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

       
   Race Orthodontics
   183 Google reviews 
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   Murphy Jackson 
 13 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter couldn't wait to get braces .She is very excited that we picked Race
  
 
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   Kristen Vento 
 22 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Connor Kopp 
 22 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good service and the orthodontists are nice
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Griffin Kopp 
 22 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Efficient and professional
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Kayla Rickard 
 28 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kind, prompt, fun environment
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Ashley Reynolds 
 29 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone here is amazing, so nice, so professional. Both of my kids are getting ortho work done and now I am too! Wouldn't recommend any other place for treatment. Thank you so much for taking care of us!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Randy Wilson 
 29 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely the best orthodontist team around! We have 3 children here and have never had a bad experience. Keep up the great work team Race!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Stan Tanner 
 30 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Race and his team are fantastic. Both of my kids have completed their braces through him and had great results. We did a lot of research before choosing an orthodontist and ultimately chose Dr. Race even though we live in Oconomowoc and it’s a 35 minute drive. It has definitely been worth it, and I would highly recommend him and his team.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Renee Adams 
 30 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Race orthodontics is awesome! It has been a great experience for all of our children. My child used to be shy to smile, but ever since she has been going to Race Orthodontics she has gained more confidence. Thank for giving her that confidence to smile! She is hoping to smile at her first Badger game!
  
 
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   Jennifer Faber 
 35 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best place ever! My kids love seeing Dr. Race. They are so great with the kids. It is such a welcoming environment!

We welcome patients of all ages

Traditional braces & Clear aligners

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Airway Orthodontics

What is Airway Orthodontics?

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

Symptoms of OSA & SDB

Causes

How We Treat It and When Should You Start?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is airway-focused orthodontics?

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

Can airway orthodontics help adults with sleep apnea or snoring?

How do orthodontic appliances improve breathing?

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

What Our Patients Say

Orthodontic Insights

Coming Soon

How Airway Orthodontics Improves Sleep and Concentration in Children

Choosing the Best Braces Options: A Guide from Your Orthodontist in Brookfield

Adult Orthodontics in Brookfield and Mukwonago, WI: It’s Never Too Late to Transform Your Smile

Where to Find Us

Brookfield

Mukwonago

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