A More Complete Approach to Orthodontic Care
All-Inclusive Airway Orthodontics in Western Chicago
At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, airway health is part of our comprehensive approach to care from the very beginning.
Every patient who visits our Elmhurst or Forest Park office receives a thorough orthodontic evaluation that includes airway screening as part of the consultation process. Using advanced 3D imaging technology, our doctors look beyond simply straightening teeth to better understand how jaw development, bite alignment, and airway structure work together. Our goal is to create healthy, functional, confident smiles while supporting long-term oral and overall wellness.
Whether you’re interested in an airway orthodontic evaluation for yourself or your child, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team to get started.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics focuses on how the development of the teeth, jaws, and facial structures may affect breathing and airflow.
In some patients, narrow dental arches, jaw positioning, or facial growth patterns can contribute to airway restriction. While orthodontics is not a direct medical treatment for sleep disorders or breathing conditions, it can play an important role in supporting healthy development and creating additional space within the mouth and airway, which may help alleviate symptoms associated with breathing-related conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Benefits of Airway-Focused Orthodontics
A holistic approach to orthodontic care that also considers airway health can have significant benefits for patients, including:
Improved Breathing and Airflow
Airway-focused orthodontic treatment may help create additional space within the mouth and airway by supporting healthier jaw and arch development. For some patients, improved airflow can contribute to easier nasal breathing and better overall oral function as treatment progresses.
Better Sleep Quality
When jaw alignment and airway space are improved, some patients may experience benefits related to nighttime breathing and sleep quality. Parents often seek airway evaluations because concerns like mouth breathing, restless sleep, or snoring may be connected to oral and facial development patterns.
Balanced Facial Development and Smile Aesthetics
Airway orthodontics focuses on supporting natural jaw and facial development rather than simply aligning teeth. This approach may help create broader smiles, improved facial balance, and more harmonious facial aesthetics while maintaining long-term function and comfort.
Reduced Need for Tooth Extractions
By encouraging natural arch development during orthodontic treatment, some patients may be able to avoid permanent tooth extractions. Advanced treatment approaches like Damon™ braces are designed to create space more naturally while supporting healthy smile development and facial balance.
Improved Comfort and Oral Function
Proper jaw alignment and bite function can contribute to improved comfort during everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and breathing. Addressing orthodontic concerns early, especially during growth years, may help support healthier long-term oral function and development.
Airway Orthodontic Treatment Options
Every treatment plan at our practice is customized based on a patient’s age, facial growth, jaw development, bite alignment, and airway evaluation findings. Our doctors focus on conservative, growth-conscious treatment options designed to support healthy function while creating confident, balanced smiles.
Damon™ Braces for Natural Arch Development
For treatments involving braces, we use the Damon™ self-ligating bracket system. Unlike traditional braces that rely on elastic ties, Damon braces use a low-force sliding mechanism that allows teeth to move more naturally and comfortably. This approach can help develop broader dental arches and improve smile balance while often reducing the need for tooth extractions.
Mini Palatal Expanders for Growing Patients
For adolescent patients who are still growing, mini palatal expanders may be recommended when the upper jaw is skeletally narrow. Palatal expansion can help create additional space within the upper arch during important developmental years. Early intervention during growth may help support improved jaw development and overall function.
Herbst Appliances for Jaw Alignment
In some cases, Herbst appliances may be used to help guide jaw development and improve bite alignment. This appliance is designed to encourage forward positioning of the lower jaw during growth, which can help create additional airway space and improve overall oral function. Some patients may also experience improvements related to breathing or sleep concerns as jaw alignment improves.
Collaborative Care with Local Specialists When Needed
Airway health can involve multiple aspects of development and function, which is why our doctors work closely with other healthcare professionals when needed. Depending on the patient’s needs, we may collaborate with ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists, speech therapists, pediatric dentists, or family dentists. This team-based approach helps ensure patients receive thoughtful, comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.
What Happens During an Airway Orthodontic Evaluation?
At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, airway health is something we consider starting with your very first visit.
Airway Evaluation at Consultation Appointment
Each patient, no matter their age, will receive an airway evaluation at their initial complimentary consultation. Since it’s already a part of our comprehensive evaluation approach, there are no additional charges or fees for an airway evaluation.
