Who Can Benefit from Airway-Focused Orthodontics?
Adults with various conditions can benefit from airway-focused orthodontic treatments. These treatments are particularly effective for those experiencing chronic issues related to the jaw, airway, and bite function.
Common Conditions That May Indicate a Need for Treatment
If you suffer from any of the following, airway-focused orthodontics may be the right solution:
- Chronic TMJ pain or jaw discomfort that leads to headaches and facial pain.
- Difficulty breathing through the nose, which forces habitual mouth breathing.
- Sleep-disordered breathing affecting sleep quality and energy levels.
- Previous orthodontic treatments that did not address airway function, leading to recurring issues.
- Bite misalignment, clenching, or grinding (bruxism) that contributes to jaw strain and discomfort.
Recognizing these signs early allows us to create a customized treatment plan that focuses on improving airway health and jaw stability.
Common Signs of Airway and Jaw Issues in Adults
Adults may experience a variety of symptoms that indicate the need for airway-focused orthodontic treatment. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant daily disruptions.
Some of the most common signs include:
- Frequent headaches or migraines, often linked to TMJ dysfunction.
- Clicking, popping, or pain in the jaw joint, signaling an underlying misalignment.
- Chronic mouth breathing, which can lead to dry mouth, dental issues, and poor oxygen intake.
- Fatigue, poor sleep quality, or excessive daytime sleepiness, associated with airway obstruction.
- Tension or pain in the neck, shoulders, and face, often caused by an unbalanced bite or jaw misalignment.
Addressing these symptoms with airway-focused orthodontics can lead to significant improvements in overall health and comfort.
How Airway-Focused Orthodontic Treatment Works
Unlike traditional orthodontic treatments that focus solely on alignment, airway-focused orthodontics aims to enhance the airway, improve jaw positioning, and restore proper function. By using advanced techniques, we help adults achieve long-term relief from breathing and jaw-related concerns.
Addressing the Root Cause of TMJ and Airway Issues
Many airway and jaw-related concerns stem from structural misalignments that restrict airflow or place strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Instead of masking symptoms, we focus on treating the underlying causes by:
– Expanding the jaw to create more space for the tongue and airway.
– Repositioning the bite to alleviate TMJ pressure and discomfort.
– Correcting oral posture and breathing patterns to encourage nasal breathing.
By addressing these factors, we help our patients achieve better breathing, reduced pain, and long-term stability.
Non-Invasive Treatment Options for Adults
Many adults worry that orthodontic treatment will require invasive procedures, but airway-focused orthodontics often uses gentle, non-invasive methods to create lasting change. Our treatment options include:
- Orthodontic expansion appliances to increase airway space and improve breathing.
- Skeletal expansion treatments, which optimize jaw structure and alignment.
Our practice does not provide myofunctional therapy in-office. However, myofunctional therapy offered by outside providers can complement orthodontic care by helping retrain the oral and facial muscles for healthier posture and function. When beneficial, we can recommend trusted myofunctional therapy professionals.
