Pediatrics

We appreciate your confidence in us at Smiles of Cary for your patient’s needs.

TMJ International
Over 70 Centres Located in 7 Countries

Over 70 Centres

LOCATED IN 7 COUNTRIES
Decades of Combined Experience

Decades

OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
Tens of Thousands of Patients Treated

Tens of Thousands

OF PATIENTS TREATED
Non-invasive Solutions

Specialized Care for Growing Children

Pediatric care at the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham focuses on guiding healthy facial, jaw, and airway development during critical growth years. Early evaluation of craniofacial growth, breathing patterns, and oral posture can significantly influence long-term health outcomes, including sleep quality and neurocognitive development. Research published in the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights that early identification of airway and jaw discrepancies can reduce the risk of future sleep-disordered breathing and orthodontic complications.

Growth-focused pediatric therapy emphasizes prevention rather than reaction, using evidence-based assessments to identify functional issues before they become chronic. A longitudinal study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics demonstrated that early intervention can positively influence airway size and facial balance. As noted by leading researchers:

“Interceptive treatment during growth may reduce the severity of future malocclusion and airway compromise.”

Call today to schedule a pediatric evaluation with Dr. Charles Ferzli.

When To Seek This Treatment

Diagnosis

Airway Obstruction

Enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or restricted nasal passages make breathing difficult during sleep.
Diagnosis

Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing alters jaw growth and reduces airway space.
Diagnosis

Restricted tongue movement can impair swallowing, feeding, speech, and airway development.

Tongue Tie & Oral Restrictions
Diagnosis

Small or retruded jaws reduce space for proper airway function and balanced facial growth.

Small or retruded jaws reduce space for proper airway function and balanced facial growth.
Diagnosis

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Snoring, restless sleep, or OSA may prevent children from getting restorative rest, affecting learning and behavior.

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    Goals Of Treatment

    Support Healthy Growth

    Guide jaw and airway development to reduce risks of future TMJ problems, sleep disorders, or orthodontic complications.

    Restore Healthy Breathing

    Encourage nasal breathing and open airways so children sleep deeply and thrive during the day.

    Improve Feeding, Speech, and Sleep

    Address tongue tie, swallowing, and breathing challenges early to support clear speech, strong nutrition, and restful nights.

    Build Lifelong Wellness

    Prevent chronic issues by treating root causes in childhood, creating the foundation for long-term health and comfort.

    Testimonials

    Real Stories, Real Relief

    At Smiles of Cary, we understand how life-changing it can be to finally find relief from TMJ pain and sleep-related issues. Our patients’ journeys are the true measure of our work, and their stories reflect the care, compassion, and lasting results we strive to provide every day.

    Smiles of Cary

    Why Choose Us?

    Medication & Surgery

    Why Traditional Methods Fail

    Pediatric concerns are often overlooked or misattributed to “growing pains.” Conventional approaches may dismiss symptoms without addressing the root causes.
    • Symptom Dismissal
      Snoring or mouth breathing is often seen as normal in children, delaying treatment
    • Wait-and-See Approaches
      Delaying intervention may allow airway or jaw growth issues to worsen
    • Limited Scope
      Standard care may overlook airway function, tongue mobility, or muscle imbalance
    • Short-Term Fixes
      Treatments that don’t guide growth or breathing patterns rarely provide lasting results

    Our Non Surgical Approach

    At the Smiles of Cary, we use gentle, child-friendly approaches that treat the underlying causes of pediatric airway and jaw problems.
    • Custom Pediatric Appliances
      Guide jaw growth and open the airway without invasive procedures
    • Myofunctional Therapy
      Retrain breathing, tongue position, and swallowing patterns for proper function
    • Tongue Tie Release (if needed)
      Gently restore tongue mobility to improve feeding, speech, and airway development
    • Collaborative Care
      Work with pediatricians, ENTs, and speech therapists to create comprehensive solutions
    Our Commitment

    Help Your Child Breathe, Sleep, and Grow

    Early treatment makes a lifetime of difference. At the Smiles of Cary, we provide gentle, non-surgical solutions for children with airway, sleep, and growth challenges. Give your child the best foundation for lifelong health.

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    Health Benefits and Risks

    Pediatrics & Long-Term Health

    Childhood airway, sleep, and growth challenges can affect not only daily comfort but also long-term wellbeing. Treating these concerns early helps children avoid bigger problems later in life, including TMJ disorders, orthodontic relapse, and chronic sleep disruption.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatrics

    Pediatrics is one of the specialized services we provide at the Smiles of Cary. Our focus is on identifying the root causes behind your symptoms and delivering safe, non-surgical solutions that support long-term health and comfort.

    Airway health impacts sleep, growth, learning, and behavior. Children who don’t get restorative sleep may struggle with focus, mood, and development. Early treatment supports healthy growth and lifelong wellness.

    Warning signs include chronic mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, frequent waking, difficulty chewing, or speech delays. If your child shows any of these symptoms, a pediatric evaluation is recommended.

    Myofunctional therapy is a series of fun, child-friendly exercises that train proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and swallowing. It can improve speech, feeding, and airway development without invasive care.

    Yes. When appropriate, a tongue tie release is a gentle, quick procedure that improves feeding, swallowing, and airway growth. It is often paired with myofunctional therapy to ensure long-term results.

    While children grow rapidly, many airway and jaw issues do not resolve without treatment. In fact, they often worsen over time. Early, conservative care gives your child the best chance for healthy development.
    TMJ Logo

    TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre

    INTERNATIONAL

    Global Expertise
    Local Care

    As proud members of TMJ International, we are part of a global team dedicated to advancing collaborative care in TMJ disorders and sleep therapy. Together, we bring innovation, expertise, and compassionate treatment to help patients find lasting relief and a healthier quality of life.

    If you’re struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or sleep issues, the Smiles of Cary is here to help. Our team specializes in non-surgical TMJ and sleep therapy solutions designed to restore comfort and improve your quality of life.
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