The Okanagan’s Preferred Home for HealthyStart® Care

The HealthyStart® System is a non-invasive, drug-free, pain-free approach to opening the airway and straightening teeth WITHOUT braces. Backed by 54 years of research and used by over 4 million children worldwide, it offers more than traditional aligners without the high cost of braces.

Through a series of appliances, HealthyStart® targets symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing that often go undiagnosed and worsen over time. By addressing these issues early, the system helps guide natural, healthy development.

Proper airway development and early intervention are essential for long-term health, Dr. Jennifer Drever has undergone advanced training to become the only HealthyStart® Preferred Provider in the Okanagan region. We invite families from across Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton. Armstrong, Vernon, Enderby, Grindrod and beyond to schedule an early childhood consultation to see how this non-invasive system can transform their child's health.

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HealthyStart® Optimized Benefits

Corrects Root Causes Early, Safely, and Naturally

Unlike traditional orthodontics that only straighten teeth after they become crooked, HealthyStart guides emerging adult teeth into their perfect, natural alignment while your child's jaw is still growing—often eliminating the future need for metal braces or extractions.

Promotes Clear, Healthy Sleep-Disordered Breathing

The removable, soft appliance gently holds the lower jaw forward and expands the airway while your child sleeps. This maximizes oxygen intake and targets the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing, mouth breathing, and chronic snoring.

Addresses Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation

By ensuring your child experiences deep, uninterrupted REM sleep, HealthyStart helps alleviate common daytime symptoms often misdiagnosed as behavioral issues, including daytime fatigue, difficulty focusing in school, emotional irritability, and chronic bedwetting.

Improves Facial Development & Symmetry

By guiding proper tongue posture and jaw growth early, the appliance promotes ideal facial profile symmetry, proper airway development, and a beautiful, wide smile that fits your child’s unique facial features perfectly.

100% Non-Invasive, Painless, and Comfortable

Made from medical-grade, BPA-free, and latex-free soft silicone, the appliance is worn primarily at night and during short daytime intervals. It involves zero painful wire tightening, zero brackets, and is entirely removable, making oral hygiene a breeze for parents.

HealthyStart® System in Kelowna

Dr. Jennifer Drever at Upper Mission Dental is the Okanagan's only HealthyStart® Preferred Provider.

Upper Mission Dental in Kelowna is the Okanagan's preferred home for HealthyStart® care. Dr. Drever treats patients across the Okanagan including; Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton. Armstrong, Vernon, Enderby, Grindrod and beyond to use this non-invasive system to transform their child's health.

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Frequently Asked Questions About HealthyStart

What is the HealthyStart® system, and how does it work?

HealthyStart® is a revolutionary, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical interceptive treatment designed for growing children. It uses a series of soft, removable, medical-grade silicone appliances (similar to a specialized mouthguard) worn primarily at night. The system works by utilizing the natural forces of your child's growth to gently guide emerging adult teeth into their ideal alignment, expand the dental arches, and comfortably open the airway to promote healthy, nasal breathing during sleep.

At what age should a child start the HealthyStart® program?

The ideal window for HealthyStart® is during a child’s early development years, typically between the ages of 2 and 12, because their jaw and airway are still actively growing. The earlier we intercept issues like mouth breathing or jaw misalignment, the more predictable and impactful the long-term health benefits will be. However, Dr. Drever can evaluate children at any stage of dental development to customize a path that supports their unique growth.

What are the signs that my child might benefit from HealthyStart®?

HealthyStart® addresses the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing and improper jaw development early. You should consider a consultation if you notice your child experiencing symptoms such as chronic mouth breathing, loud snoring, restless sleeping, daytime fatigue, difficulty focusing at school, or chronic bedwetting. It is also highly effective for children displaying early signs of crowded teeth, an overbite, an underbite, or thumb-sucking habits.

Does HealthyStart® replace the need for traditional braces?

For many children, yes! When started early enough, the HealthyStart® system successfully guides the permanent teeth into their correct positions as they erupt, often completely eliminating the need for traditional metal braces, permanent tooth extractions, or painful palatal expanders later in life. Because Dr. Jennifer Drever is the only HealthyStart® Preferred Provider in the Okanagan, our Upper Mission clinic is uniquely equipped to provide this early, preventative orthodontic care to protect your child’s smile and overall wellness.