Airway Orthodontics:
What you need to know
At Kirk Orthodontics, we focus on evidence-based orthodontic care that not only aligns teeth but also considers the overall health and function of the airway. While orthodontists are not medical providers who diagnose or treat airway disorders, we play an important role in identifying potential concerns and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure our patients receive comprehensive care.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
"Airway Orthodontics" refers to an approach that considers how jaw and dental development may be connected to breathing function. While orthodontic treatment alone does not "cure" airway issues such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or snoring, certain orthodontic techniques can help create more favorable conditions for nasal breathing and optimal jaw growth in children.
At Kirk Orthodontics, we take a balanced and science-driven approach to evaluating facial growth, jaw development, and breathing patterns. When necessary, we collaborate with physicians, sleep specialists, and other healthcare providers to ensure our patients receive the care they need.
The Relationship Between Orthodontics and Breathing
Breathing and facial development are closely related, but the connection is complex and varies between individuals. While orthodontic treatment may help improve conditions that contribute to better breathing, it's important to separate facts from misinformation.
✔ Orthodontists do not diagnose sleep apnea – Only a sleep physician can do this using a formal sleep study.
✔ Some jaw structures may impact breathing – Issues such as a narrow palate, retrusive lower jaw, or excessive crowding can contribute to reduced airflow.
✔ Expansion treatments may improve airflow – In growing children, palatal expansion can help widen the nasal passages and potentially support better breathing.
✔ There is no single “airway-friendly” orthodontic treatment – Every patient is unique, and treatment should always be tailored to individual needs based on proper diagnosis.
If concerns about breathing arise, we work closely with medical professionals to determine whether orthodontic treatment may be beneficial as part of a larger care plan.
When Might Airway Concerns Be Considered in Orthodontics?
While orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct medical airway disorders, it may be one part of a multidisciplinary approach in cases where certain structural factors are contributing to breathing difficulties. We may evaluate orthodontic treatment for patients with:
Chronic mouth breathing that has led to changes in jaw development
Narrow upper jaw (maxillary constriction) that may contribute to nasal airflow restriction
Severe overbite or underbite affecting tongue posture and airway space
Pediatric patients with jaw growth issues that may worsen with time
If airway concerns are identified, we may recommend further evaluation by a sleep specialist, ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor), or pediatrician to ensure all aspects of breathing and sleep health are properly assessed.
Orthodontic Treatments That May Play a Role in Airway Development
At Kirk Orthodontics, we always prioritize individualized care based on scientific evidence. Some orthodontic treatments that may support proper jaw and airway development include:
Palatal Expansion (RPE – Rapid Palatal Expansion)
For children with a narrow upper jaw, palatal expansion can widen the airway by increasing nasal volume and improving airflow. Expansion is most effective before the palate fuses in late adolescence.
Growth Guidance Appliances
Certain orthopedic appliances may be used in growing children to encourage balanced jaw development. This can help optimize oral posture, tongue positioning, and overall function.
Collaboration with Medical Experts
If orthodontic or skeletal concerns are linked to airway issues, we work closely with physicians, ENTs, and sleep specialists to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
Separating Fact from Fiction: Common Myths About Airway Orthodontics
With the growing interest in airway health, there is a lot of misinformation online. At Kirk Orthodontics, we are committed to providing honest, evidence-based care. Here’s what you should know:
Myth: "Orthodontists can treat sleep apnea."
Fact: Sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment by a sleep physician. Orthodontics may play a supporting role in some cases, but it is not a standalone solution.
Myth: "Mouth breathing is always caused by orthodontic problems."
Fact: Mouth breathing can result from nasal congestion, allergies, or medical conditions, not just jaw structure. Orthodontic treatment isn’t necessarily the solution to mouth breathing, as other interventions may be indicated as well, or instead.
Myth: "I was told that my child chewing on this appliance would grow their jaws enough to prevent them having crooked teeth and from ever needing braces."
Fact: While early intervention can help guide jaw growth in certain circumstances, there is no appliance that can guarantee a child will never need braces. Jaw and tooth development are complex and influenced by genetics, growth patterns, and environmental factors. Claims that an appliance used on a young child can "eliminate the need for braces" are unrealistic and not supported by scientific evidence.
Our Approach at Kirk Orthodontics
At Kirk Orthodontics, we take a practical, science-based approach to airway health in orthodontics. If there are concerns about breathing or airway function, we will:
Perform a thorough orthodontic evaluation to assess jaw growth and dental alignment.
Screen for signs of potential airway concerns and, if needed, refer to a sleep specialist or ENT for further assessment.
Work collaboratively with medical professionals to determine whether orthodontic treatment may be beneficial as part of a broader treatment plan.
Our goal is to help our patients achieve healthy, confident smiles while ensuring their treatment is guided by the latest scientific research.
Our Early Treatment Philosophy
At Kirk Orthodontics, we believe that early orthodontic treatment should only be recommended when it provides a clear functional benefit—making future treatment more efficient and leading to better long-term outcomes.
While some providers may suggest early interventions that add extra burden without true necessity, our philosophy is to keep treatment as simple as possible and only target what is functionally required.
For certain bite concerns, early intervention is critical because after approximately age 10, the sutures between the facial bones begin to fuse. At this point, some types of jaw discrepancies can no longer be corrected without surgery. This is why an early consultation is essential—to determine if there is a time-sensitive window where treatment can be more effective and less invasive.
When early intervention is recommended, it is because it will:
Improve a child’s ability to breathe, chew, or speak comfortably
Prevent worsening issues that could become harder to correct later
Simplify future treatment by reducing the need for extractions or jaw surgery
We take a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to ensure that only the necessary treatments are pursued—because we believe that every child deserves the right care at the right time.
