Airway Orthodonticsin Greenwood
At Ellis Orthodontics, we believe a beautiful smile is just one part of a healthy life. Our approach goes beyond straightening teeth to consider the entire picture of your well-being, which is why we offer specialized airway orthodontics.
This forward-thinking field focuses on the relationship between your oral structures, jaw development, and your ability to breathe properly. An open, healthy airway is essential for quality sleep, proper growth, and overall vitality.
For many, issues like snoring, mouth breathing, and restless sleep can be signs of underlying problems with airway function. Dr. Paul Ellis is trained to identify the root causes of these issues and provide airway-focused treatment that can lead to life-changing improvements in both health and confidence for patients of all ages.
Understanding the Link Between Your Airway and Your Health
The way your jaw and teeth align has a direct impact on the size and shape of your airway. When the jaw is underdeveloped or misaligned, it can narrow the air passages at the back of the throat.
This restriction can lead to a condition known as sleep-disordered breathing, which covers a spectrum of issues from simple snoring to more serious conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Our goal with airway orthodontics is to guide the growth and development of the jaw and facial structures to create a more open and stable airway. By addressing the underlying structural problems, we not only create beautiful, straight smiles but also help our patients breathe, sleep, and live better.
Is Airway-Focused Treatment Right for Your Family?
Sleep-disordered breathing can affect anyone, from young children to adults, but the symptoms can look different depending on age. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting the right help.
Signs in Children
Early intervention is key. In children, an obstructed airway can affect everything from facial development to behavior and performance in school. Look for these common signs:
- Chronic mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Loud snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing at night
- Restless sleep, frequent waking, or night terrors
- Difficulty concentrating, ADHD-like symptoms, or behavioral issues
- Bedwetting beyond a typical age
- Crooked or crowded teeth
Signs in Adults
In adults, the symptoms of a compromised airway are often dismissed as normal signs of aging or stress. However, they can point to significant health concerns. Common signs include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
- Waking up with headaches
- Observed pauses in breathing during sleep (apnea)
- Difficulty losing weight
- High blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues
Our Approach to Airway Orthodontics
Your journey at Ellis Orthodontics begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We go beyond a standard orthodontic exam by using advanced diagnostic tools, like digital X-rays and 3D imaging, to carefully assess your airway and facial structures. Dr. Ellis will work to understand the root cause of any potential obstruction.
Based on this detailed analysis, we create a personalized airway-focused treatment plan. This may involve using custom oral appliances or other orthodontic techniques designed to:
- Encourage proper jaw growth and development.
- Widen the dental arches to create more space for the tongue.
- Improve nasal breathing and discourage mouth breathing.
- Position the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep.
We coordinate closely with other healthcare professionals, such as sleep physicians or ENTs, to ensure you receive complete and integrated care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is airway orthodontics just for children?
No, while early intervention is ideal, adults can also see significant benefits from airway-focused treatment. We offer solutions for patients of all ages to improve breathing and sleep quality.
Will my insurance cover this treatment?
Coverage can vary. Some medical or dental insurance plans may cover aspects of treatment for sleep-disordered breathing. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and explore our flexible financing options to make care affordable.
How is this different from traditional braces?
While traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on straightening teeth, airway orthodontics has a broader goal: to improve the function of the airway by guiding jaw and facial development. The result is a treatment that supports both a beautiful smile and better overall health.
Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, a healthy future starts with a conversation. At Ellis Orthodontics, we are committed to providing family-focused care that makes a real difference in your life. Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Ellis today to learn if airway orthodontics is the right solution for you.
We offer same-day starts and flexible scheduling to fit your busy life.