HealthyStart by OrthoTain has been addressing orthodontic conditions for over 57 years. Founded by Dr. Earl Bergersen, a pioneer in the industry who invented the first removable preventive orthodontic appliances, the company has treated more than 5 million cases and has made it its mission to not only correct crooked teeth but also relentlessly research and address how breathing and sleep issues affect many patients. HealthyStart’s recent introduction of the FasTrack System is a major advancement to resolving sleep-disordered breathing treatment challenges and enhancing patient success. Sleep-disordered breathing is believed to affect more than 40 million children in the U.S.
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Healthy Start’s FasTrack Pulsator (Graphic: Business Wire)
“We’re excited about the launch of our FasTrack System that addresses habitual problems, growth deficiencies, and orthodontic conditions linked to sleep-disordered breathing,” said Dr. Earl Bergersen, who holds more than 500 U.S. and international patents addressing orthodontics, sleep, and healthy growth and development. “The HealthyStart Pulsator eliminates the need for daytime exercises, requiring only a five-minute session before sleep followed by nighttime wear of an adjunct device customized for each patient.”
Both devices are key components of HealthyStart’s FasTrack System that includes:
- Comprehensive patient evaluation to assess orthodontic, breathing, and sleep issues.
- The HealthyStart Pulsator, which makes compliance with treatment easy.
- The customized adjunct device tailored for each patient to provide appropriate expansion and positioning.
With FasTrack, built-in myofunctional therapy is activated by the natural motion of swallowing throughout the night while wearing the adjunct device to improve oral function and airway health.
“Our research indicates that FasTrack positively influences healthy growth and development,” said Dr. Bergersen. “HealthyStart patients experience 54% more growth and development compared to control groups.”
The FasTrack System differs from traditional orthodontic treatment for sleep-disordered breathing. It evaluates all related issues, including habitual problems, growth deficiencies, and orthodontic conditions. Often traditional treatment includes the use of a rapid palatal expander to improve nasal breathing, which does not address tongue posture and swallowing habits. HealthyStart’s FasTrack adjunct devices, often used in tandem with other HealthyStart correctors, provide comprehensive expansion, positioning, and internal myofunctional therapy—while never compromise tongue placement.
“Sleep is central to a healthy childhood,” said Dr. Bergersen. “HealthyStart is making a $1 million commitment to educating providers and patients about FasTrack’s innovative technology to ensure we reach as many children in need as possible.”