Airway & Breathing FAQ

Modern diets, which contain softer, more processed foods, have led to narrower jaws, weaker chewing muscles, and increased dental crowding, all of which have made airway issues more prevalent. Mouth breathing, tongue tie, genetics, and oral habits like thumb sucking can also interfere with airway development.

Conventional orthodontics using braces or clear aligners focuses on straightening the teeth. Airway orthodontics, on the other hand, addresses dental and facial irregularities to open the airway and improve breathing in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Having a healthy airway contributes to better overall health and well-being and helps patients avoid issues like obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when there are episodes of partial or complete airway collapse during sleep, causing a cessation of breathing. While many people don’t remember waking up frequently during the night, sleeping partners may report that you awake gasping for air. The decrease in oxygen saturation and poor sleep quality can cause a host of issues from an increased risk of accidents to heart disease.

In some cases, OSA is caused by craniofacial abnormalities. For example, when the upper jaw is narrow, so is the nasal floor, making it difficult to breathe adequately through the nose. This, in turn, can result in mouth breathing, which further interferes with facial development, leading to snoring and OSA.

Sometimes, misaligned teeth and jaws don’t leave enough space for the tongue. This causes the tongue to collapse, blocking the airway during sleep. In both examples, skeletal expansion can widen the jaw and open the airway, preventing or minimizing OSA and other symptoms. The expansion of jaws especially during orthodontic treatment involving removal of teeth is critical to helping maintain and/or increase the airway, minimizing OSA.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends parents to have their children’s first orthodontic visit no later than age 7. At this initial assessment, Dr. Robles can evaluate any jaw misalignment, potential teeth eruption timing concerns along with airway and breathing issues.

Early orthodontic treatment, also called early interceptive orthodontic treatment, starts when a child has a mixture of permanent teeth and baby teeth. We use orthodontic appliances to guide jaw growth and correct skeletal discrepancies. This helps to widen the nasal floor, create space for the permanent teeth to erupt as straight as possible, and make room for the tongue to come forward, which also opens the posterior pharyngeal airway.

By encouraging proper facial development with early orthodontic treatment, future treatment needs are minimized and we’re able to prevent or reverse airway obstruction, snoring, and issues like OSA.

Nasal breathing plays a vital role in overall health and well-being. Breathing through the nose helps filter and humidify the air, increases oxygen absorption, and promotes proper craniofacial development. Nasal breathing also supports optimal jaw function, posture, and sleep quality.

When nasal breathing is compromised, it can lead to mouth breathing. Additionally, as the body attempts to compensate for the reduction in oxygen, it may cause issues, such as sleep-disordered breathing, poor facial development in children, and even sleep apnea in adults.

If airway issues like obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing go untreated, they can lead to serious health consequences. In children, untreated airway problems can interfere with craniofacial growth, cause behavioral issues like ADHD, lower cognitive development and negatively impact school performance.

In adults, these issues can result in poor sleep quality, fatigue, and increased risk for conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and TMJ dysfunction. Most adults having OSA are given cpap machines to help increase their oxygen intake while sleeping. Wearing these consistently is a challenge for most. Some are given mandibular positioning devices which further cause jaw misalignment and may need future orthodontic treatment to help correct this. So, addressing airway problems early on helps avoid these long-term complications.

Finding a specialist in airway orthodontics is crucial for addressing breathing issues effectively. Look for orthodontists who focus on airway health, sleep-disordered breathing, and dentofacial orthopedics. Research online reviews, ask for referrals from your primary care doctor or dentist, and schedule consultations with potential providers to discuss their approach to airway treatment.

At Modern Zen Orthodontics, Dr. Robles offers airway orthodontics in Germantown, MD and the surrounding area. She relies on her extensive experience to provide personalized care for patients of all ages. Her primary focus is in this order: airway, breathing, teeth that function well, and aesthetics. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Robles today!