Family Dentistry Services

Airway Dentistry

We believe that dentistry plays a vital role in whole-body health, and that supporting the airway can positively influence sleep, development, and quality of life.

Our Approach

Our philosophy is preventative, personalized, and collaborative. We believe that dentistry plays a vital role in whole-body health, and that supporting the airway can positively influence sleep, development, and quality of life. Every patient is different, and treatment recommendations are tailored to individual needs, age, and goals. 

If you’re curious about how breathing, sleep, and oral development may be connected—or if you or your child are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above—we invite you to schedule an airway consultation. Understanding the airway is an important step toward supporting lifelong health. Contact our office today to learn more or to book your airway evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Gentle Dentist Smile Spa. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our dental offices in St. Clair Shores.

Caring Dental Services for the Whole Family

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

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