointestinal Higher odds of GERD via mouth-breathing ENT journals

Benefits of Treatment

Treating oral and facial underdevelopment can:

  • Expand the airway and support nasal breathing

  • Lower the risk of sleep apnea and mouth-breathing

  • Improve energy, focus, and healthy growth

  • Promote balanced, natural facial development

  • Reduce future dental and orthodontic needs

  • Rapid maxillary expansion and airway gain – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27796040/

    Guilleminault C, et al. “Mouth breathing in children: consequences and treatments.” Archives of Pediatrics (2013).

    Harari D, et al. “Mouth breathing in children: causes and effects on facial development.” Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol(2010).

    Marcus CL, et al. “Diagnosis and management of childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.” Pediatrics (2012).

    Villa MP, et al. “Rapid maxillary expansion outcomes in children with OSA.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med (2000).

    Tauman R, Gozal D. “Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea in children.” Paediatr Respir Rev (2006).

    Van Cauter E, Plat L. “Physiology of growth hormone secretion during sleep.” J Pediatr (1996).