CBCT Scan
As part of the airway evaluation, we will perform a complimentary CBCT scan, which provides advanced 3D imaging of the teeth, jaws, and airway structures. This technology allows our doctors to evaluate important anatomical details that may not be visible on traditional X-rays.
Scan Review & Treatment Planning
After reviewing the clinical exam and CBCT scan, our doctors create a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s individual needs. This may involve simply monitoring the patient’s growth, active treatment such as braces or expanders, or a collaborative care plan with specialists.
Signs You May Be a Good Candidate for Airway Orthodontics
Airway orthodontic evaluations can benefit both children and adults, especially when concerns related to breathing, jaw development, or oral function are present. As many airway-related concerns develop gradually, patients and parents may not always realize orthodontic factors could be contributing.
Some common signs that may indicate a patient could benefit from an airway-focused orthodontic evaluation include:
- Mouth breathing during the day or night
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Restless or poor-quality sleep
- Chronic fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Narrow dental arches or crowded teeth
- Jaw alignment concerns
- Difficulty chewing comfortably
- Frequent headaches or jaw tension
- Open bites or crossbites
- Speech development concerns
- Prolonged thumb sucking or oral habits
- Concerns about facial growth and development
For growing children and adolescents, early evaluation can be especially important because jaw growth and development are still occurring. Identifying concerns early may allow for more conservative treatment options during important developmental years.
If you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms or concerns, our team is here to help. Schedule a complimentary consultation at Advanced Orthodontic Specialists to receive a comprehensive airway evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.
Understanding the Cost of Airway Orthodontics
The cost of airway orthodontic treatment varies based on each patient’s unique needs, treatment complexity, and recommended appliances. At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, every complimentary consultation includes a no-cost airway evaluation and CBCT scan, allowing our doctors to assess airway structure, jaw development, and facial growth while creating a personalized treatment plan.
If treatment is recommended, our team will review all financial details and available options, including interest-free financing, flexible payment plans, in-house financing, family discounts, and insurance benefit assistance.
Schedule Your Complimentary Airway Orthodontics Evaluation Today
If you are looking for an orthodontic office that takes a comprehensive approach to orthodontic care, we invite you to visit Advanced Orthodontic Specialists. Our team proudly serves patients of all ages from Elmhurst, Forest Park, and surrounding communities with advanced orthodontic care designed around comfort, function, and confident smiles.
Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation and airway evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airway Orthodontics
Can airway orthodontics help with sleep apnea?
Orthodontic treatment is not a cure for sleep apnea, but airway-focused orthodontics may help improve jaw positioning and create additional space within the airway for some patients. Depending on the patient’s needs, our doctors may also collaborate with ENTs or other healthcare providers as part of a comprehensive care approach.
Can narrow jaws cause breathing problems in kids?
In some children, narrow jaws or dental arches may contribute to reduced airway space and difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose. Parents may notice signs like mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, or crowded teeth. Airway evaluations help our doctors assess jaw development and determine whether orthodontic treatment may support healthier oral function and facial growth.
Why are my child’s teeth crowded and the palate so narrow?
Crowded teeth and a narrow palate are often related to how the jaws and facial structures develop during childhood. When the upper jaw does not develop wide enough, there may not be enough room for permanent teeth to erupt properly. Early orthodontic evaluations can help identify these concerns and determine whether growth-focused treatment may help support healthier development and alignment.
Can expanders help kids who snore?
For some growing children with narrow upper jaws, palatal expanders may help create additional space within the mouth and airway. In certain cases, this may contribute to improved airflow and reduced snoring. Since every child is different, our doctors perform comprehensive airway evaluations to determine whether expansion or another orthodontic treatment approach may be appropriate for their needs.
Proudly Serving: Chicago, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Villa Park, Addison, Northlake, Wood Dale, Bensenville, Forest Park, and the surrounding area.
OFFICE HOURS
Mon: 8:30 – 6:00 pm
Tue: 8:30 – 5:00 pm
Wed: 8:30 – 5:00 pm
Thu: 8:30 – 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:30 – 4:00 pm
*Sat: Closed
*Sun: Closed
Forest Park
1129 S. Harlem Avenue
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 366-7846
Elmhurst
275 N York St, Ste 200
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 832-8320