Airway Orthodontics: More Than Straight Teeth

Airway Orthodontics in Marysville, WA

Airway orthodontics is a modern approach to orthodontic care that focuses on how jaw development, tooth position, and facial growth affect breathing, sleep, and overall health. At Marysville Orthodontics, we provide airway-focused orthodontic treatment for children and adults, including innovative early evaluations for children as young as 3 years old.

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics evaluates the relationship between the jaws, teeth, tongue, and airway. When the jaws are narrow or underdeveloped, airflow can be restricted, potentially contributing to mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep-disordered breathing.

Unlike traditional orthodontics that focuses only on straightening teeth, airway orthodontics prioritizes:

  • Healthy jaw development

  • Proper tongue posture

  • Nasal breathing

  • Balanced facial growth

  • Long-term airway health

Early Airway Orthodontics for Children

Early airway orthodontic treatment can begin as young as age 3. At Marysville Orthodontics, we use gentle, age-appropriate techniques to guide facial growth and airway development during the most important years of childhood growth.

Benefits of early airway orthodontics may include:

  • Improved breathing and sleep quality

  • Reduced need for future orthodontic treatment

  • Better facial balance and jaw development

  • Support for proper oral habits

Orthodontic Treatments That Support the Airway

Airway-focused orthodontic treatment may include:

  • Palatal expansion to widen the upper jaw and improve nasal airflow

  • Growth guidance appliances to support forward jaw development

  • Functional orthodontic appliances

  • Braces or clear aligners planned with airway health in mind

Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Orthodontic Evaluation

Parents should consider an airway evaluation if their child shows signs such as:

  • Mouth breathing

  • Snoring or restless sleep

  • Crowded teeth or narrow arches

  • Frequent congestion or allergies

  • Behavioral or attention concerns related to poor sleep

Airway Orthodontics for Adults

Adults can also benefit from airway-conscious orthodontic care. While growth modification is limited, treatment can help optimize tongue space, bite function, and jaw position as part of a comprehensive airway health plan.

Schedule an Airway Orthodontic Consultation in Marysville

At Marysville Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care should support both a beautiful smile and healthy breathing. If you are concerned about your child’s airway development or your own sleep and breathing, our team is here to help.

Contact Us today to schedule an airway orthodontic consultation.

Robert Lee