What does an Airway Dentist do?

Airway dentistry is a growing field that centers on how the mouth’s structure impacts breathing. Airway dentists focus on preventing, identifying, and helping with sleep apnea and other breathing or arch issues. These specialists look at tongue positioning, the condition of the soft tissues, and tooth wear to determine whether intervention is needed.

Airway Dentistry in Children

Addressing airway issues early is especially important with children because societies’ modern diets. The soft, processed foods cause dental arches to form improperly because of a lack of muscle and bone stimulation. Early intervention can prevent the need for more complex and costly orthodontic treatment later on.

Fixing Arches With Myofunctional Appliances

One solution for breathing problems caused by underdeveloped arches is myofunctional appliances. The airway dental professionals at Cascade Dental Care provide removable myofunctional appliances that can include fixed expanders. These expanders help to ensure the arch is properly developing. 

Additionally, we work with a myofunctional therapist who helps to teach proper swallowing and mouth muscle movement techniques. 

Do You Need an Airway Dentist?

One of the main causes of airway problems is underdeveloped arches. Common signs that someone may have an underdeveloped arch include:

• Crowded teeth

• Mouth breathing

• Constantly parted lips

• Snoring

• Wetting the bed

• Teeth grinding

• Frequent ear infections

• Struggling to fall asleep

At Cascade Dental Care, we specialize in airway dentistry. To solve you or your child’s sleep-disordered breathing, set an appointment with our qualified dental professionals today.