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Frequently
Asked Questions

Welcome to MyoWay Centrs for Kids. Thank you for scheduling your child’s jaw and airway evaluation. We are looking forward to meeting your family and supporting you through this important journey toward better health and development.
At MyoWay Centers for Kids, we know that how a child breathes and sleeps dictates how they grow and learn. Our goal is to provide you with total clarity so you can make the best decision for your child’s future.

Why This Matters:

The Statistics Every Parent Should Know

Modern research has revealed a direct link between oral development, airway health, and overall quality of life. Understanding these numbers helps us intervene during the most critical windows of growth:

By age 6, approximately 60% of a child’s craniofacial growth is already complete. By age 12, that number jumps to 90%. Early intervention is the key to guiding the jaw into its proper position before growth plates fuse.

Children with neurodevelopmental differences, such as Autism (ASD) or Down Syndrome, are significantly more likely to suffer from sleep-disordered breathing. Research indicates that up to 80% of children with Down Syndrome have obstructive sleep apnea due to low muscle tone and narrow palates. Proper airway support is a critical component in managing their overall health and behavioral stability.

It is estimated that up to 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD actually have an underlying Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD). When a child’s airway is restricted, the brain enters a state of “chronic fight or flight,” mimicking the symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention.

Longitudinal studies have shown that chronic mouth breathing leads to lower oxygen saturation in the brain. Some researchers have noted that children with untreated airway issues can see a 10-point drop in IQ scores compared to their peers who breathe nasally, due to the impact of fragmented sleep on cognitive development.

Currently, nearly 75% of children have crowded teeth or developing malocclusions. These are often not just “genetic” traits, but signs of a narrow jaw and an underdeveloped airway that require more than just braces to fix.

Sleep apnea affects millions, yet it is estimated that 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. In children, even “mild” snoring is considered abnormal and can lead to permanent changes in cardiovascular health if left untreated.

Breathing & Sleep

Why is my child mouth breathing at night?

Mouth breathing may indicate an airway blockage or poor oral posture. It can lead to disturbed sleep and developmental issues.

Yes. Children can have obstructive sleep apnea, which often shows up as restlessness, snoring, or behavioral changes.

Dark under-eye circles, bedwetting, mood swings, hyperactivity, or trouble focusing can all point to sleep disruption.

No. Snoring is a red flag and may signal a restricted airway or sleep-disordered breathing.

Grinding is often a subconscious effort to open the airway during sleep.

Yes. Sleep quality impacts memory, behavior, and focus, often being mistaken for ADHD.

How does mouth breathing affect oxygen levels at night?

Mouth breathing can lower oxygen saturation, impacting the brain and body’s recovery during sleep.

Yes. Disrupted sleep and low oxygen can affect bladder control during the night.

It can result in facial underdevelopment, crooked teeth, poor sleep, and even chronic health conditions.

If they exhibit signs of sleep-disordered breathing, a sleep evaluation may be recommended – but therapy can begin with a clinical airway screening.

As early as age 3 if signs of mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep are present.

Yes. Poor oxygen at night can mimic hyperactivity and attention disorders.

Jaw Growth & Development

What causes a child’s jaw to develop improperly?

Environmental factors like soft diets, bottle feeding, and mouth breathing can impair jaw growth.

Yes. A narrow jaw often doesn’t leave enough room for adult teeth.

Underdeveloped jaws from airway or functional issues are driving early orthodontic problems.

Crowded baby teeth, open-mouth posture, and speech issues may all be indicators.

It strengthens the muscles involved in chewing, swallowing, and breathing, promoting balanced facial development.

Can you reverse poor jaw development?

Yes – if caught early. Guided growth can reduce the need for future orthodontic or surgical intervention.

Yes. It can limit proper tongue movement and facial muscle development.

Yes. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to long-face syndrome and narrow palates.

Absolutely. A low resting tongue posture can lead to poor upper jaw development.

Yes. Underdeveloped jaws can impair articulation, chewing efficiency, and digestion.

Conditions & Behavior

Is there a link between autism and mouth breathing?

Yes. Children with autism often show higher rates of mouth breathing, which can worsen sleep and behavior.

Yes. Chronic sleep issues can increase stress, irritability, and emotional regulation difficulties.

It could be either. Many symptoms overlap. A breathing evaluation helps clarify root causes.

Open lips at rest, tongue resting low, and forward head posture are key signs.

Yes. It can narrow the upper jaw and lead to open bite or speech challenges.

Are tantrums linked to sleep deprivation?

Yes. Kids who lack deep sleep are more prone to emotional outbursts.

