At Stellar Orthodontics, Dr. Stella Dong Wagner focuses on more than just straight teeth—we take a comprehensive approach to your overall health. In some cases, a crowded or narrow smile may be a sign that the jaws are not developing properly, which can impact breathing and airway function. Airway orthodontics focuses on identifying and addressing these concerns early to support better breathing, sleep, and long-term development.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics refers to treatment methods designed to improve the size and function of the airway by guiding jaw development and creating space for proper breathing.
When the airway is restricted, it can contribute to conditions such as:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)
These conditions can affect sleep quality, energy levels, and overall health.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, interrupting normal breathing. This can repeatedly disrupt deep, restorative sleep throughout the night.
Sleep Disordered Breathing refers to a range of breathing issues during sleep that may not fully stop breathing but still affect sleep quality and oxygen levels.
Over time, these disruptions can impact:
- Energy and daytime alertness
- Growth and development in children
- Hormonal balance and overall health
What Are the Signs of Airway or Breathing Issues?
Some children and adults may show signs of airway concerns, including:
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Restless or poor-quality sleep
- Daytime fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty focusing or short attention span
- Mood changes
- Bedwetting in children
If these symptoms are present, an evaluation may be recommended.
What Causes Airway Problems?
Airway issues are often caused by a combination of structural and soft tissue factors, including:
- Narrow or underdeveloped jaws
- Limited space for the tongue
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Nasal obstructions or deviated septum
- Oral habits that affect jaw development
Dr. Dong evaluates these factors to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
How Is Airway Orthodontics Treated?
Treatment focuses on improving the airway space and supporting proper development. This may include:
- Jaw expansion to create more space for the tongue and airway
- Growth-guided orthodontic treatment in children
- Collaboration with ENT specialists to address soft tissue concerns
- Advanced expansion techniques for adults when needed
- Coordinated care with surgical specialists in more complex cases
Orthodontic treatment addresses the structure of the jaws and teeth, while medical specialists may address soft tissue concerns. This combined approach can lead to the most effective results.
When Should Airway Concerns Be Evaluated?
The earlier airway concerns are identified, the better. While age 7 is an important milestone for orthodontic evaluation, children as young as 3 to 6 years old may benefit from early assessment if symptoms are present.
Early evaluation allows Dr. Dong to:
- Identify potential airway concerns
- Guide proper jaw development
- Recommend timely and effective treatment
Watch this video to see how your custom MARPE expander is designed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Airway orthodontics is an important and often misunderstood area of care. These answers help clarify common questions.
How Do I Know If My Child Has an Airway Issue?
Signs such as mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, or daytime fatigue may indicate a concern. Dr. Dong can evaluate your child and determine if further assessment is needed.
Can Orthodontic Treatment Help With Breathing?
In some cases, orthodontic treatment can help create more space in the mouth and airway, which may support improved breathing. Each case is unique and requires a proper evaluation.
Will Additional Care Be Needed as Part of Treatment?
In some cases, a coordinated approach may be recommended to address all aspects of your airway and overall health. Dr. Dong will guide you through any additional care that may support the best possible outcome.
Is Airway Orthodontics Only for Children?
Airway-focused treatment is most effective during growth, but adults may also benefit from certain treatment approaches depending on their condition.
When Should I Schedule an Evaluation?
If you notice symptoms or have concerns about breathing or sleep, it is best to schedule an evaluation as early as possible.