When someone mentions orthodontic treatment, usually the picture that pops into our mind is that of a teenager with a mouth full of braces. Most people think that orthodontics is only for straightening teeth, but it does much more than that. A newer branch, called airway orthodontics, connects the alignment of your teeth and jaws with your airway health. Let’s understand what airway orthodontics is and why it is important.
Getting Into the Basics of Airway Orthodontics
Having crooked teeth or bite problems may only seem like something that affects your smile. But did you know that orthodontic issues can actually be a reason for breathing difficulty, especially at night? That’s when you need to consider airway orthodontics.
Airway orthodontics looks beyond simple teeth straightening. It’s a modern approach that specifically addresses how your teeth, jaws and airway work together and affect your sleep and overall lifestyle.
In simple terms, that means using orthodontic appliances and techniques to guide jaw growth and teeth alignment in a way that improves normal breathing.
For example, if someone has a very narrow upper jaw, their tongue is going to have very limited space. That person is likely to have breathing issues during sleep. Airway-focused orthodontics widens the jaw, so there’s more room to breathe normally.
Who Can Benefit From Airway Orthodontics?
Many people (including both children and adults) can benefit from this approach, especially the ones who struggle with:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Sleep disordered breathing
- Jaw misalignment
The goal here is not just to correct how your teeth look. No, your orthodontist instead uses techniques to improve your teeth and jaw alignment in a way that supports healthy breathing.
Better breathing quality, particularly at night, means better health overall.
Can Airway Orthodontic Treatment Improve Your Sleep?
Many people are unable to have continuous rest at night because of sudden breathing pauses they experience during sleep. That’s one of the signs of sleep apnea.
Airway-focused orthodontics may help improve jaw development and create more space for the airway in appropriate cases. If sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, your orthodontist may work alongside your physician or sleep specialist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Is Airway Orthodontics Only for Children?
Not at all. Usually, orthodontists recommend starting it at an early age. That’s because children’s teeth and jaws are still developing, so it’s easier to guide their growth.
But this does not limit the treatment only to children. Adults with airway concerns may also benefit from an orthodontic evaluation. Depending on the cause of the problem, airway-focused orthodontic treatment may be one part of a broader treatment plan.
Your orthodontist will discuss what type of treatment you’ll need as an adult and how long it will take overall.
Summing Up
Regular braces make your teeth appear straighter. But for those who are bothered by misalignment and breathing issues, airway orthodontics is a much better choice. Talk to our orthodontist at Capital Springs Orthodontics today to learn whether it’s right for you. Contact us at (512) 447-6453 to book a visit.