Airway Development Prince Albert

Throughout childhood and adolescence, the upper airway is in a continual state of development. Things like the positioning of the teeth, jaw position, resting tongue position, and more can affect breathing habits. Problems may be particularly noticeable at night, when airway abnormalities are more likely to cause issues like snoring and sleep apnea (pauses in breathing).

Many airway abnormalities can be addressed through orthodontics, myofunctional therapy, and/or other treatment options.

During an airway-focused evaluation, Dr. Wilson and our team can look for any anatomical issues that might be affecting your breathing or that of your child. We may ask about any symptoms you have noticed, in addition to performing a thorough examination. Our evaluation can determine if the treatments we offer will be able to support better breathing. In many cases, nonsurgical means are more than adequate to help the airway function at its best.

Some common signs and symptoms of airway obstruction include:

• Frequent mouth-breathing.
• Dental issues related to mouth breathing, such as bad breath.
• Poor dental alignment, including various types of malocclusions (bad bites).
• Lip or tongue ties.
• Frequent, loud snoring at night.
• An aversion to certain textures of food.
• A narrow upper jaw.
• Forward resting tongue posture.
• A history of prolonged thumb- or pacifier-sucking.

While airway issues can be improved at any age, early intervention is highly beneficial. At a younger age, it is still possible to guide the development of the oral structures. Through orthodontic treatment and other means, it may be possible to guide and/or reshape the oral structures in a way that promotes proper breathing. A healthy airway can prevent many future issues, such as chronic sleep problems, dental problems, and more.

There are multiple ways to treat airway obstruction:

• Myofunctional therapy. Myofunctional therapy is basically a form of physical therapy for the mouth. It may be performed as a standalone treatment or as part of an overall treatment plan for tongue tie or other issues. During sessions, you or your child will learn how to use the oral structures in a way that promotes proper breathing and swallowing.
• Orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can realign the teeth and correct a bad bite. In some cases, it can even reshape the palate, leading to significant improvements in breathing.
• Oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance gently shifts the lower jaw forward in order to facilitate uninterrupted breathing. This type of therapy is often used for adults who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Wilson is an expert in airway development, and he has written a book to share some of his knowledge! In this treasure trove of practical advice, Dr. Wilson explains techniques that parents can use to help their children enjoy good airway health from an early age. The advice is simple, actionable, and practical for busy modern families.

To learn more, check out AIRWAY DEVELOPMENT 101: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO IMPROVING BREATHING, SLEEP QUALITY, AND ORAL HEALTH FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN WITHOUT COMPLICATED TECHNIQUES