Airway Orthodontics To Breathe Better, Live Better
At Beam Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care goes beyond straight teeth, it’s about supporting your overall health and well-being. That’s why we specialize in airway orthodontics, a proactive approach that focuses on the relationship between jaw development, oral habits, and healthy breathing.
Many patients, especially children, experience breathing issues that impact their quality of sleep, energy levels, focus, and even growth. Our team is trained to identify the early signs of airway obstruction and use growth-guided orthodontic techniques to correct them.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics refers to treatment methods that aim to improve or restore healthy breathing by addressing underlying issues with jaw development, tongue posture, and oral structure. Conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) are often linked to narrow jaws, underdeveloped airways, and oral habits that compromise airflow during sleep.
By expanding the jaw and creating more space for the tongue and soft tissues, we can help reduce airway blockages, promoting restful sleep, better focus, and overall improved health.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Sleep Disordered Breathing
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when muscles in the throat, including the soft palate and tongue, relax during sleep and temporarily block the airway. This can cause shallow breathing or pauses in breathing that occur 5 to 30+ times per hour, leading to:
Decreased oxygen levels
Elevated stress hormones (like cortisol)
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Frequent sleep disruptions — even if the patient doesn’t fully wake up
These interruptions prevent deep, restorative sleep, leaving the body in a constant state of stress. Over time, OSA and SDB are linked to chronic fatigue, anxiety, headaches, depression, weight gain, and serious medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Whether in children or adults, the following may indicate the presence of OSA or SDB:
Loud snoring or mouth breathing
Pauses in breathing during sleep
Restless sleep or frequent waking
Daytime drowsiness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating or poor school performance
Behavioral issues, ADHD-like symptoms
Bedwetting or nighttime sweating
Headaches, anxiety, or poor weight gain
What Causes Airway Obstruction?
Several factors can lead to restricted breathing during sleep, including:
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Tongue tie (restricted tongue movement)
Narrow jaws or underdeveloped facial structure
Recessed upper or lower jaws
Obesity (in adult cases)
Orthodontic Treatment Options
We take a comprehensive, growth-focused approach to treating airway concerns, especially in younger patients. Treatment may include:
Removal of obstructive tissues (e.g., tonsils or adenoids) to restore nasal breathing
Growth-guided orthodontics to expand narrow jaws, advance jaw position, and create more space in the airway and for the tongue
Early orthodontic intervention to guide jaw development before major issues arise
These techniques not only support healthier breathing but may also reduce or eliminate the need for CPAP machines or surgical intervention later in life.
When Should You Schedule an Evaluation?
Early evaluation is key. Many airway-related issues are best treated around ages 6 or 7 while the jaw is still developing. Identifying and addressing problems early can set your child up for better sleep, stronger growth, and improved learning and behavior.
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of OSA or SDB, we encourage you to contact our office for a complimentary airway consultation. We’ll assess your breathing, jaw structure, and overall health to determine the best course of treatment.
