Airway Evaluation

Orthodontics has long been concerned with the growth and development of the face as it relates to the facial profile and the correction of skeletal and dental malocclusion. It is only recently been considered relevant to the formation of the naso-oropharyngeal airway.

From an anatomical perspective, the maxilla, soft palate, and mandible work in synchrony to form the anterior boundaries of the airway. Retroposition of the bones relative to the face narrow the airway and create the risk for obstruction.

Orthodontic treatments for children are now being explored to help enlarge — or at least prevent constriction of — the airway in a more natural and permanent way.

Thoughtful, in-depth analysis of you or your child’s anatomy, breathing, physiology and neurology is the only way to accurately plan for the best treatment options. We can provide sleep appliances or we can alter patients’ anatomy in ways that may provide a long-term solution.

How it Works

When you bring your child in for a visit, we will:
   •   Identify the main determinants of airway resistance.
   •   Evaluate the involvement of the velocity and turbulence of the airflow.
   •   Identify some possible changes in daytime breathing behaviors.
   •   Review potential airway-related craniofacial dysfunctions.

Who it's Best For

Did you know that at least 10% of all children struggle with obstructive sleep apnea? In many cases, Airways can help your child breathe easier. Come in for a quick 3D xray so we can see what may be contributing to your child’s feelings of sluggishness.

Here’s how orthodontic strategies can help with childhood OSA:

Orthodontists can screen patients for OSA and other breathing disorders, no matter their age:

Training and experience in facial growth and development gives orthodontists the ability to identify sleep-related breathing disorders in patients. They are also trained to guide the growth of various facial structures in younger patients.
Almost half of all patients with obstructive sleep apnea have abnormalities in the bony structure around the airway, which could be corrected with early orthodontic treatment.
Early orthodontic treatment for expanding the upper jaw or upper arch, advancing the mandible and otherwise modifying the bony structure of the face could help manage the condition. This can also eliminate clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep, or other habits that are associated with childhood sleep apnea.

Mandibular advancement, maxillomandibular advancement and slow or rapid maxillary expansion (RME/SME) can be combined with orthodontics to expand the airway to help reduce resistance in the nasal airway, normalizing tongue position, and reducing or eliminating OSA symptoms.
We can also use oral appliance therapy (OAT) to improve breathing patterns for sleep apnea treatment in some patients.