Orthodontics is about more than straight teeth. At Elite Orthodontics, airway orthodontics focuses on how jaw development, tooth alignment, and oral structure affect breathing, sleep, and overall health. Dr. Nader Ehsani and Dr. Sherry Sabet evaluate airway health as part of orthodontic care to help children and adults breathe more easily, sleep better, and function at their best.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a specialized approach that looks beyond tooth alignment to address how the jaws, tongue, and airway work together. When the airway is narrow or restricted, it can interfere with proper breathing, especially during sleep. Orthodontic treatment can help support airway development and improve airflow by creating more space in the mouth and nasal passages.
How Are Airway Issues Related to Sleep and Breathing?
Restricted airways can contribute to breathing problems during sleep, including obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing issues. These conditions occur when airflow is partially or fully blocked during sleep, disrupting oxygen levels and preventing deep, restorative rest.
Poor sleep and breathing can affect daily energy levels, focus, mood, and long-term health for both children and adults.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep-Disordered Breathing?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissues in the throat relax during sleep and block airflow. This can cause repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, often without full awakening. The body responds by briefly waking up to resume breathing, leading to fragmented sleep.
Common effects of sleep-related breathing issues may include:
- Chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes such as irritability or anxiety
- Poor sleep quality
In children, airway-related sleep issues may also contribute to:
- Hyperactivity or attention challenges
- Learning or behavioral difficulties
- Bedwetting or night terrors
- Mouth breathing or restless sleep
What Are the Signs of Airway Problems in Children and Adults?
Airway concerns can present differently from person to person. Signs that may indicate airway restriction include:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Pauses in breathing or gasping at night
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Daytime fatigue or difficulty focusing
- Night sweats or bedwetting in children
- Behavioral or learning challenges
If you or your child experiences these symptoms, an orthodontic airway evaluation may be beneficial.
What Causes Airway Blockages?
Several factors can contribute to a restricted airway, including:
- Narrow or underdeveloped jaws
- Crowding that limits tongue space
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Tongue-tie affects natural tongue posture
- Excess weight is more common in adults
Identifying the underlying cause helps determine the most effective treatment approach.
How Can Airway Orthodontics Help Improve Breathing?
Airway-focused orthodontic treatment aims to create more space for proper breathing and tongue positioning. Depending on age and needs, treatment options may include:
- Jaw expansion to increase airway space
- Growth-guided orthodontic treatment for children
- Coordination with medical providers for tonsil or adenoid concerns
- Orthodontic support before or after surgical treatment when needed
These treatments can help promote healthier breathing patterns and better sleep quality.
When Should Airway Orthodontic Treatment Begin?
Early evaluation is important. Growth-focused airway orthodontic treatment is often most effective when started in childhood, typically around ages 6 to 7, while the jaw is still developing. However, teens and adults can also benefit from airway orthodontic solutions tailored to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airway orthodontics is an emerging area of care, and many patients have questions about how it works and who it can help. Below are answers to some common questions.
Can Airway Orthodontics Help Adults?
Yes. While early treatment is ideal, adults can still benefit from airway orthodontic solutions designed to improve breathing, jaw position, and oral structure.
Does Airway Orthodontic Treatment Replace Medical Care?
Airway orthodontics often works alongside medical care. Orthodontists may collaborate with physicians, ENTs, or sleep specialists when needed to support comprehensive treatment.
Is Airway Orthodontic Treatment Only for Sleep Apnea?
No. Airway orthodontics can benefit patients with a range of breathing concerns, including mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep-related breathing disruptions.
How Is Airway Health Evaluated?
Airway evaluations may include a clinical exam, dental records, imaging, and a review of symptoms to assess jaw structure, tongue position, and airflow.
How Long Does Airway Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment length varies depending on age, growth stage, and treatment type. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized plan during your consultation.
