Your Best Choice for Airway Orthodontics
In the Abilene, Wylie, Jim Ned & Buffalo Gap Area
Airway Orthodontics
Supporting Healthy Breathing & Smile Development
Airway orthodontics focuses on more than just straight teeth—it looks at how the teeth, jaws, and airway work together. Proper development can improve breathing, sleep quality, and overall health, especially in growing children.
If you or your child experience mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep, an airway-focused evaluation may help identify underlying causes.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is an approach that evaluates how jaw position and dental development affect the airway. When the upper and lower jaws develop properly, there is more space for the tongue and better airflow through the nose and throat.
When space is limited, it can contribute to issues such as:
• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Crowded teeth
• Poor sleep quality
Treatment focuses on guiding proper growth and improving function—not just alignment.
Signs You May Benefit
Airway concerns can show up in both children and adults. Some common signs include:
• Mouth breathing (especially during sleep)
• Snoring or noisy breathing
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Daytime fatigue or difficulty focusing
• Crowded or narrow dental arches
• Dark circles under the eyes (in children)
If you notice any of these, an evaluation can help determine if airway-focused treatment is appropriate.
Airway Orthodontics for Children
Early evaluation allows us to guide jaw growth while a child is still developing. This can often reduce the need for more complex treatment later.
Treatment may include:
• Expanding the upper jaw to create more space
• Encouraging proper tongue posture
• Supporting nasal breathing
Addressing these issues early can improve both dental development and overall health.
Airway Orthodontics for Adults
Adults can also benefit from airway-focused care. While growth is complete, treatment can still improve function and comfort.
Options may include:
• Orthodontic alignment to create better space
• Coordination with other providers for airway or sleep concerns
• Customized treatment planning based on your needs
What to Expect
Your visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation, which may include digital scans, photos, and a review of your breathing and sleep patterns.
We’ll assess:
• Jaw development and alignment
• Tooth position and spacing
• Airway structure and function
From there, we’ll create a personalized plan focused on improving both your smile and your airway health.
Why Airway Matters
Proper breathing plays an important role in overall wellness. When the airway is restricted, it can affect sleep, energy levels, and even long-term health.
By addressing these concerns early—or even later in life—we can help support:
• Better sleep quality
• Improved breathing
• Healthier jaw development
• Long-term stability of your smile
Start with an Evaluation
If you’re concerned about breathing, sleep, or jaw development, we’re here to help.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today to learn if airway orthodontics is right for you or your child.
Ready to Start Your Orthodontic Journey?
With the advancements in modern orthodontics, getting braces in Midland has never been easier or more comfortable. Take the first step towards a confident smile by scheduling a consultation with a local orthodontist.
"We've been taking our 3 children here for a couple of years. Dr. Phillips and Dr. Ellis and the entire staff are absolutely amazing! So friendly, professional, and most importantly, our kids feel comfortable and enjoy the welcoming environment. Our 4th grader recently had his braces removed and the results are absolutely phenomenal!! From start to finish, Dr. Phillips was so great to work with and we could not be happier with the results. We've recommended friends to this location and will continue to highly recommend Key City - Dr. Phillips and Dr. Ellis and all the amazing ladies to everyone we know! My son can't quit showing off his beautiful smile and my other two actually get excited to hear "we're going to get teeth cleaned"🩷 Thank you Key City - Abilene for the great care you provide!"
