Airway Orthodontics in Kent WA Supporting Healthy Growth and Better Breathing
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
At Advanced Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care should support more than straight teeth, it should support your child’s full long-term health. Many parents first come to us because their child has crowded or crooked teeth. But what most families don’t realize is that these concerns often signal something deeper: the jaw may not be developing properly, which can affect how a child breathes, sleeps, and grows.
Airway Orthodontics focuses on improving the size and function of the airway by guiding healthy jaw development. This approach helps prevent or reduce issues such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), conditions that can impact attention span, emotional balance, daytime energy, and long-term wellness.
When the jaws are too narrow or positioned too far back, there isn’t enough space for the tongue and soft tissues. This can restrict airflow, especially at night. Airway Orthodontics uses growth-focused techniques to widen and reposition the jaws, creating more room for the tongue and opening the airway.
This approach supports children, teens, and even adults as they work toward healthier breathing, better sleep, and a stronger foundation for lifelong oral health.
What Are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when a person’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. Breathing pauses, the body struggles for oxygen, and the brain must jolt the body out of deep sleep to force a breath, even though the person never fully wakes up.
Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) includes a spectrum of breathing issues during sleep, from snoring and mouth breathing to more complex airway blockages.
When this happens over and over again, the body experiences significant stress:
- The brain triggers release of cortisol, a hormone associated with “fight or flight”
- Heart rate increases
- Muscles tighten to reopen the airway
- Deep, restorative sleep is repeatedly interrupted
Over time, this nighttime stress can affect multiple functions:
- Immune system strength
- Hormone balance
- Memory and learning
- Behavior and emotional regulation
- Digestion and metabolism
- Growth and development in children
Even if the child appears to “sleep through the night,” their body may feel like it has been working hard the entire time.
Common Symptoms of OSA and SDB
Parents often notice changes in sleep patterns, energy levels, or behavior long before they hear the words “airway issue.” Symptoms vary, but common signs include:
Breathing-Related Symptoms
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing (especially during sleep)
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Jaw or facial development concerns
Daytime Symptoms
- Restless sleep or frequent night waking
- Daytime drowsiness or low energy
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty focusing, short attention span, or behaviors resembling ADD/ADHD
- Bedwetting in some children
Early recognition allows us to step in sooner and support healthier growth.
What Causes Airway Issues in Children?
Many airway problems develop because there simply isn’t enough space for the tongue or soft tissues. Common causes include:
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Deviated septum or narrow nasal passages
- Narrow upper or lower jaws
- Recessed jaws
- Tongue-tie (restricted tongue movement)
- Chronic mouth breathing habits
These structural concerns can limit airflow and affect both breathing and growth.
How Is Airway Orthodontics Treated?
Airway Orthodontics uses growth-oriented treatment to support better breathing and proper jaw development. Instead of relying on tooth extraction or traditional methods that reduce space, we focus on creating room for the tongue and expanding the airway.
Treatment may include:
- Jaw expansion
- Upper or lower jaw advancement
- Guided growth appliances
- Early orthodontic intervention to influence jaw development
- Collaboration with ENT specialists for tonsil/adenoid reduction or nasal airway support
- Evaluation of tongue posture and possible tongue-tie release
Research shows the most effective outcomes happen when orthodontic treatment and airway-focused medical care work together.
When Should a Child Be Evaluated?
If you notice concerns with your child’s breathing, sleep habits, or facial growth, the best time to schedule an evaluation is as soon as possible. Early identification leads to better long-term results.
While the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic exam around age 7, many children with airway concerns benefit from evaluation at age 6 or earlier, with a dentist referral. Our orthodontic specialists in Kent, WA, offer a free consultation to help families understand whether treatment is needed and what steps to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airway Orthodontics often brings up questions for parents who want to understand how their child’s breathing, sleep, and jaw development work together. Below, you’ll find simple, helpful answers to the questions families in Kent, WA ask most often when exploring airway-focused orthodontic care.
Can airway orthodontics help my child sleep better at night?
Yes. When the airway is narrow or restricted, it can interrupt deep sleep. Airway orthodontic treatment helps create better jaw position and more room for the tongue, which can support smoother breathing. Many parents report that their child sleeps more soundly and wakes up more rested after treatment begins.
Is airway orthodontic treatment only for children who snore?
Not at all. Snoring is just one potential sign of an airway issue. Some children never snore but still struggle with mouth breathing, restless sleep, daytime tiredness, or difficulty focusing. Airway Orthodontics looks at how the jaws, tongue, and airway develop, not just nighttime noises.
How do I know if my child needs an airway evaluation?
You may want to schedule an evaluation if you notice:
Frequent mouth breathing
Restless sleep
Snoring, gasping, or breathing pauses
Behavioral concerns or trouble concentrating
Bedwetting
Crowded or narrow dental arches
A consultation allows the orthodontist to assess growth patterns, jaw shape, and airway space so you can understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
Can airway orthodontics prevent future problems?
In many cases, yes. By guiding jaw growth early, airway treatment can help reduce the risk of:
- Long-term mouth breathing
- Chronic sleep problems
- Speech issues
- Dental crowding
- Abnormal facial development
Early intervention supports healthier growth and may prevent more complex treatments later.
How long does airway orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on age, jaw development, and the severity of the airway issue. Many children begin to see improvements in breathing and sleep patterns early in the process, even before full orthodontic correction is complete. Your orthodontist will create a custom timeline based on your child’s needs.