A little snoring during a cold is normal. But when it becomes a nightly pattern, it can be a sign worth a closer look. Dr. Stella breaks down what to watch for and when it’s time to bring it up with your orthodontist.
If your dentist or orthodontist has ever mentioned a narrow palate, or you have noticed your upper jaw seems tight or crowded, it is natural to wonder what a narrow palate actually looks like compared to a normal one, and whether it is something you should look into. To tell if you have a narrow palate, look for
If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, or seems restless at night, it is natural to wonder whether it is something to worry about. This checklist covers the signs Dr. Stella screens for during a pediatric airway consultation, so you have a clearer sense of what is worth paying attention to. This is not a diagnostic tool.
Most people associate sleep apnea with one thing: snoring. But snoring is only one signal among many, and it is not even a required one. The most recognizable signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, and pauses in breathing a partner might notice. But it also shows up in ways that are easy
When a child has a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, a crossbite, or signs of airway-related concerns, palatal expansion may be recommended as part of their orthodontic treatment. A palatal expander works by widening the upper jaw while a child is still growing, helping create better space for the teeth, improving bite alignment, and supporting healthier jaw development.
When parents hear that their child may need an orthodontic expander, one of the first questions they often ask is: “Will it be removable or fixed?” The answer depends on your child’s growth, bite, airway, oral habits, age, and how much expansion is actually needed. At Stellar Orthodontics in Gilbert, AZ, Dr. Stella takes a comprehensive approach to
When patients begin researching palatal expansion, they often come across terms like MARPE, MSE, and now MASPE. These names can feel overwhelming, especially when they sound similar but may be used to describe different approaches to widening the upper jaw. If you’re new to this topic, our post on the benefits of palatal expansion is a good place
At Stellar Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care is about more than creating straight teeth and beautiful smiles. A healthy smile is important, but the way the jaws, teeth, and facial structures develop can also play an important role in breathing, sleep, function, and overall quality of life. This past weekend, Dr. Stella had the privilege of attending the
Many parents assume that snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep are just normal childhood habits. In some cases, however, they may be signs of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, a condition that can affect a child’s sleep quality, behavior, focus, growth, and facial development. At Stellar Orthodontics in Gilbert, AZ, Dr. Stella takes an airway-conscious approach to orthodontic evaluation. That
As an orthodontist, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “Is Invisalign really different for teens?” The short answer? Yes — and in important ways. While Invisalign is popular with adults, Invisalign Teen was specifically designed to address the unique needs of growing patients. From compliance features to eruption tabs for developing teeth, Invisalign
