HealthyStart® in South Lake Tahoe

Early Intervention for Better Health — Not Just Straighter Teeth

At The Smile Shop, we offer the HealthyStart® System to help children with sleep-disordered breathing, crowded teeth, and jaw development issues — often before they need braces. This revolutionary approach gently guides oral and facial growth, improving airway function, facial alignment, and dental arch development using custom oral appliances.

Here in South Lake Tahoe, where kids lead active, outdoor lives and families value wellness, HealthyStart® fits naturally into a proactive parenting mindset. The sooner we start, the better the outcomes.

What Is HealthyStart®?

HealthyStart® is a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical treatment that uses a series of soft, removable oral appliances to address the root causes of many childhood dental and airway issues — before they become long-term problems.

The system is designed to:

• Promote proper jaw and airway development
  
• Guide teeth into proper position as they erupt
  
• Improve facial symmetry
  
• Address sleep-disordered breathing and mouth breathing
  
• Reduce or eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment
  

The appliances are comfortable, worn at night or for short periods during the day, and are tailored to each child’s growth stage.

Does Your Child Show Signs of a Developing Issue?

Many parents seek HealthyStart® when they notice symptoms such as:

• Mouth breathing or snoring during sleep
  
• Restless sleep or frequent waking
  
• Bedwetting past the expected age
  
• Daytime fatigue or trouble focusing
  
• Crowded or misaligned teeth
  
• Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
  
• Delayed speech or feeding issues in early years
  

If your child experiences any of these, a HealthyStart® consultation at The Smile Shop can help determine whether early intervention is appropriate.

How HealthyStart® Works at The Smile Shop

Your child’s journey begins with a thorough evaluation by one of our experienced dentists. We’ll assess:

• Dental and facial development
  
• Breathing and sleep patterns
  
• Existing oral habits and bite alignment
  
• Health history and family concerns
  

If HealthyStart® is a good fit, we’ll create a custom treatment plan using a series of FDA-cleared, BPA-free oral appliances designed for each stage of development.

We’ll monitor your child’s progress closely with regular check-ins — all from the same trusted team that handles your family’s routine cleanings and exams.

Why Parents in South Lake Tahoe Choose HealthyStart®

• Prevents major orthodontic treatment later on
  
• Improves nighttime breathing and energy levels
  
• Non-invasive, comfortable, and child-friendly
  
• Aligns with holistic, preventive wellness values
  
• Encourages better focus, sleep, and confidence
  

And because we offer care under one roof — including children’s dentistry — you don’t need to coordinate multiple offices or referrals.

Medi-Cal + Financing Options Available

While HealthyStart® is not always covered by Medi-Cal, we offer transparent pricing and flexible financing plans to help families move forward with care. We’ll walk you through your options and answer any financial questions at your consultation.