Airway Orthodontics for Better Breathing
Orthodontics isn’t just about achieving a beautifully aligned smile—it plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being. At Orthodontic Studio of Brooklyn, Dr. Mariah Pewarski recognizes the deep connection between oral health and systemic health, which is why we incorporate airway evaluation into our diagnostic process.
Certain oral habits and jaw structures can contribute to conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Airway orthodontics focuses on specialized treatment methods, such as expanding a patient’s airway, to help alleviate these issues and improve overall health.
What Are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder where the relaxation of the throat muscles leads to temporary airway blockages, interrupting breathing and reducing oxygen levels. These interruptions can trigger the release of cortisol, increasing heart rate and blood pressure and disrupting restorative sleep with symptoms like snoring and gasping.
Over time, OSA causes chronic stress, leading to exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue. It can also contribute to headaches, anxiety, weight gain, and, in children, poor school performance and behavioral issues. OSA is linked to serious health conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, weakened immune response, and diabetes.
Signs and Symptoms of OSA and SDB
Snoring
Pauses in breathing during sleep
Mouth breathing
Short attention span, hyperactivity, or ADD/ADHD
Restless sleep and daytime drowsiness
Snorting, coughing, or choking during sleep
Nighttime sweating or bedwetting
Poor weight gain
Sleep terrors
Behavioral and learning difficulties
What Causes Airway Obstruction?
OSA and SDB are often caused by structural or physiological factors that restrict airflow, including:
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (which can block airflow)
Narrow jaws or a recessed upper or lower jaw (reducing space for the tongue)
Tongue-tie (restricted tongue movement)
Obesity (more common in adults)
Treatment Options for Airway Obstruction
Prompt intervention and treatment can make a significant difference in improving airflow and sleep quality. Common treatment approaches include:
Reducing or removing obstructive tissues (such as tonsil and adenoid removal to promote nasal breathing)
Growth-oriented orthodontics (jaw expansion and advancement to create more room for the tongue and increase upper airway volume)
When Should You Seek Treatment?
It’s essential to address airway issues as soon as possible. Many growth modification techniques are most effective when started at an early age—often around 6 or 7 years old—to maximize skeletal development and ensure proper airway function.
If you suspect that you or your child may be experiencing signs of OSA or SDB, don’t wait. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment, and let us help you breathe easier and sleep better!
