Airway Orthodontics in Morganton & Lenoir, NC
Many people struggle with issues that seem unrelated to their teeth, like snoring, poor sleep, and daytime fatigue. These can often be signs of underlying airway issues.
At Gragg Orthodontics, we offer specialized airway orthodontics, an advanced approach that goes beyond just straightening teeth to address the root cause of these problems, helping you breathe better and live healthier.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a specialized field focused on evaluating and treating the relationship between your oral structures and your overall breathing. Unlike traditional orthodontics that primarily concentrates on aligning teeth, airway-focused treatment aims to develop the jaws and oral cavity to ensure a clear and open airway.
This approach can be life-changing, especially for individuals experiencing sleep-disordered breathing, which includes conditions like snoring and sleep apnea.
The Connection Between Your Smile and Your Airway
The structure of your jaw, the position of your tongue, and the alignment of your teeth all play a critical role in your ability to breathe properly, particularly during sleep. A narrow palate, recessed jaw, or crowded teeth can obstruct airflow, leading to significant health concerns.
Dr. Kimberly Gragg uses her extensive training to identify these structural issues and create a personalized treatment plan that not only perfects your smile but also enhances your breathing and overall well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Airway-Focused Treatment?
Both children and adults can benefit from an airway orthodontic evaluation. Recognizing the signs early is key to preventing more serious health issues down the road.
Airway Orthodontics for Children
Early intervention is crucial. In children, airway-focused treatment can guide proper jaw growth and development, creating a foundation for a lifetime of healthy breathing. Symptoms in children that may indicate an airway issue include:
- Loud snoring or mouth breathing
- Restless sleep and night terrors
- Behavioral issues or difficulty concentrating (often misdiagnosed as ADHD)
- Bedwetting
- Crowded or crooked teeth
By addressing these issues early, we can reduce the need for more complex treatments later and help your child thrive.
Airway Orthodontics for Children
Early intervention is crucial. In children, airway-focused treatment can guide proper jaw growth and development, creating a foundation for a lifetime of healthy breathing. Symptoms in children that may indicate an airway issue include:
- Loud snoring or mouth breathing
- Restless sleep and night terrors
- Behavioral issues or difficulty concentrating (often misdiagnosed as ADHD)
- Bedwetting
- Crowded or crooked teeth
By addressing these issues early, we can reduce the need for more complex treatments later and help your child thrive.
Airway Orthodontics for Adults
For adults, years of compromised breathing can contribute to serious health problems. If you experience chronic snoring, have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or constantly feel tired despite a full night’s sleep, you may be a candidate for airway orthodontics.
Treatment can provide a more comfortable and permanent solution than traditional devices like CPAP machines for some patients, improving your sleep quality and energy levels.
Our Approach to Airway Orthodontics at Gragg Orthodontics
At Gragg Orthodontics, your health is our top priority. Dr. Gragg combines her expertise in mechanical engineering and orthodontics to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.
We utilize state-of-the-art technology to assess your airway and create a strategy that may involve advanced appliances or modern braces like the Damon System to guide jaw development and create more space for breathing. Our goal is to provide a “Gragg Smile” that is not only beautiful but also functional and supportive of your total health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airway Orthodontics
- What is the main goal of airway orthodontics?The primary goal is to develop the jaws and oral structures to their full potential, creating an open and unobstructed airway. This improves breathing, promotes better sleep, and can resolve issues related to sleep-disordered breathing while also straightening the teeth.
- Is airway orthodontics different from traditional braces?Yes. While both can result in a straighter smile, airway-focused treatment is specifically designed to improve the size, shape, and function of the airway. It addresses the underlying structural causes of breathing problems, whereas traditional orthodontics focuses mainly on tooth alignment.
- My child snores. Should I be concerned?Snoring in children is not normal and is often a sign of an obstructed airway. It’s a strong indicator that your child could benefit from an airway orthodontic evaluation to prevent future health complications.
- Can airway orthodontics be an alternative to a CPAP machine?For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, airway orthodontics can be an effective alternative. By expanding the airway, it can reduce or eliminate the need for a CPAP machine. Dr. Gragg can work with you and your sleep physician to determine the best course of action.
- How do I know if I or my child needs airway-focused treatment?The first step is a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Gragg will conduct a thorough examination, discuss any symptoms you or your child are experiencing, and use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate the airway.
Breathe Better, Smile Brighter—Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, it’s time to seek a solution that addresses the root cause.
Contact Gragg Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation at our Morganton or Lenoir, NC, office and discover how airway orthodontics can change your life.
