Airway and Sleep Therapy

The development of the teeth and jaws plays a vital role in the functioning of the airway (breathing).  
New terminology in orthodontics reflects this as we talk more about "oral volume" (space for the tongue). 
Lack of oral volume is a primary cause in snoring and sleep apnea issues, which affects both children and adults.  This "airway compromise" lead can lead to a wide array of chronic health issues.  It affects every part of our body as it reduces oxygen flow: every cell in our body needs oxygen to perform properly.  

Proper function of the airway, which carries air exchange between the nasal and oral cavities and the lungs, is an absolute requirement for healthy development of the teeth and jaws. 
When the airway is compromised, an undesirable growth pattern develops,
causing dental and overall health issues.

Once the airway has compromised the dental form and function, the abnormal dental form and function maintains the compromised airway function. In other words, the effects produced by the airway compromise
now work to maintain that distortion in the dental system.

Common Dentally Driven Airway Issues:
    •    Asthma & Allergies
    •    Middle Ear Infections
    •    Sleep Disorders, namely Snoring and Sleep Apnea
    •    Chronic Sinus Infections or Congestion
    •    Inflamed or Enlarged Tonsils and/or Adenoids
    •    Post Nasal Drip
    •    Chronic Coughing or Throat Clearing

Common Health Issues Related to Airway Compromise:
    •    Asthma & Allergies
    •    Middle Ear Infections
    •    Sleep Disorders
    •    Sinus Problems
    •    Postural Problems
    •    Dental Crowding
    •    Overbites, Crossbites, & Open Bites
    •    Enlarged Tonsils
    •    Chronically Tired or Insomnia

Mouth-breathing is both a symptom and effect of airway compromise.
This dental health distortion breeds dental maladies such as increased decay, periodontal disease, and orthodontic distortion