Airway Orthodontics for Healthier Breathing
At Studio City Orthodontist, we believe orthodontics goes far beyond straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Our goal is to help patients live healthier, more comfortable lives by addressing issues that affect overall wellness. One of the most important connections between oral health and general health is the airway.
Airway orthodontics focuses on identifying and treating problems that can restrict breathing, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). By guiding proper jaw growth and improving airway function, we can support better sleep, better health, and better quality of life for both children and adults.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disordered Breathing?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep, usually by the tongue or soft palate collapsing backward. These blockages can occur 5 to 30 times per hour, causing a pause in breathing.
Each episode lowers oxygen levels in the blood, raises carbon dioxide, and triggers the release of cortisol (the “stress hormone”), which increases heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this cycle places the body under constant stress.
Common Effects of OSA and SDB
Loud snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep
Frequent waking or restless sleep
Daytime fatigue, irritability, or depression
Headaches, anxiety, or weight gain
Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes
For children, untreated airway problems can also lead to:
Learning difficulties and poor school performance
Hyperactivity, ADHD-like symptoms, or short attention span
Bedwetting or nighttime sweating
Behavioral challenges and sleep terrors
Symptoms of OSA and SDB
Parents and adults should watch for these warning signs:
Snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep
Persistent mouth breathing
Restless sleep or unusual sleep positions
Daytime drowsiness or difficulty paying attention
Hyperactivity or behavioral issues in children
Snorting, coughing, or choking at night
Nighttime sweating or poor weight gain
Common Causes
Airway problems can be linked to a variety of factors, including:
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids that block airflow
Narrow jaws or underdeveloped jaw structures that leave little room for the tongue
Tongue-tie (restricted tongue movement)
Obesity is more common in adults
Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on age, severity, and underlying cause. We use a growth-focused, airway-centered approach to provide lasting improvements.
Treatment may include:
Removal of obstructive tissues (such as tonsils or adenoids) to restore nasal breathing
Growth-oriented orthodontics to expand or advance the jaws, creating more room for the tongue and increasing airway volume
Early intervention in children to guide healthy skeletal growth and prevent long-term complications
When to Begin Assessment and Treatment
It’s never too early to address airway issues. In fact, many of the growth modification techniques we specialize in are most effective when started between the ages of 6 and 7. Early evaluation allows us to guide jaw and airway development while a child is still growing, significantly reducing the need for more complex treatment later in life.
Adults can also benefit from airway orthodontics, especially when combined with other medical care for sleep apnea.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep and Health
If you or your child shows signs of sleep-disordered breathing or airway issues, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can transform not just oral health, but overall well-being.
Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how airway orthodontics can help you or your child breathe easier, sleep better, and live healthier.
