Airway
Most people think of orthodontics as simply straightening teeth. But there’s a lot more happening beneath the surface. The size and position of your jaws, how your teeth fit together, and even the way your tongue rests can have a major impact on how well you breathe. That’s why airway health is an important focus in modern orthodontic care.
Why Airway Matters in Orthodontics
A narrow or underdeveloped jaw doesn’t just crowd your teeth—it can also restrict your airway as your orthodontist in Ashland City, TN can explain. When the space behind your tongue is limited, it’s harder to breathe freely, especially at night. Over time, this can contribute to sleep disturbances, chronic mouth breathing, daytime fatigue, and even changes in facial growth.
Orthodontic treatment that pays close attention to airway health looks at the bigger picture. It’s not just about creating a nice smile—it’s also about supporting better breathing, which affects your overall health and quality of life.
Tools Like CBCT Give a Clearer View
One of the most valuable advances in airway-focused orthodontics is the use of CBCT (cone beam computed tomography). Unlike traditional dental X-rays, CBCT scans produce a detailed 3D view of your teeth, jaws, and airway space. This allows orthodontists to spot constrictions that might contribute to breathing issues. With a full picture, your treatment can be planned more precisely, aiming not only for straighter teeth but also improved airway dimensions.
MARPE: A Modern Solution for Narrow Jaws
For patients with a particularly narrow upper jaw, MARPE (miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion) is an innovative option. Traditional palatal expanders rely mostly on pressure against teeth, which can be limited in older teens and adults. MARPE, however, uses small, temporary screws anchored in the palate to achieve more effective skeletal expansion. This doesn’t just make room for crowded teeth—it also widens the nasal passages, which can help you breathe better through your nose.
By opening up the airway from the top down, MARPE has become a powerful tool for orthodontists focused on both aesthetics and function.
Subtle Signs You Might Have Airway Challenges
Airway issues aren’t always obvious. Loud snoring, restless sleep, or gasping for air at night are certainly clues. But sometimes the signs are more subtle—like waking up with a dry mouth, struggling to stay alert during the day, or always defaulting to mouth breathing. Over years, this pattern can influence facial development, making the jaws longer and narrower, which may lead to even more crowding and a tighter airway.
How an Airway Exam Works
At your consultation, your orthodontist at Artistic Smiles Orthodontics who pays attention to airway health will go beyond checking for crooked teeth. They’ll evaluate how your teeth fit together, how your jaws align, and whether your facial structure shows signs of underdevelopment. They may ask about sleep quality or if you’ve noticed any breathing problems. In many cases, a CBCT scan is recommended to get that detailed look at your airway space.
From there, they can design a plan that might include braces, clear aligners, or appliances like MARPE—always with an eye on keeping your airway as open as possible.
Breathing Easier Starts Here
If you’ve been wondering whether orthodontic care can do more than improve your smile, it may be time to explore an airway-focused approach. Paying attention to airway health can lead to better sleep, easier breathing, and even improvements in your energy levels throughout the day.
Schedule a consultation and find out how an Ashland City, TN airway orthodontics treatment plan designed with your airway in mind could help you look better—and feel better—long into the future.
