Why Dentists are Essential in Spotting & Treating Airway Growth
Dentists are uniquely positioned to notice early signs of airway or developmental issues before they become more complex. During routine exams, they may see crowding, narrow arches, open-mouth posture, restricted tongue movement, or subtle patterns like worn enamel and signs of nighttime grinding, all of which can hint at disrupted sleep or compensation.
Your child's dentist may also observe delayed or unbalanced jaw growth, unusual tooth-eruption patterns, or limited space for permanent teeth, suggesting that the airway, tongue posture, and facial development may not be working in harmony. Identifying these patterns early allows for timely guidance. An airway orthodontist can help families determine whether further evaluation or early intervention could support healthier breathing and oral development.
In adults, dentists may see signs of airway-related strain, such as grinding, worn enamel, TMJ discomfort, crowding, or chronic mouth breathing. Even when growth is complete, airway-focused orthodontics can help improve comfort, support nasal breathing, and address long-standing bite or alignment issues that may be affecting sleep and daily function.
Find an Airway Orthodontist
If you are a dentist with questions about a specific patient, or a parent who has been advised to explore airway-focused orthodontics, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
Referrals Contact UsSupporting Dentists
We partner with pediatric and general dentists to make airway-focused care approachable and practical within everyday practice. Our goal is to complement the care you already provide and support you with additional tools when airway or growth questions arise.
We support family and pediatric dentists by:
- Providing detailed, airway-focused orthodontic evaluations
- Reviewing imaging and growth records together when helpful
- Offering growth-guided orthodontic and expansion options when appropriate
- Co-managing complex or interdisciplinary cases as part of a broader team
- Communicating clearly with written reports and ongoing updates throughout care
This collaborative approach allows dentists to extend their impact beyond teeth alone, offering families guidance that considers breathing, growth, and function as part of the complete picture.
When to Refer
Dentists are encouraged to consider an airway-focused orthodontic referral when breathing, sleep, or jaw function patterns are problematic for the patient. Whether observed during childhood growth or noted later in adulthood, clinical findings and patient or parent reports can help determine when an airway evaluation is an appropriate next step.
Common reasons dentists refer include:
- Snoring, noisy breathing, or other sleep concerns in children or adults
- Chronic congestion, open-mouth posture, or habitual mouth breathing
- Crossbites, narrow arches, or limited space for permanent teeth
- Behavioural or attention changes that may be linked to poor sleep
- Ongoing questions about tooth eruption timing, spacing, or jaw position
A timely referral does not mean treatment is always needed right away, but it can provide clarity, reassurance, and a plan.