Airway Orthodontics Treatment
At Advanced Orthodontics in Everett, WA, we believe orthodontic care is about so much more than straight teeth, it’s about supporting your overall health and quality of life. A healthy smile starts with proper function, and that includes how you breathe.
Dr. Lewandowski takes a comprehensive approach to orthodontic diagnosis, which means we look beyond alignment and consider the airway as an important part of treatment planning. Certain oral habits and jaw development concerns can contribute to conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB).
Airway orthodontics refers to orthodontic methods, such as expanding the jaw and improving airway space, that may help support healthier breathing, especially in growing children.
What Are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when the muscles in the throat, including the tongue and soft palate, relax during sleep and partially block the airway. This can cause breathing to repeatedly stop and start throughout the night.
These interruptions may lower oxygen levels and increase carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. The body responds by releasing cortisol, the “stress hormone,” which can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
Even if you don’t fully wake up, symptoms such as snoring, choking, or gasping can occur many times per hour, preventing deep, restorative sleep.
Over time, disrupted sleep can leave both adults and children feeling exhausted, irritable, and unfocused.
Research has shown links between untreated OSA and serious health concerns such as:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Suppressed immune response
- Diabetes
Children with airway-related sleep issues may struggle with attention, learning, and behavior in school.
Symptoms of OSA and Sleep Disordered Breathing
Some of the most common signs of airway concerns include:
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Mouth breathing
- Restless sleep or daytime drowsiness
- Short attention span, hyperactivity, or ADD/ADHD-like symptoms
- Snorting, coughing, choking, or gasping at night
- Nighttime sweating or bedwetting
- Poor weight gain
- Sleep terrors
- Behavioral or learning difficulties
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or your child, an evaluation may be helpful.
What Causes Airway and Sleep Breathing Issues?
OSA and SDB can be caused by several factors, including:
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Narrow jaws or limited tongue space
- Recessed upper or lower jaw development
- Tongue-tie or low tongue posture
- Obesity (more common in adults)
Dr. Lewandowski evaluates these factors as part of a complete orthodontic assessment.
Airway Orthodontic Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the issue. In many cases, a team-based approach may be recommended.
Possible treatment options include:
- Removal or reduction of obstructive tissues (such as tonsils or adenoids) to support nasal breathing
- Growth-oriented orthodontics, including jaw expansion or advancement to increase airway volume and tongue space
- Early orthodontic intervention to guide healthy development
Our goal is always to support proper breathing, function, and long-term wellness.
When Should Airway Concerns Be Assessed?
The earlier airway issues are identified, the better. Many growth modification techniques are most effective when started early, often around age 6 or 7, while a child is still developing.
If you suspect breathing or sleep concerns, it’s important to seek guidance as soon as possible.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation in Everett, WA
At Advanced Orthodontics, Dr. Lewandowski is proud to offer personalized, health-focused orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. If you have questions about airway orthodontics or want to schedule an evaluation, contact our Everett office today for a complimentary consultation. Your child’s healthiest smile, and healthiest sleep, may start here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airway orthodontics is an area of growing interest for many families in Everett, WA, especially parents who notice mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep concerns in their child. Because breathing and jaw development are closely connected, it’s natural to have questions about what airway-focused orthodontic care involves. Below are some of the most common questions patients search for when learning about airway orthodontics at Advanced Orthodontics.
Can orthodontic treatment really help with breathing issues?
In certain cases, yes. Orthodontic treatment that supports jaw development and creates more space in the mouth may improve airflow, especially in growing children. While orthodontics is not a standalone cure for sleep apnea, it can be an important part of a comprehensive care plan.
Is airway orthodontics only for children?
Airway-focused orthodontic care is most commonly used for children because growth modification is possible during development. However, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment that improves bite and jaw positioning as part of a broader airway or sleep care approach.
What is the difference between airway orthodontics and traditional orthodontics?
Traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on straightening teeth and correcting bite alignment. Airway orthodontics also considers how jaw growth, tongue posture, and breathing patterns may affect overall health and development.
Does airway orthodontic treatment change facial growth?
In some children, early orthodontic treatment can help guide jaw development in a healthier direction. This may support both function and facial balance while improving space for proper breathing and tooth eruption.
Is airway orthodontics covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Some orthodontic or medical insurance policies may provide benefits when treatment is considered medically necessary. Our team can help you understand your options during your consultation.