Orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth. At our office in Carmel, IN our treatments are designed to support long-term health, not just aesthetics. We focus not only on straightening the teeth, but also on the growth, development, and alignment of the airway, palate and jaw.
What exactly does Airway-Focused mean?
Traditional orthodontics typically only focuses on aligning teeth. Airway orthodontics takes a step further by evaluating how the bite, jaw structure, and facial growth affect the ability to breathe through the nose and maintain an open airway.
If your have noticed that your child primarily breathes through their mouth while asleep or awake, has trouble sleeping, or is unusually tired throughout their day – read on to see if an airway-focused consultation is right for your family.
How Poor Jaw Development Affects the Airway and Breathing
Many modern breathing problems can stem from underdeveloped jaws and narrowed airways. These issues can lead to:
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Fatigue and poor sleep quality
- Behavioral issues stemming from lack of sleep
- Jaw tension and facial pain
- Speech or swallowing challenges
Our Process for Evaluation
Here at Emerick Orthodontics we try to make the process as quick and easy as we can. You can click here or call us at 317-660-5552 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
You can also fill out this short questionnaire, and email it to smile@emerickorthodontics.com.
Our Treatment Options
We believe in early intervention, also known as growth-oriented orthodontics, and we see kids as young as 7. If your child is presenting with one or more of the above issues, it may be essential to create room for the tongue, which can help to open the airway.
We believe in a team approach. Here at Emerick Orthodontics, we can place Palate Expanders – which help the advancement of the upper and/or lower jaws. We can work with your ENT for Tonsil/Adenoid removal. We work closely with myofunctional therapists to re-train the oral muscles, and can help diagnose tongue and/or lip ties which can be released by your choice of experts.