Proper breathing is the foundation of good health. At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, we go beyond just straightening teeth. Dr. Catherine McDevitt specializes in airway orthodontics, an advanced approach that focuses on the relationship between your oral structures and your ability to breathe freely.
Through personalized, airway-focused treatment, we can help address underlying issues related to sleep-disordered breathing for a healthier life.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a specialized field that evaluates and treats orthodontic issues with the primary goal of developing and protecting a patient’s airway. It recognizes that the size and shape of the jaw, the position of the teeth, and oral habits can directly impact breathing, especially during sleep.
Unlike traditional orthodontics that may focus solely on aesthetics, this approach aims to create a beautiful smile and a healthy, functional airway.
Identifying the Signs of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
An underdeveloped jaw or misaligned teeth can contribute to a narrowed airway, leading to sleep-disordered breathing. This condition can affect both children and adults, often with different symptoms.
Common signs in children may include:
- Snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep
- Bedwetting or night terrors
- Behavioral issues or difficulty concentrating (often misdiagnosed as ADHD)
- Dark circles under the eyes
Common signs in adults may include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping or feeling choked
- Daytime fatigue and lack of energy
- Morning headaches and dry mouth
An Airway-Focused Approach with Dr. Catherine McDevitt
With more than 30 years of specialized experience, Dr. Catherine McDevitt is uniquely qualified to provide airway-focused treatment.
She combines her deep knowledge of orthodontics with a commitment to understanding each patient’s overall health. As a private practice orthodontist, she offers the one-on-one attention necessary to conduct a thorough evaluation, identify the root causes of airway issues, and develop a treatment plan that promotes optimal breathing and long-term stability.
The Benefits of Airway-Focused Treatment
Choosing an airway-focused orthodontic plan offers benefits that extend far beyond a straight smile. By ensuring the airway is open and functional, treatment can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life.
Key benefits of our airway orthodontics approach include:
- Improved Sleep Quality: Promotes deeper, more restorative sleep by ensuring continuous airflow.
- Enhanced Overall Health: Addresses issues linked to sleep-disordered breathing, like fatigue and concentration problems.
- Comprehensive Results: Creates a stable, beautiful smile that also supports proper jaw function and breathing.
- Personalized Care: Treatment is tailored to your specific anatomical needs, whether you are a child, teen, or adult.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your first visit for airway orthodontics involves a comprehensive evaluation at our Worthington clinic. Dr. Catherine will assess not just your teeth, but also your facial structure, jaw development, and airway. We will discuss any symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing you or your child may be experiencing.
This detailed, patient-focused approach allows us to determine if an airway-focused treatment is the right path for achieving your health and smile goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does airway orthodontics differ from traditional orthodontics?
While traditional orthodontics primarily focuses on aligning teeth for a better bite and smile, airway orthodontics expands on this by also evaluating and ensuring the airway is open and functional. It treats the underlying structural issues that can lead to breathing problems.
Can airway orthodontics help with my snoring?
Yes. Snoring is a primary indicator of a partially obstructed airway. By using orthodontic techniques to improve jaw position and open the airway, airway-focused treatment can significantly reduce or even eliminate snoring.
Is my child too young for an airway evaluation?
No. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic visit around age seven. An early evaluation is crucial for identifying potential airway and jaw development issues, allowing for intervention that can guide growth and prevent more serious problems later.
What treatments are used in airway orthodontics?
Treatment can vary depending on the patient’s age and needs. It may involve palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw, functional appliances to guide jaw growth, or custom braces and aligners designed to create space and support an open airway. Dr. Catherine will recommend the best approach for you.
Schedule Your Airway Consultation Today
Take the first step toward better breathing and a healthier smile. A Winning Smile Orthodontics is dedicated to serving families in Worthington, Columbus, Dublin, and the surrounding areas with expert, compassionate care.
Contact us today at (614) 888-8070 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Catherine and learn how airway orthodontics can make a difference in your life.