Yes. Blocked nasal passages are a common trigger for chronic mouth breathing.

Yes. Our therapy is gentle and customized to meet individual developmental needs.

Yes. Oral muscle tone, jaw development, and breathing all impact feeding patterns.

Yes. It may impair proper tongue and palate development, affecting articulation.

Myofunctional Therapy

What is myofunctional therapy for children?

A gentle, exercise-based therapy that improves tongue posture, breathing, and oral muscle coordination.

It retrains the muscles responsible for breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

Children as young as 3 can begin therapy when signs of dysfunction appear.

No. It’s non-invasive and designed to feel like guided play.

It varies, but most children see significant results within 6 – 12 months.

Is myofunctional therapy covered by insurance?

It depends on your plan. We can help guide you through the benefits process.

Open-mouth posture, speech delays, messy eating, or snoring are common signs.

Yes. It supports better outcomes and stability after orthodontic treatment.

Not always – but it can reduce severity, duration, or even eliminate the need.

Yes. Home exercises are a key part of our program and are designed for families to use daily.

Habits, Prevention & Locations

Can I fix my child’s mouth breathing at home?

You can support nasal breathing with posture awareness and breathing habits, but professional evaluation is recommended.

Watch for mouth breathing, drooling, snoring, open lips, or food avoidance.

Yes. Starting early gives us the best chance to guide healthy growth.

Yes. We co-treat and collaborate to ensure integrated care.

Do you treat kids with sensory issues or neurodivergence?

Yes. Our approach is sensory-friendly and tailored for each child.

We have offices serving families in Pittsburgh, Wexford, Monroeville, and Greensburg, PA.

Book a free consultation in under 5 minutes at:
https://mychart.myoryx.com/patient/#/auth/onlineschedule?realm=myoway&univers=com

referral is needed. Parents can schedule directly with us.

What to Expect at Your Visit

It is estimated that up to 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD actually have an underlying Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD). When a child’s airway is restricted, the brain enters a state of “chronic fight or flight,” mimicking the symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention.

Same-Day Program Starts

Once parents see the direct link between their child’s symptoms and their airway health, they rarely want to wait a minute longer to begin the healing process. Because your child’s growth is happening right now, most of our families choose to start therapy the very same day as the evaluation. We strongly encourage all caregivers involved in the medical and financial decisions to attend the appointment or at minimum read this information here so that you can move forward immediately without delay. To support families who are ready to take action for their child’s future, we offer a Same-Day Start Incentive Program.

Financial Information and Investment

We understand that no two children are the same. Your child’s development is unique, and their care should be, too. At MyoWay, our programs are never one-size-fits-all. Based on our evaluation, we design a custom roadmap specifically for your child’s biological needs.


We believe that life-changing care must also be accessible. We have intentionally designed our programs to be affordable and flexible, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of a child’s ability to breathe, sleep, and grow properly. Because every program is tailored, we work with you to ensure the investment is a comfortable fit for your family:Customized Care & Pricing: Because our programs are not “one-size-fits-all,” the investment is scaled to the specific scope of therapy your child requires, ensuring you only pay for the care they need.

Flexible Monthly Options

We offer manageable payment plans that turn a significant health investment into a predictable monthly cost that fits your family’s budget.

Maximizing Your Benefits

All programs are compatible with HSA/FSA accounts. While we operate on a direct-investment model to ensure your child’s care is dictated by their needs—not an insurance company’s bottom line—we provide comprehensive documentation for you to seek independent reimbursement.

 

Our goal is to provide clarity and guidance. If you have any questions before your visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to meet you!
The MyoWay Centers for Kids Team

High-Signal Pediatric SRBD Risk Screener

Purpose: This rapid screener focuses on 10 clinically significant symptoms of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD) in children, providing a quick assessment of high risk.

Instructions: Please choose the option that best describes your child's behavior for each question.
1. Does your child snore?
2. Does your child often sleep with their mouth open, or appear to be a 'mouth breather' during the day?
3. Has your child had recurrent or chronic tonsillitis or been told they have enlarged tonsils/adenoids?
4. Does your child grind their teeth (bruxism) or clench their jaw during the night?
5. Does your child sweat excessively during sleep?
6. Is your child restless in bed, often changing positions, or sleeping in unusual positions?
7. Does your child wake up during the night after falling asleep?
8. Does your still child wet the bed regularly?
9. Is your child abnormally tired, drowsy, or irritable during the day?
10. Is your child's concentration or attention span noticeably poor, leading to problems at school or home?