Airway Orthodontics for Adults & Children
You’ve probably heard about dental aligners, such as Invisalign treatment, to help straighten teeth. Dental aligners fix orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth and jaw or tooth misalignment (malocclusion). Aligners are also used in airway orthodontics.
When breathing disorders are linked to crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth, orthodontics are an effective treatment option. Dental aligners help realign teeth by slowly pushing them into proper position over time, just like traditional braces
If you struggle with a breathing disorder, the source of the problem may be a poorly developed oral structure. Continue reading to learn more about how dental aligners can help treat issues like sleep apnea, restricted airway, mouth breathing, etc.
Structural Issues Linked to Breathing Problems
The oral structure plays a huge role in both smile and facial development. It also dictates how we breathe, speak, chew, and affects various other factors regarding our general health.
When you have a healthy oral structure, your tongue sits at the roof of your mouth behind your teeth. This exerts pressure against the inside of your teeth, keeping them in proper alignment. The tongue also counteracts pressure that is exerted against the outside of your teeth by your cheeks.
Sometimes, the tongue does not rest at the roof of the mouth as it should. This may be caused by incorrect swallowing, tongue thrusting, tongue tie, thumb sucking, or mouth breathing. As a result, teeth shift and become crooked over time.
Improper tongue positioning can also be caused by crooked teeth. If your teeth are crooked or overcrowded, this can limit space for the tongue to rest comfortably at the roof of the mouth.
When the tongue does not maintain a proper resting position, it can impact orofacial development. It can result in a longer, narrower face and underdeveloped upper and lower jaws. When this occurs, the airway becomes restricted.
A restricted airway can lead to issues like sleep disordered breathing, oxygen deprivation, mood disorders, general health issues, dental problems, etc.
How Dental Aligners Help Treat Structural Breathing Disorders
Detecting and addressing airway restrictions in the early stages of a person’s life can prevent the necessity for surgical intervention. When a breathing disorder is caused by dental issues, or exacerbated by them, orthodontic treatment can help.
Airway orthodontics help enhance respiratory capacity by expanding the airway. By properly aligning teeth, there is more room for the tongue to rest at the roof of the mouth. This facilitates a greater flow of oxygen. Aligners can also help remedy jaw misalignment and malocclusion of the lower teeth.
When children have breathing disorders linked to structural developmental issues, aligners can significantly improve facial growth. Facial shape can also improve in adults with proper, long term treatment.
Depending on your current dental health, including jaw alignment, you may benefit from both top and bottom teeth aligners. Or you might need aligners for your top teeth only. Your treatment plan will be customized to your dental needs and oral structure.
If you or your child is struggling to breathe properly, it can affect physical development and mental and general health. At Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge, we provide patients with ways to naturally rectify their breathing issues. Visit us to learn more about airway orthodontics and our aligner treatment options.
Beyond Smiles – Teeth Aligners for Airway Restriction & Breathing Disorders
If you’re searching for “airway focused orthodontics near me” in Park Ridge, IL, contact us at Beyond Smiles. We offer a variety of non-invasive treatment options for breathing and sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and UARS.
Don’t wait to seek treatment, contact our dental professionals today.