Airway Treatment

How We Can Help

At Savage Orthodontics, airway assessments are part of every new-patient evaluation. We look for signs such as:

• Chronic mouth breathing or snoring
• Narrow dental arches or crossbites
• High palatal vaults (narrow upper jaw)
• Difficulty sleeping or daytime fatigue
• Forward head posture or “long-face” growth patterns

By evaluating these features, we can determine whether orthopedic expansion or other orthodontic interventions might improve not only your smile, but also your ability to breathe and sleep well.

Importantly, orthodontists are not just “tooth-straighteners.” We are healthcare professionals who understand how airway health fits into the larger picture of oral and systemic wellness.

Other Factors That Can Affect Airway Health

Not all airway issues come from the jaw or nasal structure. Many other systems can contribute to restricted breathing, and identifying the right cause helps ensure the right care.

Common non-orthodontic causes include:

• Allergies or chronic nasal inflammation – often managed by ENTs or allergists.
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids – may require evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
• Tongue-tie or improper tongue posture – can benefit from myofunctional therapy.
• Obesity or poor muscle tone – may require guidance from medical or sleep specialists.
• Neurological or developmental conditions – sometimes influence breathing and sleep patterns.

Our role is to identify what’s within the orthodontic scope and connect you with trusted providers for what’s not. Dr. Savage collaborates closely with ENTs, pediatricians, and myofunctional therapists when appropriate, to ensure every patient receives the right kind of help — not just more treatment.

Facts vs. Myths About Airway-Focused Treatment

✅ FACT: Orthodontic expansion can increase nasal and oral airway volume in certain patients — especially when done during growth phases.
❌ MYTH: Every child with a narrow smile needs expansion for “airway improvement.”

✅ FACT: Mouth breathing can affect facial growth and posture.
❌ MYTH: All mouth breathing is caused by jaw size — it can also come from allergies or habits.

✅ FACT: Airway-aware orthodontics can be life-changing when applied appropriately.
❌ MYTH: Every “airway appliance” on social media works or is backed by research.

At Savage Orthodontics, our goal is simple: to provide treatment only when it’s necessary, helpful, and backed by evidence. We take pride in protecting families from gimmicks or unnecessary interventions that promise more than they deliver.

We believe in responsible, ethical care — and in partnering with you to make informed, confident decisions about your health.

Why Choose An Orthodontist?

Orthodontists receive years of advanced, specialized training focused on how the teeth, jaws, and facial structures grow and function together. This gives us a unique ability to evaluate the airway in the context of overall craniofacial development.