Airway Orthodontics for Kids
Orthodontics is no longer just about straightening teeth. In our practice, we recognize the unique role of the orthodontist in screening for sleep disordered breathing and helping guide growth and development to help optimize airway health. The jaws are the entryway to the airway and getting proper airflow is essential to whole body health. We believe in taking a more holistic approach to orthodontic treatment in maximizing health for adults and children alike.
Why Airway Health Matters for Growing Children
One of the most important things we can do for a growing child is create adequate space for proper breathing. The roof of the mouth is the same bone as the floor of the nose, which means that when we expand the upper jaw, we’re simultaneously increasing the space inside the nose for better airflow.
Early expansion does more than create room for teeth. By widening the upper jaw, we maximize space for the tongue to rest properly and allow the lower jaw to come forward naturally. This forward positioning of the lower jaw is crucial because it opens up the airway at the back of the throat, the area most commonly compromised in sleep disordered breathing.
If we suspect sleep disordered breathing, we see children of all ages, even those with full primary (baby) teeth. In fact, early intervention during these critical growth years often yields the most dramatic improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and overall development. Waiting until all permanent teeth have arrived means missing valuable growth opportunities when the bones are most responsive to gentle guidance.
The goal is simple: give your child’s airway the space it needs to function properly, setting the foundation for better sleep, improved behavior, enhanced learning, and lifelong health.
Better Breathing
Proper airway development allows for natural nasal breathing, which is essential for optimal oxygen intake and overall health.
Enhanced Focus
Better sleep and breathing can improve concentration, behavior, and academic performance at school.
Improved Sleep
An open airway promotes better sleep quality, helping your child get the rest they need for growth and learning.
Overall Health
Proper airway function supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflamation, and promotes better immune function.
Optimal Facial Growth
Addressing airway issues early can guide proper jaw development and facial structure during crucial growth years.
Beautiful Smile
While focusing on airway health, we simultaneously create a straight, beautiful smile your child will love.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Airway Treatment
Our Airway-Focused Approach
At every new patient exam, we take a detailed health history, a CBCT and can have it read by an oral radiologist to find out what is happening at the level of the joints, and use an extensive pediatric sleep questionnaire to screen for sleep disordered breathing. We know that issues like mouth breathing, snoring, and poor sleep quality can significantly impact your child’s development, behavior, and health.
We work closely with a network of local experts including sleep specialists, ENTs, myofunctional therapists, and oral surgeons to tackle these issues from every angle.
Your child’s airway and sleep health are too important to overlook. We’re committed to catching potential issues early and connecting you with the right specialists.