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HealthyStart® in El Dorado, CA
Gentle, non-invasive treatment to guide your child’s smile and support healthy breathing.
At Diamond Springs Dental Center, we proudly offer the HealthyStart® system — an advanced, non-surgical solution that helps correct orthodontic and airway issues in children as early as age 4. This gentle system not only straightens teeth naturally but also addresses the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing and improper jaw development.
We provide HealthyStart® to families in El Dorado, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Diamond Springs, Cameron Park, and Shingle Springs. Our goal is to promote better sleep, clearer breathing, and confident smiles — starting from a young age.
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What Is HealthyStart®?
HealthyStart® is a preventive orthodontic system designed to guide a child’s developing jaw, teeth, and airway into proper alignment — without braces or surgery.
It uses a series of soft, comfortable oral appliances (worn mainly at night) to:
- Expand the arches and correct oral habits
- Promote proper facial and jaw development
- Open the airway and improve oxygen flow
- Align incoming permanent teeth naturally
- Reduce or eliminate the need for future braces
This system is backed by decades of research and is FDA-cleared for pediatric use.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from HealthyStart®
HealthyStart® may help children with symptoms such as:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Snoring or mouth breathing
- Bedwetting beyond early childhood
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- ADD/ADHD-like behavior
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Nightmares or night terrors
- Chronic allergies or stuffy nose
Early screening — even as young as 4 or 5 — can identify potential developmental concerns and determine if your child is a candidate.
What to Expect During HealthyStart® Treatment
Our process includes:
- Consultation & screening — including a child-friendly exam and digital images
- Appliance fitting — we’ll create a custom plan using soft, BPA-free nighttime appliances
- Ongoing monitoring — we track jaw, teeth, and airway development as your child grows
- Parental support — we educate and guide you every step of the way
Many children complete treatment by age 12 with beautiful, naturally aligned smiles and better breathing.
Does Medi-Cal Cover HealthyStart®?
HealthyStart® is a specialty service not typically covered by Medi-Cal. However, our team will explain all pricing options and may recommend phased approaches to make treatment more affordable.
We also are in network with:
- Delta Dental
- Anthem
For preventive pediatric services that are covered, visit our Children’s Dentistry page or learn more about Medi-Cal coverage.
Pediatric Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills & Beyond
Our providers — Dr. Tommy Rutner, Dr. Robert Rutner, and Dr. Goodis — are trained in early interceptive orthodontics and airway-centered care. Families from across:
- El Dorado
- El Dorado Hills
- Placerville
- Shingle Springs
- Cameron Park
...choose our office for advanced, child-friendly care that promotes both healthy smiles and healthy sleep.
Help Your Child Breathe Better and Smile Brighter
If your child snores, mouth breathes, or has crowded teeth, it’s not “just a phase.” HealthyStart® can address these concerns early — for a lifetime of better sleep, stronger development, and straighter smiles.
FAQs About HealthyStart®
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What age is best to start HealthyStart®?
Many children begin around age 4–7, but some may start earlier depending on their development and symptoms.
Is HealthyStart® a replacement for braces?
Yes — in many cases, HealthyStart® guides teeth into place as they grow, eliminating or reducing the need for braces later.
How does it help with sleep or behavior?
By improving airway development, HealthyStart® can reduce sleep-disordered breathing — often linked to ADHD-like symptoms in children.
Is the appliance uncomfortable?
Not at all. The soft, removable devices are worn mainly at night and are custom-fitted for comfort.
Does insurance cover HealthyStart®?
It depends. Some PPOs may offer partial coverage, but Medi-Cal does not. We’ll explain all costs upfront.
