Helping Patients Breathe Easier
The airway is the space inside your nose and throat, and if this space is small or constricted, it can impact your ability to breathe properly. Dr. Brandon Scheer screens all of our Thornton orthodontics patients for airway and breathing issues and, if necessary, will help them get the treatment they need. To schedule a complimentary consultation with our orthodontist and learn more about airway development and breathing, call Shine Orthodontics today at 303-452-7777.
Airway Development
Many significant growth and developmental milestones occur during the first 18 months of life. In fact, by age six, about 60% of a child’s facial development is complete. By age 12, 90% of facial development is complete.
Some of the most common facial development abnormalities and problems seen in children are caused by a compromised airway or the inability to breathe properly through the nose. Proper breathing is a key part of a child’s health, development and educational success. Children who cannot breathe well through their nose tend to breathe more through their mouth, which can affect the way their facial structures develop. This ultimately impacts their health and appearance as an adult. Because of this, early detection and correction of airway problems is incredibly important for your child.
The Consequences of Improper Airway and Facial Development
Some common issues that can occur include:
- Deficient growth in the upper jaw and midface
- Asymmetrical appearance of facial structures
- Snoring, sleep apnea and other sleep breathing disorders
- Forward head posture, leading to problems with the alignment of the spine and body
- Headaches and fatigue
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Academic, behavioral, developmental and social difficulties
- Weight abnormalities
- Disruptive sleep behaviors (problems falling or staying asleep, sleepwalking, restless legs syndrome, etc.)
It’s also theorized that compromised airways and improper breathing are contributing factors in ADHD in children.
Early Intervention is Key
By detecting airway and facial abnormalities early, our Thornton orthodontist can correct the harmful factors influencing your child’s growth, help improve their physical and psychological well-being, prevent the need for more extensive future treatments, and improve their bite and smile.
To learn more about dentofacial development or to have your child’s airway and breathing assessed, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brandon Scheer by calling us at 303-452-7777.