Airway Dentistry
At Victor Smiles, we focus on your overall well-being rather than just your oral health. Addressing airway issues such as sleep-disordered and mouth breathing improves dental alignment and sleep quality, enhancing your overall wellness.
Airway Dentistry
Airway dentistry focuses on identifying and treating issues related to breathing and airway obstruction that can impact oral and overall health. It addresses conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea and mouth breathing, which can contribute to dental problems such as misaligned jaws, narrow palates and improper tongue posture. By assessing airway function, dentists can detect underlying causes of sleep and breathing issues, helping to improve both dental alignment and overall well-being.
Treatment options in airway dentistry may include orthodontic interventions like palatal expansion, myofunctional therapy to strengthen oral muscles, and oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw for better airflow. In some cases, collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as sleep specialists or ENT doctors, may be necessary for comprehensive care. By addressing airway concerns early, patients can experience benefits like improved sleep quality, better facial development and enhanced overall health.
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What are some early symptoms of airway conditions?
Some early signs of airway issues in children and adults include persistent mouth breathing, frequent dry mouth and an increased risk of cavities despite good oral hygiene. Other symptoms may include resting with an open mouth and feeling tired in the morning even after a full night’s sleep.
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How are airway conditions treated?
Airway conditions such as sleep-disordered and chronic mouth breathing are treated collaboratively with specialists such as ENT doctors and sleep medicine experts to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Palatal expansion may be recommended for children and teens using specialized appliances to widen the upper jaw. In adults, treatment is customized based on individual needs and may involve techniques like TAD-supported expanders or, in some cases, jaw surgery to improve airway function.
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Who is most likely to experience an airway condition?
Patients with narrow jaws or who experience sleep-disordered breathing are most likely to experience airway conditions requiring collaborative treatment for improved overall well-being. These conditions may present in children as well as adults.
Questions About Airway Dentistry?
Call our office if you or your child is experiencing symptoms of sleep-disordered or chronic mouth breathing. Early intervention can prevent airway conditions from worsening and lead to improved overall well-being.
