Airway Dentistry In Atlanta.
Far beyond the aesthetics of straighter teeth, airway dentistry encompasses a comprehensive approach to oral health that considers the crucial connection between dental alignment and proper breathing. At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we have deep experience in addressing airway issues through state-of-the-art techniques. In this case, a better smile really can change your life!
What Is Airway Dentistry?
Airway dentistry is an emerging dental focus that considers the relationship between a patient’s dental and craniofacial structures and their airway. In fact, sleep apnea and other breathing disorders may be a result of issues with dental and jaw alignment or tethered oral tissues (tongue ties).
Symptoms of Dental-Related Airway Issues.
Oftentimes, airway issues related to oral anatomy cause sleep apnea symptoms. For children and even some adults, tethered oral tissues can cause a set of symptoms all their own.
Airway obstruction symptoms include:
- Snoring
- Moments when you stop breathing during the night, then gasp for air
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Waking up with a sore throat
- Experiencing headaches in the morning
- Problems staying asleep
- Daytime fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
Causes Of Dental Airway Issues.
Several types of dental, jaw, and oral tissue problems can cause airway obstructions and other issues, including:
- Misaligned teeth
- Jaw development and alignment issues
- Tethered oral tissues (which can occur in the lip, tongue, and cheeks)
- Soft palate issues
Orthodontic Treatments For Airway Issues.
Palatal expanders
A palatal expander is an appliance that’s used to expand the palate (the roof of the mouth), widening the jaw to alleviate airway issues.
Braces and aligners
Sometimes, straightening the teeth with braces or clear aligners is enough to alleviate airway issues.
Lip, tongue, and cheek-tie releases
Our oral frenuloplasty and frenectomy procedures are quick, easy, and fast-healing.
Our Airway Dentistry Process.
If you think your dental or oral issues may be causing your airway obstruction symptoms, don’t wait to book an appointment with us—and get on the road to feeling better today!
Book A Consultation
Call us to share your concerns and schedule an appointment with our orthodontic experts.
Airway Evaluation & Diagnosis
We’ll listen to your symptoms, do an oral examination, and provide our expert diagnosis.
Treatment Plan
If our doctors determine you have airway issues caused by dental or oral problems, we’ll develop a custom treatment plan to help you find relief.
Get Your Free Consultation.
Start the journey toward a straighter smile today!