Orthodontic Care for Better Airway & Breathing Health

Orthodontic care can play a vital role in correcting airway and breathing issues by addressing oral habits and promoting proper facial and airway development. Early intervention can help ensure your child’s airway is functioning optimally, setting them on a path toward better long-term health. Learn how our specialized orthodontic treatments can support healthy breathing and development in children.

Early Intervention is Key to Healthy Airway Development

Early orthodontic intervention is crucial for identifying and addressing airway and breathing issues in children. Problems like mouth breathing, improper tongue posture, or narrow dental arches can lead to long-term health concerns, such as sleep apnea, poor sleep quality, and even issues with facial development. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that the first ortho evaluation be done at age 7, but we are happy to evaluate at the first sign of an airway issue. By starting treatment early, we can guide the growth and development of the jaw, teeth, and airway to promote proper breathing and oral function. This proactive approach helps prevent more serious health problems later in life and sets the foundation for a healthier, happier child.

Our team in Lubbock specializes in early orthodontic care designed to support optimal airway development and overall well-being. Plus, we can work with your general/pediatric dentists and myofunctional therapists to ensure continuity of care! Fill out the Pediatric Airway and Sleep Assessment here to get a head start on your child’s treatment or request an appointment below.

Symptoms of An Airway & Breathing Condition

Symptoms of an airway and breathing condition in children can sometimes be subtle but are important to recognize early. Common signs that may indicate an issue include:

Mouth Breathing: Regularly breathing through the mouth, even when at rest.
Snoring: Frequent snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.
Sleep Apnea: Pauses in breathing during sleep or gasping for air at night.
Restless Sleep: Tossing and turning, frequent waking, or difficulty staying asleep.
Daytime Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or drowsy during the day, despite seemingly adequate sleep.
Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling with focus and attention, often linked to poor sleep quality.
Crowded Teeth or Narrow Dental Arches: Physical signs that the airway may be compromised.
Behavioral Issues: Irritability or hyperactivity that can be linked to poor sleep due to breathing problems.

Featured Podcast Appearances

You’re the Cure w/ Dr. Ben Edwards

Breath: The Science of a Lost Art – James Nestor

In this episode of You’re the Cure w/ Dr. Ben Edwards, Dr. Massey discusses the role of breathing and food in bone structure, how a mother’s health during pregnancy plays a vital role in a child’s development, and other important topics related to breathing.

Moms in the Hub

How Dental Orthopedics and Orthodontics Can Affect Your Overall Health

In this episode of the Moms in the Hub podcast, Dr. James St. Clair shares insights into dental orthopedics and emphasizes the importance of beginning orthodontic care at a young age. While many associate orthodontics solely with cosmetic improvements, underlying issues in the mouth can affect breathing, chewing, speech, and much more. The right treatment can significantly improve not just your appearance, but also your overall health and self-esteem. Listen in to get informed on the broader benefits of early orthodontic care!

How an Orthodontist Can Help with Airway and Breathing Issues

Orthodontists play a crucial role in addressing airway and breathing issues by using specialized treatments to correct underlying structural problems in the mouth and jaw. By evaluating the alignment of the teeth, jaw, and facial structures, an orthodontist can identify factors that may be contributing to improper airway function, such as a narrow palate, misaligned teeth, or improper tongue posture. Here at Massey Orthodontics in Lubbock, TX, our mission statement is to “Love on people and help them flourish”. This means not only helping achieve a great smile but improving overall health for a fuller, healthier, more enjoyable life.

What Does Healthy Breathing Look Like?

The way you breathe can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. Proper breathing helps strengthen your immune system, keeps your mind sharp, improves sleep quality, reduces stress, and even aids in digestion! Good breathing can be characterized by closed lips, tongue toward the roof of your mouth, and breathing through your nose. Key components of good breathing include:

The Workers: Your nasal cavity, valves, tongue, and other tissues.
Your Behaviors: Deep, slow belly-focused breaths.
The Building Blocks: Your jawbones, facial muscles, teeth, and the roof of your mouth

How Can an Orthodontist Help with Breathing?

Orthodontists specialize in aligning the elements of your mouth, which can have a direct effect on our breathing. Early and thorough orthodontic intervention can be incredibly helpful in guiding healthy development, treating issues as they pop up, and creating the best breathing environment for your body.

For example, weak facial muscles around the jaw can mean your jaw falls out of alignment when you lay down to go to sleep, which can then put additional pressure on your throat and make breathing difficult. When you are not able to breath well, you can have trouble sleeping, which can turn into a domino effect of stress, difficulty concentrating, and more.

By addressing these structural issues early, orthodontists can help create a healthier airway and breathing pattern, improving not only your sleep but also your overall well-being. Proper orthodontic care can set the foundation for long-term health, helping you avoid the negative effects that come with improper breathing and allowing you to live more comfortably and stress-free.

Transform your smile with personalized care from Lubbock’s leading orthodontic team.

Ready to get started? All initial examinations are FREE and include x rays, photos, and a fully customized treatment plan with pricing so that you can make a choice that works best for you. Schedule today!