At Scaffidi Orthodontics, we believe a beautiful smile is just one part of a healthy life. Airway orthodontics focuses on the relationship between your oral structures and your ability to breathe properly.
This specialized approach helps address issues like sleep-disordered breathing, ensuring you get the restful sleep and improved health you deserve. By evaluating the entire airway, we can create a treatment plan that goes beyond just straightening teeth.
What is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is an advanced approach to orthodontic care that focuses on identifying and correcting underlying structural issues that can restrict the airway. Unlike traditional orthodontics that centers solely on teeth alignment, this method considers the development of the jaw, mouth, and nasal passages. The goal of airway-focused treatment is to ensure these structures allow for clear, unobstructed breathing, which is essential for overall wellness.
By creating more space for airflow, we can help reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with sleep-disordered breathing.
Signs You May Need Airway-Focused Treatment
Breathing issues can manifest in various ways, and many people don't realize they are connected to oral and facial development. If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of a compromised airway that our airway orthodontics can address:
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Loud, chronic snoring
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Mouth breathing, both while awake and asleep
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Diagnosed sleep apnea or frequent pauses in breathing during sleep
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Chronic daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
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Dark circles under the eyes
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Restless sleep or frequent waking
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Bedwetting in children
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Headaches upon waking
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Grinding or clenching of teeth (bruxism)
How Our Airway Orthodontics Process Works
Our approach to airway-focused treatment is comprehensive and personalized. It begins with a thorough evaluation to understand the root cause of your breathing difficulties. We use advanced diagnostic tools to get a complete picture of your airway and facial structures.
From there, Dr. Scaffidi will develop a tailored plan that may involve orthodontic appliances designed to guide jaw growth and expand the palate. This helps to open the airway naturally, providing a lasting solution for improved breathing and sleep quality.
Benefits of Airway Orthodontics
Choosing an airway-focused treatment provides benefits that extend far beyond a straight smile. By addressing the underlying cause of sleep-disordered breathing, patients often experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Key benefits include:
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Improved Sleep Quality: Open airways lead to deeper, more restorative sleep, reducing or eliminating snoring and sleep apnea episodes.
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Enhanced Overall Health: Proper breathing supports better oxygen flow throughout the body, which can lower the risk of related health issues.
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Increased Energy and Focus: With better sleep, you’ll feel more alert, focused, and productive during the day.
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Healthy Development in Children: For younger patients, airway orthodontics promotes proper facial and jaw growth, preventing more serious issues later in life.
Why Choose Scaffidi Orthodontics?
At Scaffidi Orthodontics, your family’s health and well-being are our top priorities. Dr. Scaffidi has extensive training in modern orthodontic techniques, including airway-focused treatment. We combine this expertise with a commitment to personalized, patient-centered care.
Our offices in Kenner, New Orleans, and Slidell are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. We treat you like family, explaining every step of the process so you feel confident and comfortable in your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Airway Consultation Today
If you suspect that you or a loved one could benefit from airway orthodontics, we are here to help. A simple consultation can be the first step toward better breathing and a healthier life.
Contact Scaffidi Orthodontics today to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations in Kenner, New Orleans, or Slidell.
Call us at (504) 468-6200 or book your free consultation online!