Airway Orthodontics

What is Airway Orthodontics?

At Race Orthodontics, we believe orthodontics is about much more than straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Sometimes, a crowded or crooked smile signals that the jaw isn’t growing as it should. Bad habits or jaw issues can contribute to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB).

Airway orthodontics is our approach to factoring in these issues when designing treatment. It allows us to create a plan that focuses on overall health, not just aesthetics. With a board‑certified orthodontist guiding treatment decisions, we aim for precise diagnosis and reduce unnecessary procedures.

Wide view of orthodontic treatment area at Race Orthodontics.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea happens when the airway collapses during sleep, temporarily blocking breathing. While the sleeper may not fully wake, their body reacts: releasing stress hormones, increasing heart rate, and forcing muscles to reopen the airway. This cycle may repeat throughout the night, pulling someone out of deep sleep repeatedly.

This constant stress on the body is harmful. Elevated cortisol, interrupted sleep, and metabolic disruptions can impact immunity, hormone balance, memory, digestion, and many other systems.

Symptoms of OSA & SDB

Snoring
Mouth Breathing
Enlarged Tonsils/Adenoids
Facial & Jaw Deformities
Restless Sleep & Drowsiness During the Day
Short Attention Span or ADD/ADHD
Bed Wetting

Digital dental X-ray of teeth and jaw at Race Orthodontics.

Causes

There are several factors that commonly lead to airway issues:

Obstructive tissues (enlarged tonsils, adenoids, turbinate bones (in the nose), deviated septum)
Lack of room for the tongue (narrow jaws, recessive upper and lower jaws, tongue-tied)

Treatment

Growth-oriented Orthodontics (jaw expansion, advancement of upper and/or lower jaws to create room for the tongue and open the airway) rather than pulling teeth.
An Orthodontist may recommend referral to an ENT specialist for the reduction of obstructive tissues, such as removal of tonsils or adenoids, management of allergies, or other appropriate thera pies. Research demonstrates that the most effective and lasting results are often achieved when orthodontic treatment is coordinated with these medical interventions.

How We Treat It and When Should You Start?

Instead of merely pulling teeth, we lean into growth-driven orthodontics: expanding or advancing the upper and/or lower jaw to open space for the tongue and clear the airway. In many cases, we coordinate with ENT specialists to remove obstructive tissues (tonsils, adenoids), address allergies, or perform other complementary therapies. The best, most lasting results often happen when orthodontic treatment and medical care work together.

When should you contact us? As soon as you notice symptoms or have concerns. The age of 6–8 is often pivotal for early diagnosis, but sometimes treatment may be needed even earlier. In cases needing collaboration with an ENT, we begin that conversation right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is airway-focused orthodontics?wpdevteam2026-06-12T14:58:12+00:00

What is airway-focused orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics focuses on more than just straightening teeth; it ensures the jaw and facial structures are properly aligned to allow for an open, unobstructed airway. This improves overall breathing, concentration, and sleep quality.

How do I know if my child has a sleep-disordered breathing issue?wpdevteam2026-06-12T14:58:32+00:00

How do I know if my child has a sleep-disordered breathing issue?

Signs of an obstructed airway or sleep-disordered breathing in children can include chronic mouth breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, bedwetting, waking up tired, or behavioral issues often misdiagnosed as ADHD.

Can airway orthodontics help adults with sleep apnea or snoring?wpdevteam2026-06-12T14:58:52+00:00

Can airway orthodontics help adults with sleep apnea or snoring?

Absolutely. By widening narrow dental arches and properly positioning the jaw, we can often increase airway volume in adults, which helps naturally reduce snoring and alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

How do orthodontic appliances improve breathing?wpdevteam2026-06-12T14:59:28+00:00

How do orthodontic appliances improve breathing?

Appliances like expanders gently widen the upper jaw, which in turn widens the floor of the nasal cavity. This increases nasal airflow and trains the body to stop mouth breathing, leading to healthier oxygen intake and sleep cycles.

Do I need a sleep study before starting airway orthodontic treatment?wpdevteam2026-06-12T14:59:44+00:00

Do I need a sleep study before starting airway orthodontic treatment?

While a formal sleep study isn’t always required to begin treatment, we work closely with local ENTs, pediatricians, and sleep specialists. We may recommend a sleep study if we notice severe clinical signs of sleep-disordered breathing during your exam.

What Our Patients Say

“I received a thorough exam for orthodontia from Dr Race and he found that I did not require treatment. I was impressed with the ethical manner in which he conducts his practice. My son did his corrective treatment with Dr Race and he was very pleased with the outcome.”

Laurie C

“I REALLY WISH I WOULD’VE FOUND THIS PLACE EARLIER!!❤️ All the staffs were very helpful, asked, and answered any questions or concerns I had! MADE ME FEEL VERY VERY COMFORTABLE, so sweet! I can’t wait for my next appointment !”

siworld

“Race Orthodontics is fantasic with both of our daughters! Both girls have unique teeth/mouths and we appreciate the expertise that Race has to offer! The doctors are amazing – the staff is always friendly and we love coming to our appointments!”

Jennifer Ryan

“Dr Kevin and Dr Danielle are amazing, and so is their staff. Very professional atmosphere, without lacking in genuine concern. Always looked forward to my next appointment and the result is unbelievable! I’m just disappointed that I didn’t decide to go sooner!”

Nicole Kafkas