Orthodontics has traditionally been focused on tooth alignment, but did you know doctors Armbrecht, Wierenga and Schwager have training that goes beyond just moving teeth? Our doctors have received training in dentofacial orthopedics - controlling and manipulating the bones of the face to establish proper function and balance.
Our Grand Rapids Airway Orthodontists have received many hours of breathing and sleep quality related continuing education so that we can not only focus our efforts on creating beautiful smiles, but also ensure healthy jaws and an attention towards our patients breathing and sleep quality.
What is Airway Orthodontics?
- Beyond Tooth Alignment: Airway orthodontics goes beyond traditional orthodontic treatment by considering how the structure of the teeth and jaws can affect breathing and overall health.
- Focus on Breathing and Sleep: It aims to improve breathing and sleep quality by addressing issues like obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and mouth breathing.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Airway orthodontics often involves collaboration with other specialists, such as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists and pulmonologists, to address both hard (jaw bones and teeth) and soft tissue (tonsils, adenoids) problems.
- Treatment Options:
- Growth-Oriented Orthodontics: This involves expanding the upper and/or lower jaws to create more space for the tongue and improve airway function, often avoiding tooth extractions.
- Tonsil/Adenoid Removal: Addressing obstructive tissues through procedures like tonsil/adenoid removal can improve airflow.
- Sleep Apnea Devices: In some cases, dental appliances like mandibular advancement splints can be used to treat sleep apnea.
How Orthodontics Can Help with Airway Issues:
- Correcting Bite Problems: Orthodontic treatment can correct bite problems (excess overbite, dental crowding and tongue constriction, excess overjet caused by a recessive lower jaw, etc.) that can contribute to airway obstruction.
- Expanding the Airway: Orthodontic appliances can widen or expand the upper jaw, which affect the floor of the nasal cavity and increase airflow.
- Improving Tongue Space: By addressing jaw and tooth positioning, orthodontics can create more space for the tongue, which is crucial for proper airway function.
Promoting Nasal Breathing: Orthodontic treatment can help establish proper nasal breathing patterns, which are essential for optimal oxygen intake and overall health.
Benefits of Airway Orthodontics:
- Improved Breathing:Airway orthodontics can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms of sleep apnea, snoring, and mouth breathing.
- Better Sleep Quality: By ensuring proper airflow, airway orthodontics can lead to more restful nights and increased energy levels during the day.
- Overall Health Improvements: Addressing airway issues can have a positive impact on overall health, including reducing the risk of sleep-disordered breathing and other related health problems.
- Preventing Future Problems: Early orthodontic intervention can help prevent deficient facial growth, disturbed sleep, and crooked teeth, if started early.
Who best qualifies for Orthodontic treatment to promote Airways:
- Growing Children: A growing child has facial bones that are more easily improved with orthodontic appliances such as expanders and appliances that promote forward growth of the lower jaw
- Adults: A non-growing adult with proper jaw positioning can benefit from a resolution of dental crowding and an increase in tongue space. Those with improper jaw position and function can benefit from more involved treatment such as the non-surgical miniscrew anchored palatal expansion (MARPE) or the surgically assisted palatal expansion (SARPE) procedures.
Get Started Today
If you believe you or a family member could benefit from orthodontic treatment that specifically addresses airway, breathing, and sleep quality concerns, look no further than Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation!