Just like children, even ones who have the same parents, every orthodontist is not the same.  Make sure when you are searching for an orthodontist that you do some research so you can feel comfortable that you’ve made the right choice for your precious child.  Here are five things to look for when choosing the right orthodontist for your child with an airway problem:

1.  Make sure you choose an orthodontist who is a specialist.  With their advanced training and 10,000 hours of experience, an orthodontist who attended an accredited program for 2-3 years is your best choice.  While your family dentist may have taken some courses in orthodontics, or they offer orthodontics at their office, this does not mean they are specialists.  A true specialty office will only offer orthodontics.  Be cautious of taking your child to XYZ Dental and Orthodontics.  That little “and” in there means they are not specialists.
2. An orthodontist who claims that they can expand your child’s palate with just a few braces and some special wires is not airway friendly.  While braces-only treatment is many times properly indicated for situations where only teeth need to be moved, to expand a palate that is too narrow requires a different technique.  That palate needs an expander (sometimes abbreviated RPE or RME).  An expander works very differently from braces.  An expander utilizes forces that are stronger than what braces alone can deliver.  In a nutshell, braces deliver light, continuous force to move teeth.  Expanders deliver heavy, intermittent forces to expand the growth plates in our jaws (called sutures).
3. If a provider recommends pushing the front teeth back as a solution for an overjet (protrusion of the upper teeth), make sure to get a second opinion- especially if your child has an airway disturbance.  While pushing the teeth back is many times indicated, sometimes there needs to be thought of bringing the lower teeth and jaws forward.  In a child with an airway problem, getting the lower jaw to come forward is many times the thing they need to breathe better.
4. Your orthodontist should be kid-friendly.  Their practice will have fun games and incentive laden protocols that can engage the kids.  The environment in which healthcare is delivered makes a huge difference.  You’re going to want your child to have a great experience at the orthodontist’s office.
5. 3D imaging is an advanced tool that helps any provider see the airway in all dimensions. Make sure your provider has access to this amazing technology.  With conventional 2D imaging, it is impossible to visualize the airway and make assessments of its size or shape.  Dental 3D imaging is very different from that used in the medical field.  Cone Beam Computed Tomograghy (CBCT) by iCAT is the standard in the industry, and its low dose of radiation is similar to what you might experience on a sunny day in Texas.

So if you are looking for an Airway Orthodontist in Frisco or McKinney TX, look no further than Wise-Lee Orthodontics.