Airway Orthodontics
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
At Coastal Smiles Family Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care goes beyond aligning teeth, it plays a vital role in supporting overall health and long-term wellness. Airway orthodontics focuses on identifying structural or developmental issues that may restrict breathing during sleep. Certain oral habits, jaw growth patterns, and anatomical concerns can contribute to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) in children and adults.
Airway-focused orthodontics uses growth-guided treatment, such as jaw expansion, to improve airflow and support healthier breathing patterns day and night.
What Are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
OSA is a common sleep condition in which airway tissues, like the tongue or soft palate, temporarily collapse during sleep, limiting airflow. These repeated pauses can reduce oxygen levels, increase carbon dioxide, and trigger stress responses in the body.
Even if you never fully wake up, symptoms like snoring, gasping, or choking may occur dozens of times per hour, leading to chronic fatigue and long-term health effects.
Disrupted breathing during sleep can impact more than rest, it affects cardiovascular function, immune response, metabolic health, and cognitive development. In children, SDB often appears as behavioral challenges or difficulty focusing during the day.
Common Symptoms of OSA and SDB
Parents and adults may notice symptoms such as:
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Pauses in breathing
- Mouth breathing
- Hyperactivity, short attention span, or ADD/ADHD-like behaviors
- Daytime fatigue or restless sleep
- Coughing, choking, or gasping at night
- Night sweats or bed wetting
- Poor weight gain in children
- Night terrors or frequent waking
- Learning or behavioral concerns
These signs may indicate the need for an airway evaluation.
What Causes Airway Obstruction?
Several structural and developmental factors can limit airflow during sleep:
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Narrow upper or lower jaws, limiting room for the tongue
Tongue-tie reducing proper tongue posture
Obesity, which may increase airway restriction, more common in adults
Identifying the underlying cause helps Dr. Cardinal create a targeted, effective airway treatment plan.
Removal or Reduction of Obstructive Tissues
In some cases, partnering with ENT specialists to address enlarged tonsils or adenoids may help improve airflow before or during orthodontic treatment.
Airway-focused orthodontics often leads to better sleep, improved behavior in children, increased energy, and long-term health benefits.
Treatment Options for Airway-Focused Orthodontics
At Coastal Smiles Family Orthodontics, airway treatment may include:
Growth-Guided Orthodontics
Using jaw expansion or orthopedic appliances to:
Increase upper airway volume
Create more space for the tongue
Improve nasal breathing
Support healthy facial and jaw development
When Should Airway Concerns Be Evaluated?
Early evaluation is key, many pediatric airway treatments are most effective around ages 6 or 7, while jaw growth is still developing. However, teens and adults can absolutely benefit from airway orthodontics as well.
If you notice signs of snoring, mouth breathing, or disrupted sleep in yourself or your child, it’s important to schedule an assessment as soon as possible.
Schedule an Airway Evaluation Today
We offer complimentary consultations to help you understand the relationship between orthodontics and airway health. Contact Coastal Smiles Family Orthodontics to learn how Dr. Samantha Cardinal can support better breathing, better sleep, and better overall wellness.