Airway-Centered Orthodontics Children - Face Focused Orthodontics

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Signs your child
might have an airway issue

Is your child a mouth breather?

Children with airway issues often breathe through their mouths, both when sleeping and awake. Mouth breathing can lead to long-term health problems and potential brain damage in your child. Mouth breathing is NOT normal breathing.

Does your child snore at night?

While it may seem cute when your child snores, snoring is actually a sign of a larger issue. It indicates an obstruction of the airway and should be brought to the attention of your pediatrician and airway orthodontist.

Does your child have a hard time waking up after long hours of sleep? Or difficulty concentrating at school?

Children who do not get enough restful sleep often struggle to wake up in the morning and stay alert throughout the day. Despite long hours of sleep, they may wake up tired due to disrupted sleep patterns caused by breathing difficulties. Persistent sleep issues can cause dark circles around the eyes, often referred to as “allergic shiners.” This lack of restful sleep can also lead to difficulty concentrating at school and often times they are even misdiagnosed as having ADHD.

Sleep apnea & poor sleep quality

can lead to increased rates of anxiety & mood disorders

A compromised airway can significantly impact a child’s health and well-being. Chronic mouth breathing can result in improper development of the face and jaws, leading to a smaller, compromised airway.

Symptoms in a CHILD with compromised airway:

Crooked or Crowded Teeth:

When a child’s airway is compromised, they may habitually breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. This can cause their teeth to shift and become crowded over time.

Chronic Allergies And Asthma:

A compromised airway can lead to increased susceptibility to allergies and asthma, which can cause:

Fatigue And Tiredness:

Poor sleep quality can lead to daytime fatigue and tiredness, making it difficult for children to concentrate and perform well in school.

Behavioral Problems:

Poor sleep quality and chronic fatigue can contribute to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, irritability, and difficulty focusing.

Delayed Growth And Development:

A compromised airway can lead to delayed growth and development in children, both physically and mentally.

Delayed Growth And Development:

A compromised airway can lead to delayed growth and development in children, both physically and mentally.

Mouth Breathing:

Children with a compromised airway may breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, which can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, and dental problems.

Narrow Dental Arches:

Mouth breathing can also lead to a narrow upper jaw, which can cause crowding and make it difficult for permanent teeth to come in properly.

Speech Difficulties:

Children with a compromised airway may have difficulty speaking clearly or pronouncing certain words.

Facial Development Anomalies:

Improper development of the face and jaws can lead to facial deformities, such as a small chin or a receding jawline.

It’s essential to address a compromised airway in children as early as possible. Children’s facial structures are still developing, which means they can be redirected to grow properly and prevent airway problems from getting worse or happening at all. By addressing the root cause of the problem, we can even reverse the issue if it’s severe.

The younger we start the treatment, the better the chances of success.