Airway Orthodontics

Airway orthodontics uses orthodontic treatment to guide jaw development and create more room for breathing. At Advanced Orthodontics in Mercer Island, it can help children and adults whose narrow or underdeveloped jaws may contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep-disordered breathing, supporting healthier breathing and more restful sleep.

Orthodontics is about more than straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Airway Orthodontics focuses on long-term health by supporting healthy jaw development and improving breathing.

When a child presents with a crowded or crooked smile, it may be a sign that the jaws are not growing properly. Certain oral habits and jaw-related concerns can contribute to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB).

At Advanced Orthodontics in Mercer Island, Dr. Todd Steinhart, a Diamond Apex Invisalign Provider with a long-standing focus on airway and whole-health orthodontics, uses airway orthodontic treatment methods that may help expand a patient’s airway to support healthier breathing and better sleep.

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway Orthodontics refers to orthodontic treatment methods designed to improve jaw development and create more space for proper breathing. When the jaws are narrow or underdeveloped, the airway may be more restricted. By guiding jaw growth and improving oral structure, airway-focused orthodontic care may support better breathing patterns, improved sleep quality, and healthier long-term function.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway closes enough during sleep that breathing temporarily stops. When this happens, the body releases cortisol (the “fight or flight” stress hormone), which increases heart rate and activates muscles to force breathing again.

Even if the person does not fully wake up, this cycle disrupts deep restorative sleep. Once the body relaxes again into deeper sleep, the airway can close off again, and the process repeats, sometimes many times throughout the night.

Over time, this pattern can be extremely stressful on the body, like running a race all night long. It may lead to waking up exhausted and unrested. Prolonged elevated cortisol can negatively affect the immune system, hormone production, insulin function, gastric acid production, learning and memory retrieval, and other body functions.

What Causes Airway Concerns Like OSA and SDB?

Airway issues are often connected to structures and habits that affect how the jaws and airway develop. Common contributors include:

• A jaw that is not growing properly (narrow upper jaw or restricted arch development)
• Crowding or crooked teeth linked to limited space in the mouth
• Oral habits that influence jaw development and breathing patterns
• Jaw deformities that reduce airway space during sleep

When these factors reduce airway space, breathing can become more difficult at night, increasing the risk of snoring, mouth breathing, and disrupted sleep.

What Are the Symptoms of OSA and SDB?

Common signs may include:

• Snoring or noisy breathing
• Mouth breathing during sleep
• Restless sleep
• Waking up tired even after a full night of sleep
• Daytime fatigue or irritability
• Difficulty focusing

If you notice these symptoms, an evaluation can help determine whether airway concerns may be involved.

What Treatment Options Are Used in Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontic care focuses on expanding and guiding jaw development to help support healthier breathing and sleep. Treatment is individualized based on what is contributing to the airway restriction.

Depending on the patient, airway orthodontic treatment may include:

• Palatal expanders, which gently widen a narrow upper jaw to create more room for the tongue and airway. In growing children, an expander works with natural development; for older teens and adults, a mini-implant-supported expander (MARPE) may be an option.
• Braces or Invisalign to align the jaws and improve how the bite fits together.
• Guidance on oral habits, such as mouth breathing or tongue posture, that may influence jaw development.

The goal is to address the underlying jaw and oral structure concerns that may contribute to OSA and SDB, while supporting long-term health and stability.

Imaging That Supports an Airway Evaluation

Advanced Orthodontics is the only orthodontic office on Mercer Island offering in-house CBCT 3D imaging with low radiation. This lets Dr. Steinhart view the jaws, sinuses, and airway in three dimensions during an evaluation, rather than relying on flat X-rays alone, for a more complete picture of what may be affecting breathing.

Working Alongside Your Medical Team

Airway orthodontics is one part of a bigger picture. When appropriate, we coordinate with your physician, a sleep specialist, an ENT, or a myofunctional therapist so that breathing and sleep concerns are addressed comprehensively, not in isolation.

What Is the Best Age for an Airway Evaluation?

Earlier is generally better. Because expanders and growth guidance work best while the jaws are still developing, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by about age 7. That said, airway concerns can be evaluated and treated at any age, and adults can benefit from expansion and alignment as well.

Schedule an Airway Evaluation in Mercer Island

Concerned about snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep in your child or yourself? Dr. Steinhart can help you understand whether airway-focused orthodontic care is appropriate. Your first exam is always complimentary.

• Call: (206) 232-9600
• Visit: 2817 80th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
• Hours: Mon to Thurs 7:30am to 5:30pm, Fri 7:30am to 5:00pm
• Request your free smile exam