Airway focused ortho

Foundation First, Teeth Second

This approach allows us to deliver a healthier individual by not only straightening the teeth, but taking into account the tongue, oral muscles and oral habits that can cause many different chronic health issues.

Airway centered orthodontics establishes an upper and lower jaw width and position that is best suited for oxygen intake through the nasal cavity down into the lungs.

Traditionally, jaws are not developed to their genetic potential. When this occurs, there is not enough space in the oral cavity for the tongue. The lack of space for the tongue in the oral cavity forces a lower and back position, making the airway size much smaller than ideal. Due to this, many people have very small airways, are severe mouth breathers, and at risk for many different medical issues including sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea.

Phase 1 Treatment

We start orthodontically treating patients as early as age 4.

With the use of guides, expanders and myofunctional therapy we are able to maximize the genetic growth potential of the face, jaws and airway. This creates healthier children, teens and adults all while focusing on the foundation first and the teeth second.

This approach to orthodontics gives us many tools for treating a variety of symptoms and diseases that can originate from the oral cavity. You may be a good candidate if you or your child is experiencing the following:

  • TMJ pain, popping or clicking

  • Chronic and/or unresolved headaches or migraines

  • Snoring or sleep apnea

  • Clenching or grinding of teeth while asleep or awake

  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids

  • Overbites or underbites

  • Tongue thrusting