Frequently Asked Questions

Airway Dentistry

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Airway Dentistry FAQs

Here you can find answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you have any further questions or can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us and we’ll make sure you get the information you need to make a confident decision about your dental health!

What is Airway Dentistry?

Airway dentistry is a collaborative, preventative approach that evaluates how oral anatomy, jaw position, tongue posture, and dental development influence breathing and sleep. 

Rather than focusing solely on teeth alignment, airway dentistry considers: 

  • Jaw size and position 
  • Tongue posture and function 
  • Palate (roof of the mouth) width and shape 
  • Nasal vs. mouth breathing patterns 
  • Bite relationship and dental crowding 

The goal is to identify airway risk factors early and support healthier breathing patterns over time. 

Why does the Airway matter?

The airway is the path that allows air to move freely through the nose and throat during the day and while sleeping. When this pathway is narrow, restricted, or unstable, the body may compensate in ways that affect sleep, behavior, growth, and overall well-being. 

Airway challenges are often linked to: 

  • Poor quality sleep or disrupted breathing during sleep 
  • Chronic mouth breathing 
  • Snoring (in children or adults) 
  • Daytime fatigue or difficulty focusing 
  • Jaw development concerns 
  • Teeth crowding or bite issues 
  • Headaches, jaw pain, or clenching/grinding 

Many patients are unaware that dental and facial development play a role in these symptoms. 

What happens during an Airway Evaluation?

An airway-focused consultation typically includes: 

  • A detailed health and sleep history 
  • Evaluation of breathing patterns and oral posture 
  • Assessment of jaw, bite, and dental development 
  • Review of any relevant imaging or records 
  • Discussion of findings and individualized recommendations 

When appropriate, we collaborate with other healthcare providers such as pediatricians, ENTs, sleep physicians, myofunctional therapists, and orthodontists to ensure comprehensive care. 

Who can benefit from an Airway Evaluation?

Airway evaluations can be beneficial for both children and adults. 

 

Children 

Early airway screening can help identify patterns that may affect growth and development, including:

  • Mouth breathing or open-mouth posture 
  • Snoring or restless sleep 
  • Behavioral or attention concerns 
  • Crowded teeth at a young age 
  • Narrow palate or crossbite 

Early intervention may reduce the need for more complex treatment later in life. 

 

Adults 

Adults may seek airway care for concerns such as: 

  • Snoring or sleep-related breathing issues 
  • Daytime fatigue or non-restorative sleep 
  • Jaw pain, headaches, or clenching/grinding 
  • Dental relapse after orthodontics 
  • Interest in optimizing sleep and overall health 
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