Using a combination of orthodontics, dental procedures, and oral appliances, Airway-Centered Dentistry is a more comprehensive approach to oral health, taking into account the importance of a healthy airway for your entire body.
Children Sleep Apnea & Airway Dentistry Solutions
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Airway-Centered Dentistry at Dr. Ian Gray Dental Group
The Key to Your Child's Health
Signs Your Child’s Airway is Underdeveloped or Obstructed
Mouth breathing and difficulty breathing through the nose
Teeth emerge crooked or crowded, narrow top or bottom arch
Bedwetting
Regular snoring or noisy breathing while asleep
Delayed speech development or speech impediment
Trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep at night or for naps
Persistent coughing with no underlying illness
Asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath
Chronic allergies and recurring ear infections
Difficulty swallowing food, drinking
If untreated, these symptoms will persist through adolescence and into adulthood, putting your child at risk for serious health problems, including:
Treat Airway Development Problems Before They Start
Early preventative treatment to develop your child’s airway and jaw promotes healthy growth while their facial structure can be easily guided in the right direction. This type of early intervention sets children up for a healthy oral environment rather than forcing change later on in life, when treatment is more time consuming, uncomfortable, and inconvenient.
Myofunctional Therapy at Dr. Ian Gray Dental Group
The term “myofunctional” refers to anything related to muscle function in orthodontic treatment. Therefore, treatments that promote healthy jaw, facial, and airway development are considered myofunctional because these factors contribute to facial muscle function.
At Dr. Ian Gray Dental Group, we use Oral Appliances, including Myobrace® and VIVOS, for children starting at 4 years old as preventative orthodontic treatment to promote healthy growth, proper breathing, and optimal oral health.
Treatment normally involves a series of oral appliances that need to be worn overnight and
1-2 hours a day to:
- Properly develop and align the jaws
- Optimize facial development and proportions
- Open up the airway
- Encourage nose breathing over mouth breathing
- Create room for adult teeth to come in/straighten misaligned teeth
- Teach healthy chewing and swallowing
- Correct resting tongue position
- Promote optimal long-term oral and overall health
Hear from real patients, just like you!
"The larger picture we were looking for"
We wish we took our 12-year old here sooner. They care about the airway and breathing health, not just getting the teeth straight. That is the larger picture we were looking for for our daughter. Friendly staff, on time.
– Anonymous
"The time and care they take with my son is amazing"
I can’t say how great the staff is here.
I highly recommend anyone to see Dr. Gray and his team. The time and care they take with my son at every visit and the follow up phone calls to check in and answer any questions is truly amazing.
– Roxy S.
"This is the best place I could find for my family"
This is the best place I could find for me and my family .
Dr. Ian Gray and his team are always welcoming us. They made our experience beyond enjoyable. And Dr. Ian Gray is so helpful, knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend!
– Yuni C.
What to Expect
Myofunctional treatment typically starts by correcting poor oral health habits, including mouth breathing, improper tongue position, thumb sucking, and incorrect swallowing. We use different intraoral appliances in several stages to correct the causes of airway development problems.
Treatment can begin as young as 4 years old. Older children and young teens are also eligible for treatment, but it usually requires extra time to achieve optimal outcomes. As with any orthodontic treatment, compliance is the key to success!
Health Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
With a properly developed airway, issues like recurring sinus infections, upper respiratory problems, snoring, sleep apnea, chronic allergies, and asthma become less severe or go away altogether. Myofunctional therapy also promotes good dietary and oral habits, allowing children to grow and develop to their full potential.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your child.
Airway-Centered Dentistry can improve your quality of life!
Opening the airway can reduce or eliminate symptoms of OSA, TMD, and many oral diseases. A healthy airway also lowers the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Airway therapy in children promotes proper facial development, better oral health, and fewer chronic or recurring respiratory health problems.
Contact us today to learn how airway-centered dentistry can improve your health and to schedule a consultation for yourself or a family member!