Orthodontics and Airway: What’s the Connection?

The human airway is a complex system, designed for breathing either through the mouth or, preferably, through the nose. Nasal breathing is healthier because the nose filters out unwanted particles like pollen and dust, protecting the body. However, nasal breathing requires regular use of specific muscles to form healthy breathing habits.

Orthodontic issues such as crowded teeth, crossbites, overjets, and underbites frequently overlap with airway problems like mouth breathing, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, nasal congestion, snoring, and sleep apnea. Often, correcting the structural problems causing misaligned teeth simultaneously addresses airway restrictions.

To determine if an airway issue is associated with you or your child’s orthodontic condition, please visit us at Wise-Lee Orthodontics for a consultation. We will assess your situation, clearly explain the relationship between orthodontic alignment and airway health, and recommend a comprehensive plan for improving both airway function and dental alignment. A healthy airway and a beautiful smile often go hand-in-hand, benefiting overall health throughout your lifetime.

Tonsils Out or Expansion?

Parents often face a common dilemma: Should we correct the teeth or remove the tonsils?

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids restrict airflow and can harbor chronic infections. These inflamed tissues often remain undetected without careful, ongoing observation. Children with airway obstructions frequently exhibit orthodontic issues, including crowding, crossbites, overbites, underbites, and open bites. These orthodontic issues are often symptoms of an underlying airway problem, known as chronic airway resistance. The most severe manifestation of this condition is sleep apnea, characterized by temporary pauses in breathing during sleep.

Sleep apnea is serious and warrants prompt attention due to its well-documented health risks. Chronic airway resistance negatively impacts the growth and development of dental arches and surrounding bone structures, leaving insufficient space for teeth, resulting in crookedness and misalignment.

Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of non-surgical orthodontic treatments such as Rapid Maxillary Expanders (RME) and Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPE). These treatments significantly expand the upper airway, dramatically improving airflow and potentially curing chronic airway resistance or sleep apnea without the need for surgery. With over a century of documented success and thousands of supporting scientific studies, early orthodontic intervention, especially during growth stages, proves highly beneficial in addressing these airway issues.

Consider the following questions about your child’s behavior and sleep habits:

• Does your child snore?
• Is your child disruptive in school?
• Does your child awaken during the night?
• Does your child grind their teeth?
• Does your child fall asleep during school?
• Does your child wet the bed?
• Does your child have a difficult time paying attention?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation at Wise-Lee Orthodontics.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a significant pediatric issue, affecting approximately 18 million people in the U.S. Pediatric OSA involves prolonged, partial, or complete upper airway obstructions during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing and poor sleep quality.

Common signs of untreated sleep apnea in children include:

• Bedwetting
• Poor academic performance
• Misdiagnosed ADHD
• Agressive behavior
• Developmental delays

Screening of Sleep Disordered Breathing

At Wise-Lee Orthodontics, we utilize advanced 3D imaging technology to evaluate your child’s airway shape and size accurately. Our screenings assess the relationship between airway functionality and dental alignment, allowing for early orthodontic interventions designed to improve breathing and promote healthy development.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today for a thorough assessment and personalized treatment recommendations to enhance your child’s dental and overall health.