By Dr. Mathue Faulkner, DDS, MS | Rise + Smile Orthodontics – South Austin, TX
As a father of two young daughters and a board-certified orthodontist here at Rise + Smile Orthodontics, I understand firsthand the importance of helping kids breathe, sleep, and smile comfortably. While most people associate orthodontics with straight teeth and beautiful smiles, what many don’t realize is that orthodontists can play a key role in diagnosing and treating airway issues in children.
Today, I want to shed some light on airway concerns in kids, why they matter, and how orthodontic treatment can make a life-changing difference.
What Are Airway Issues in Children?
An airway issue occurs when a child has difficulty breathing through their nose or mouth, often leading to poor sleep, behavioral problems, or even facial growth disturbances. These issues can be due to anatomical problems (such as a narrow palate, enlarged tonsils, or adenoids) or functional habits like mouth breathing.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and other airway disorders can lead to serious consequences if left untreated, including delayed growth, attention problems, and cardiovascular concerns.
Symptoms That May Indicate an Airway Problem
Parents often ask me, “How can I tell if my child might have an airway issue?” Here are some common signs to look for:
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Snoring or noisy breathing at night
- Frequent waking or restless sleep
- Bedwetting beyond typical age
- Chronic allergies or congestion
- Dark circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)
- Daytime sleepiness or trouble focusing
- ADHD-like symptoms
- Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing words
- Crowded teeth and narrow dental arches
- Long, narrow face shape (sometimes called “adenoid facies”)
If you notice a few of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your child evaluated—not only by your pediatrician but also by a board-certified orthodontist like myself.
How Orthodontics Can Help with Airway Issues
At Rise + Smile Orthodontics in South Austin, we routinely screen our younger patients for airway concerns during their first orthodontic visit—typically around age 7, following the American Association of Orthodontists recommendation.
When airway issues are suspected, here’s how we can help:
1. Early Diagnosis and Collaboration
Early detection is crucial. We work closely with local ENTs (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists) and myofunctional therapists to properly diagnose airway obstructions. Referrals for sleep studies, tonsil and adenoid evaluations, or myofunctional therapy are common parts of the process.
My approach is simple: I treat each child as if they were my own. If I see signs of an airway issue, I guide families toward getting the proper care—even when that doesn’t involve orthodontic appliances right away.
2. Palatal Expansion
One of the most effective orthodontic treatments for airway improvement is palatal expansion. A narrow upper jaw can constrict the nasal airway, making breathing more difficult. By using a palatal expander to widen the upper jaw, we can create more space in the mouth and nasal passages, often improving nasal breathing dramatically.
Studies, like this review in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, support the role of orthodontic expansion in improving pediatric obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
3. Guided Growth and Development
Through orthodontic appliances and techniques like functional appliances (e.g., twin block or Herbst appliances), we can help guide proper jaw growth, reduce mouth breathing, and promote healthier facial development—all of which contribute to a better, wider airway.
Early orthodontic intervention not only improves a child’s smile but also helps their entire face grow in a more balanced, healthy way.
4. Myofunctional Therapy Support
We often recommend myofunctional therapy when appropriate. Myofunctional therapy involves exercises that train the tongue, lips, and cheeks to function properly. It’s especially helpful for correcting habits like low tongue posture, tongue thrust, or mouth breathing—all of which can contribute to airway problems.
When combined with orthodontic treatment, myofunctional therapy can lead to long-lasting improvements in breathing and oral health.
Why Choose Rise + Smile Orthodontics for Airway-Focused Care?
At Rise + Smile Orthodontics, we’re not just about straight teeth—we’re about whole-body wellness. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Patient-First Philosophy: We guide treatment decisions based on what’s truly best for your child, not what’s most profitable.
- Expertise You Can Trust: As a board-certified orthodontist with a DDS and MS degree, I combine advanced training with a passion for delivering outstanding care.
- Family-Like Atmosphere: Our boutique office near William Cannon and 290 feels more like a second home than a clinic. We treat every patient like family.
- Team Approach: We maintain strong communication with your child’s pediatrician, dentist, ENT, and myofunctional therapist to ensure comprehensive care.
- Modern Technology: With 3D imaging, digital scanners, and the latest orthodontic advancements, we can diagnose and treat airway-related issues more effectively and comfortably.
Serving families from Circle C, Travis Country, Oak Hill, Buda, Shady Hollow, Kyle, Hays, Belterra, Sunset Valley, Dripping Springs, Onion Creek, Barton Creek, Tanglewood Forest, West Lake Hills, and all over South Austin, we’re proud to help kids not only smile better but also breathe better.
When Should You Have Your Child Evaluated?
The best time to bring your child in for a free consultation is around age 7. Even if no immediate treatment is needed, early evaluation helps catch potential problems—including airway issues—before they become bigger challenges later.
At Rise + Smile Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations so you can get answers without any pressure. We’ll walk you through everything we see and recommend a personalized plan if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Your child’s smile is important—but so is their ability to breathe, sleep, and thrive. Airway concerns can have serious effects on a child’s health and development, but with the right team on your side, they can be identified and addressed early.
If you’re a parent in South Austin or the surrounding neighborhoods and you have concerns about your child’s breathing, sleeping, or jaw development, Rise + Smile Orthodontics is here to help.
Schedule your free consultation today at riseandsmile.com and let’s work together to create healthier, happier futures—one smile (and breath!) at a time.
References:
- Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine: Orthodontic Treatments and Sleep Apnea
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
