Airway Orthodontic
At Cedar Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Rola Alkhatib believes orthodontic care looks at more than just straight teeth. We consider jaw position, oral function, and overall comfort as part of a comprehensive plan. When breathing or sleep concerns are present, we partner with specialists to ensure patients receive appropriate evaluation and care. In select cases, growth-guided techniques and collaboration with specialists such as ENT physicians, sleep doctors, or myofunctional therapists may be a part of a coordinated care plan.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
“Airway orthodontics” is a term commonly used to describe an orthodontic approach that considers how teeth, jaws, and oral structures relate to overall function, including breathing and sleep, as a part of comprehensive treatment planning. It does not imply that orthodontic treatment alone diagnoses or treats airway or sleep disorders. Rather, it reflects an awareness of the connection between dental structures and the body as a whole.
We view airway considerations as one piece of a broader clinical picture. Certain structural features, such as narrow dental arches or jaw discrepancies, can influence oral space and function. In select cases, growth-guided orthodontic techniques may be part of a broader plan. When signs or symptoms suggest possible breathing or sleep concerns, we collaborate with appropriate medical professionals to ensure patients receive proper evaluation and care.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) occur when airflow is partially or fully blocked during sleep. This often happens when soft tissues in the throat relax and restrict breathing.
During sleep, these interruptions can happen repeatedly, sometimes dozens of times per hour, without fully waking the person. As a result, the body struggles to reach deep, restorative sleep.
Over time, disrupted breathing can:
- Reduce oxygen levels in the blood
- Increase carbon dioxide levels
- Trigger stress hormones that raise heart rate and blood pressure
Even when someone isn’t fully aware of these interruptions, the body experiences ongoing strain.
How Sleep-Disordered Breathing Affects the Body
Sleep-disordered breathing can feel like your body is “running all night without rest.” Because deep sleep is interrupted, the body stays in a state of chronic stress.
In adults, this may contribute to:
- Chronic fatigue and morning headaches
- Anxiety, depression, or mood changes
- Weight gain and reduced metabolism
- Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes
In children, the effects often look different but can be just as serious. Poor sleep can impact growth, learning, and behavior during key developmental years.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of OSA and SDB can vary by age and may not always look like classic sleep problems.
Common signs may include:
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Pauses in breathing
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Daytime sleepiness or low energy
- Allergy shiners
In children, additional symptoms may include:
- Short attention span or hyperactivity
- ADD/ADHD-like behaviors
- Learning or behavioral challenges
- Bedwetting or night terrors
- Poor weight gain
Common Causes of Airway Concerns
Airway restriction can result from several factors, often working together rather than alone.
Structural and developmental factors may include:
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Narrow dental arches or jaws
- High arched palate
- Recessed upper or lower jaw
- Limited space for the tongue
- Tongue-tie
In adults, additional contributors may include:
- Obesity
- Changes in muscle tone with age
How Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?
Orthodontic care aims to improve structure and function, not just appearance. Treatment plans are customized based on age, growth stage, and individual needs.
Depending on the situation, treatment may involve:
- Collaboration with medical providers for removal or reduction of obstructive tissues (such as tonsils or adenoids)
- Growth-oriented orthodontic techniques
- Jaw expansion or advancement
- Creating more space in the mouth for the tongue to rest naturally
By addressing structural and functional concerns early, treatment may contribute, as part of a coordinated care plan, to supporting healthier breathing patterns and better sleep quality in appropriately selected patients.
When Should Airway Concerns Be Evaluated?
Orthodontic evaluations often begin as early as age 6 or 7, when jaw growth can still be guided through jaw expansion treatment. The earlier airway concerns are identified, the more options may be available, especially for children. Many growth-guided orthodontic techniques are most effective when started during active development.
If you or your child shows signs of breathing difficulties, restless sleep, or other concerns, early evaluation is helpful. We can assess jaw and dental framework as part of growth monitoring and, when indicated, recommend appropriate specialists for further assessment.
A Thoughtful, Whole-Health Approach
Dr. Rola Alkhatib takes a comprehensive view of orthodontic care, considering how teeth, jaws, and function interact. When concerns beyond dental alignment arise, including breathing or sleep complaints, we can coordinate with the appropriate medical professionals to support the best outcome for our patients.
Schedule a Complimentary Evaluation
A healthier smile is built on thoughtful planning and collaborative care. At Cedar Smiles Orthodontics in Marysville, OH, we offer complimentary consultations to help families understand their options. If you or your child has questions about how orthodontics intersects with breathing or function, contact our office today to schedule your orthodontic consultation and take the first step toward better sleep, better health, and better quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
These frequently asked questions are designed to help you better understand how airway considerations fit into orthodontic treatment and when additional evaluation may be recommended.
How is airway orthodontics different from traditional orthodontics?
Traditional orthodontics focuses mainly on tooth alignment and bite. An airway-aware approach also considers jaw development, oral space, and function as part of comprehensive treatment planning.
Is airway orthodontic treatment only for children?
No. While growth-guided techniques are most effective in children, airway-related considerations can be relevant for teens and adults as well, depending on anatomy and symptoms.
What signs might suggest an airway concern in children?
Common signs include chronic mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, behavioral challenges, or difficulty focusing. These symptoms should be evaluated by appropriate healthcare providers.
Who else may be involved in airway-related care?
Care often involves collaboration with ENT physicians, sleep specialists, pediatricians, or myofunctional therapists to ensure comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
What happens if airway concerns are suspected during an orthodontic exam?
If signs suggest possible breathing or sleep issues, we discuss findings with you and recommend referral to the appropriate medical provider for further evaluation.