Airway Orthodontics

Airway-focused orthodontics is an emerging approach that emphasizes the critical relationship between dental alignment, craniofacial structure, and airway health. Traditional orthodontics primarily targets aesthetic and functional aspects of teeth alignment, but airway-focused orthodontics expands the scope to consider how oral and facial structures impact breathing and overall health. This perspective is particularly significant given the rising awareness of sleep-disordered breathing, including conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Practitioners of airway-focused orthodontics assess a patient’s airway dimensions and function, employing tools like 3D imaging and at times, sleep studies to gain insights into the patient’s respiratory patterns. The goal is to optimize the alignment of teeth and jaws in a way that supports an open and unobstructed airway. This might involve the use of specific orthodontic appliances designed to enhance airway space and improve tongue posture, promoting nasal breathing over mouth breathing, which is crucial for overall health.

Moreover, this approach recognizes the importance of early intervention in pediatric patients. By addressing potential airway issues at a young age, we can help guide the growth of the jaw and facial structure, potentially reducing the risk of developing more severe airway problems later in life. In summary, airway-focused orthodontics represents a holistic shift in orthodontic practice, aiming to integrate dental health with broader health outcomes related to breathing and sleep quality.

Rapid Expander for Maxillary and Mandibular 

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*Malocclusion is the technical term for teeth that don’t fit together correctly.  Malocclusions not only affect the teeth, but also the appearance of the face.  Most malocclusions are inherited; however some are due to acquired habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.  The spacing left from an adult tooth being extracted or an early loss of a baby tooth can also contribute to a malocclusion.