Airway Orthodontics

At San Rafael Orthodontics, our mission extends far beyond merely aligning teeth and crafting attractive smiles. We prioritize patient wellness, especially when things like overcrowding or misaligned teeth cause underlying jaw development concerns. These issues may be linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Airway-focused orthodontic care utilizes targeted interventions to widen breathing passages and manage these health challenges.

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) develops when breathing passages become obstructed during rest, resulting in intermittent breathing stops. This activates the body’s alarm system, increasing pulse rate and preventing deep, rejuvenating slumber. While individuals may not completely wake up, these constant disturbances result in exhaustion during waking hours and numerous health complications, including compromised immunity and diminished mental performance.

Typical Warning Signs:

• Snoring or Loud breathing during sleep
• Breathing through the mouth
• Swollen throat tissues/adenoids
• Abnormal facial and jaw structure
• Agitated sleep patterns and excessive tiredness during the day
• Emotional instability
• Brief focus duration or attention deficit disorders
• Nighttime bladder control issues

Contributing Factors:

• Blocking tissues (such as swollen throat structures, crooked nasal passages)
• Inadequate room for proper tongue positioning (including narrow jaw structure, underdeveloped jaw placement, restricted tongue movement)

Optimal Timing for Evaluation and Care

Prompt action proves essential. Although ages 7-8 represent a critical window for orthodontic assessment, our practice commonly begins seeing young patients at age 6 following dental professional recommendations and age 7 according to American Association of Orthodontists guidelines. Reach out to San Rafael Orthodontics now for a no-cost consultation to discover how airway-centered orthodontic treatment can improve your child’s overall health and quality of life.