Airway Orthodontics

What is Airway Orthodontics?

At Race Orthodontics, Orthodontics is a lot more than just straight teeth and a beautiful smile. We are focused on the overall health of our patients. One specific area this philosophy becomes important is when a child has a crowded or crooked smile. This is a sign that the jaw is not growing properly. Certain oral habits and jaw deformities can lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Airway Orthodontics refers to orthodontic treatment methods used to expand a patient’s airway in order to treat OSA and SDB.

Wide view of orthodontic treatment area at Race Orthodontics.

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

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway closes sufficiently during sleep and breathing stops. This triggers release of cortisol (the “fight or flight” or “survival” stress hormone) that increases heart rate and activates muscles to force breathing. Although the person doesn’t actually wake, they are driven from deep restorative sleep to “catch their breath”. Once they begin to relax to the deeper levels of sleep, it happens all over again.

This is hard on the body, imagine running a race all night long. You wake up exhausted and unrested, but more importantly, prolonged levels of increased cortisol negatively affects the immune system, normal hormone production, insulin function, gastric acid production, learning and memory retrieval, and a host of other organs and body functions.

Symptoms of OSA & SDB

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

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

Causes

The most common and significant causes of OSA and SDB are:

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

We treat OSA and SDB with these two methods:

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.
Reduction of obstructive tissues (Remove Tonsils/Adenoids, allergy correction or naturopathic) Research has shown that the best results occur when both are done!

When to Assess and Treat?

As soon as you are aware of the problem! Although 7-8 years of age is an important age for orthodontic correction, we can make a big difference in 3- to 6-year-olds with some simple and timely care. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

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