Developing a healthy smile involves more than just aligning the teeth. At Airway Orthodontics, our Sacramento orthodontic experts focuses on how the three-dimensional growth of the jaw supports proper breathing and long-term oral health and wellness. We believe that by considering the “whole child,” we can guide development in a way that promotes lifelong functional health.

Understanding The Importance Of Early Growth Guidance

Early orthodontic evaluations are designed to monitor the development of a child’s jaw structure and facial growth. This proactive approach allows us to identify potential issues with tongue space and breathing mechanics before they become more complex in adulthood.

By focusing on functional development early, we can support the natural growth of the dental arches. Many families report that this early attention to jaw width and depth helps create a more stable foundation for a healthy life. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive evaluation that considers how the teeth, jaws, and airway work together as a single, functional system through our expert airway orthodontics for children.

Subtle Red Flags In A Developing Child’s Jaw And Breathing

Children’s symptoms related to airway and jaw development may differ significantly from those of adults and can present more subtly. Recognizing these signs early allows our team to provide a comprehensive evaluation and custom planning for your child.

While mouth breathing is a well-known indicator, other signs may suggest that the jaw is not developing at an optimal rate. If you notice these behaviors, it may be time to discuss growth guidance and facial development with our team:

  • Restless Sleep: Frequent tossing and turning or sleeping in unusual positions to keep the airway open.
  • Teeth Grinding: Also known as bruxism, this can be a sign that the body is trying to move the jaw forward to open the airway.
  • Dark Circles: Often referred to as “allergic shiners,” these can appear under the eyes even when the child is well-rested.
  • Daytime Irritability: Difficulty focusing or symptoms that mimic ADHD may sometimes be related to poor sleep quality.
  • Bedwetting: Persistent bedwetting can sometimes be linked to the body’s ability to regulate oxygen levels during sleep.
  • Narrow Palate: A high-arched or narrow roof of the mouth often limits the space available for the tongue.
  • Dental Crowding: Overlapping baby teeth are often a physical sign that the jaw lacks the necessary width for a full adult smile.

How Three-Dimensional Jaw Development Influences Tongue Space

Proper jaw development is not just about the width of the smile; it involves the width, depth, and height of the entire structure. This three-dimensional growth is essential for creating adequate space for the tongue to rest comfortably against the palate.

When the jaw does not grow to its full potential, the tongue may drop toward the back of the throat during rest or sleep. Our airway-conscious orthodontic approach is designed to support the natural expansion of these structures. By optimizing the space within the mouth, we may contribute to more comfortable nasal breathing and better overall airway health for the developing child.

The Role Of Collaboration With Medical Providers

At Airway Orthodontics, we recognize that airway health is a multi-faceted concern that often requires a team approach. We focus on the dental and skeletal side of jaw development while respecting the boundaries of medical care.

We do not diagnose or treat sleep apnea, as it is a medical condition that must be evaluated and managed by a physician or sleep-medicine provider. Our role is to support the structures that influence the airway and to work in collaboration with your child’s pediatrician or ENT when a medical evaluation is necessary. This collaborative philosophy ensures that your child receives the most comprehensive care possible from the appropriate experts.

The Difference Between Expansion And Comprehensive Development

It is common to hear the term “expansion” in orthodontics, but Dr. Kevin Adair, DDS, MSD, views this as only one part of the puzzle. True growth guidance focuses on the entire three-dimensional volume of the mouth and jaw.

Rather than simply widening the smile, our custom planning focuses on enhancing the depth and height of the oral cavity. This comprehensive approach is central to our skeletal expansion treatments, ensuring that the jaw is positioned in a manner that supports the facial muscles and the airway’s function. By guiding this growth while the bone is still pliable, we can often achieve a more stable and functional result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Airway-Focused Care

We generally recommend an initial evaluation by age seven. This is the period when many structural growth patterns become visible, and the first adult molars begin to establish the bite. Early monitoring allows us to provide guidance during the most active phases of facial development.

Although we do not provide myofunctional therapy in our office, it can complement airway-focused orthodontic care by helping retrain the tongue and facial muscles. When appropriate, we may recommend working with a qualified myofunctional therapist to ensure the soft tissues support the new skeletal structure.

While we do use many of the same tools, the philosophy is different. Traditional orthodontics often focuses on the final position of the teeth, whereas our airway-conscious approach focuses first on the structure of the jaw and the health of the airway, with tooth alignment following as a result of that stable foundation.

Support Your Child’s Healthy Growth At Airway Orthodontics

Our office is dedicated to helping children achieve lasting wellness through personalized orthodontic planning. Dr. Kevin Adair, DDS, MSD and our team take the time to understand each child’s unique needs to support their long-term growth and breathing mechanics.

If you have noticed any of these red flags or have concerns about your child’s jaw development, we are here to provide a thorough assessment. Contact Airway Orthodontics today at (916) 435-9575 to schedule an evaluation for your child.