The goal of traditional orthodontics is to create straight teeth. However, modern orthodontic technology also allows dentists to change the shape of the jaw in coordination with moving teeth, and these techniques allow for better breathing. Airway Orthodontics is focused on treating the reason behind crooked teeth instead of just the crooked teeth themselves. Teeth are misaligned due to oral muscle dysfunction and improper breathing, which leads to the underdevelopment of the jaw bones. By focusing on treating the muscle dysfunction and establishing proper nasal breathing, we can guide the jaws into proper position and not only straighten teeth but optimize airway development and growth in children.

The strength and position of your tongue, specifically against the upper palate of the mouth, directly influences the size and shape of your jaw and thus impacts airway health. Unfortunately, this lack of development begins potentially at birth. As a society, mothers are breastfeeding less, which reduces jaw development through nipple sucking. Toddlers are fed a diet focused on softer food, and even as adults, we consume more processed foods, both of which also reduce the need for more rigorous chewing. As a result, our jaw composition and tongue strength are generally underdeveloped, and this can even be tracked epigenetically, as it has even been documented in utero. Tongue ties are common in newborns, which can inhibit the tongue from contributing to proper jaw development. Through collaboration with a Myofunctional Therapist, we can train the tongue and facial muscles to regain the proper strength needed to work with other dental treatments in the fight against Sleep Disordered Breathing. Myofunctional therapy is also an important component when dentists perform a tongue tie release (frenectomy), to ensure that the tongue does not relapse back into a sub-optimal state. Learn More Myofunctional Therapy Learn More Frenectomy

When a child’s breathing is constantly interrupted while they sleep, they are unable to get quality, restful sleep. This can lead to chronic fatigue and over exhaustion, which often manifests as hyperactivity, lack of focus, and other behaviors associated with ADHD. When the breathing issues are corrected, the symptoms of ADHD often disappear.

Airway orthodontics treatment includes using myofunctional appliances, braces, Invisalign, palatal expanders, and myofunctional therapy to shift the teeth and jaws into proper alignment while expanding the arches to make room for the tongue in the mouth and to prevent it from collapsing into the back of the throat. Our goal is to prevent surgery by treating kids early. Airway trained dentists feel that it is no longer acceptable to pull teeth to accommodate an underdeveloped jaw. Extracting teeth will make a small mouth even smaller, therefore limiting the space for the tongue. Orthognathic surgery may be required to bring the jaws forward if the child is not treated early enough. Airway orthodontics can prevent the need for surgery when applied at the right time.

Children between the ages of 5 and 12 can benefit most from airway orthodontics. When the necessary interventions are made at a young age when the jaw and face are still growing, the problem can be corrected with better future results.

Many of the treatments involved in orthodontics are covered by insurance, at least to some extent. Your coverage will depend on your provider and plan. We can assess the cost before and after insurance, or you can contact your provider for specific information about your plan and coverage.