Airway and functional orthodontics is a treatment approach that goes beyond simply straightening teeth. It focuses on optimizing the jaw’s structure and function, enhancing airway health, and ultimately improving overall quality of life.

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics identifies and treats breathing issues that affect oral and whole-body health. Conditions like mouth breathing, narrow arches, improper tongue posture, and sleep-disordered breathing (including sleep apnea) can impact jaw development, sleep quality, behavior, and overall wellness.

Treatment may include:

• Palatal expansion to widen the airway
• Myofunctional therapy to improve tongue and muscle function
• Oral appliances to support proper jaw position
• Collaboration with sleep or ENT specialists when needed

Early airway treatment can lead to:

• Better sleep and daytime focus
• Healthy facial development
• Reduced risk of braces or jaw surgery later
• Improved breathing and quality of life

Signs of Airway Obstruction:

• Mouth breathing
• Poor or restless sleep
• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, or poor performance at school/work
• Rapid or shallow breathing

Treating airway obstruction can help restore proper breathing patterns, leading to better sleep, improved energy, and overall health. If you are considering airway-focused orthodontics, schedule a consultation with Dr. Caponera to determine the best approach for your needs.

What Is Functional Orthodontics?

Functional orthodontics focuses on aligning the teeth while also guiding proper jaw growth to improve facial balance and long-term stability. Instead of removing teeth to make space, the jaws are often gently widened to accommodate the natural arch.

Benefits include:

• Improved facial balance and profile
• Better bite function and reduced jaw discomfort
• Enhanced airway and breathing support
• More stable long-term results with less relapse

By encouraging proper growth and alignment early on, functional orthodontics can prevent future orthodontic and airway issues.

Dr. Caponera provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s growth, facial structure, and breathing needs helping create healthier smiles that function beautifully for life.