Can Airway Orthodontics Address Breathing Issues in Children Effectively?

Children are usually playful and in a happy mood. They are full of life when awake. There’s also a proverb that says, ‘Sleep like a baby’. It means they usually get sound sleep. 

When you notice all these are missing in a child, it must be worrying, right? 

Kids with breathing troubles don’t feel like themselves. From dark circles at a young age to snoring or mouth breathing, breathing difficulties in children can surface in many forms. If not treated on time, airway issues in kids can lead to sleep apnea, obesity, headaches, or even long-term developmental concerns. It’s a struggle that parents must pay immediate attention to. 

Airway Orthodontics can correct your little one’s breathing issues and improve their quality of life. It’s a modern solution that solves the root cause of these problems. It improves kids’ jaw and airway alignment to help them breathe better. 

If you suspect your kid struggles with the same, this blog is here to shed light on airway orthodontics to help children overcome breathing issues:

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics is a segment of orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting kids’ facial structures for regular airflow. Unlike traditional orthodontics, it revolves around fixing the mouth’s airway and reduces obstructions during breathing. This treatment plays a valuable role in the natural development of your kid’s jaw. The post-treatment regular airway structure makes breathing effortless. 

How do Breathing Problems Affect Children?

Difficulty breathing can impact every aspect of your kid’s life. Witnessing your kid struggling to keep up with other children can be a pain that only parents who’ve experienced this can deduce. The signs of breathing issues due to obstructed airway among kids are: 

• Constant sleep interruptions at night
• Daytime fatigue, mood swings, irritability, and inability to concentrate
• Impact on facial growth and jaw structure
• Potential to grow chronic conditions like heart issues or memory issues

Signs Your Child Might Need Airway Orthodontics

Your kid must exhibit several of these symptoms to be eligible for this orthodontic treatment:

• Snoring 
• Mouth breathing
• Restlessness 
• Teeth grinding
• Drooling
• Bedwetting
• Slow Growth
• Choking

How Airway Orthodontics Works?

A clinical study in 2022 shows that airway orthodontics like Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) has improved concerns like snoring and sleep apnea. The orthodontist assesses the child’s jaw, teeth, and airway structure to prescribe the right solution. The treatment begins with fixing custom orthodontic appliances, such as a maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) to the palate. It widens the upper jaw and improves airflow during breathing. 

But that’s not it! Orthodontists also guide kids on regular oral posture and tongue placement for easy breathing. If everything works as fine as the treatment intends to, kids enjoy long-term benefits that no other treatment might offer. 

Benefits of Airway Orthodontics for Children

Airway orthodontics improves: 

• Kid’s sleep quality. This treatment lets them rest like never before. 
• Kids also focus better and learn things quickly.
• The correct facial and jaw alignment makes airway issues a thing of the past. 

To learn more about airway orthodontics or schedule an evaluation, contact our office today. Our team is here to help your child breathe easier and ensure their development stays on the right track.