Airway Dentistry

Expansion of the Palate

We will provide a comprehenisve oral exam and will determine if your child needs an appliance, such as a palatal expander, to widen their palate. This can create more space for the tongue and improve airflow through the nasal passages. A wider palate can help alleviate issues related to nasal congestion and breathing difficulties, especially in children with narrow palates.

Correcting Bite Problems

Malocclusions, which refer to misalignments of the teeth and jaws, can have implications for airway function. Conditions such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites can affect the positioning of the tongue and other soft tissues in the mouth and throat, potentially leading to airway obstruction. Orthodontic treatment, including braces or aligners, can correct these bite problems, which may improve airflow and reduce airway-related concerns.

Facilitating Proper Tongue Posture

Orthodontic treatment can help create the ideal conditions for proper tongue posture, which is essential for maintaining a clear airway. When the tongue rests in the correct position against the roof of the mouth (palate), it can prevent tongue-based airway obstruction and improve overall breathing. Our highly trained dental hygiensts in myofunctional therapy can evaluate for tongue thrust and provide therapy to correct your child's swallow and give exercises to strengthen their tongue. 

Facial and Jaw Development

Early orthodontic intervention in growing children can guide the development of the facial bones and jaws. Proper jaw alignment and facial development can contribute to a more open airway and may prevent future airway problems. Techniques like orthopedic appliances and expanders can widen the palate and give more opening for the tongue and airway. 

Myo Munchee

As providers of the Myo Munchee we are able to evaluate your child's oral development. If your child is a mouth breather, restless sleeper, night grinding during sleep, use a pacifier, or have a thumb- or finger-sucking habit that can create open bites or crossbites, we can discuss the option of a Myo Munchee for your child. Chewing exercise can improve the tone and function of muscles of the lips, face, and jaws and ensure they are working their best. Chewing on the Myo Munchee encourages lip closure, corrects resting tongue placement and swallow patterns, helps to promote nasal breathing and bone integrity, and improves teeth and gum health. Schedule a consultation to see if your child would benefit from a Myo Munchee.

Combined Treatment Approaches

In some instances, orthodontic treatment may be part of a comprehensive approach to address airway issues. This may involve collaboration between your pediatric dentist, orthodontist, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists), and sleep medicine specialists to address both the dental and medical aspects of airway obstruction and sleep-related breathing disorders.

It's important to note that not all airway issues can be resolved solely through orthodontic treatment. The specific approach depends on your child's diagnosis and the nature of your airway problem. A thorough evaluation by your pediatric dentist is essential to determine the most effective treatment approach.