Airway Support
& Collaborative Care
Breathe Better. Sleep Better. Live Better.
More Than "Straightening Teeth"
With advanced training and a comprehensive approach to treatment planning, Dr. Coombs carefully considers facial structure, jaw development, bite balance, aesthetics, and overall function when designing each plan.
This whole-health perspective allows treatment to support not only a confident smile, but long-term comfort, stability, and wellness. Airway orthodontics is an important part of that approach.
Dr. Coombs works closely with a trusted ENT specialist to provide comprehensive care for patients with airway issues.
What is airway orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics (also called airway-focused orthodontics or airway-centric orthodontics) is an advanced approach to orthodontic care that considers the size, shape, and function of the upper and lower jaws, the tongue, and the airway.
With airway orthodontics, Dr. Coombs’ goal is to ensure that a patient can breathe easily through their nose both during the day and while sleeping, and reduce or eliminate other challenges associated with airway issues.
By addressing the underlying structural issues that can limit airflow, airway-focused orthodontic treatment can help children and adults live a better quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Airway Issues
When the airway is too narrow or obstructed, it can lead to chronic mouth breathing, poor sleep quality, and even long-term health concerns. People with airway issues may experience:
- Loud snoring
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Daytime fatigue or brain fog
- Mouth breathing or dry mouth
- Crowded teeth and narrow dental arches
- Forward head posture
If left untreated, airway problems can contribute to sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, behavioral or learning difficulties in children, and cardiovascular strain in adults.
The best time to address airway concerns is often during childhood, when jaw growth can be guided, but airway orthodontics for adults can also be highly effective in improving breathing and sleep quality.
A Collaborative Approach
Dr. Coombs partners with a local ENT to:
- Evaluate the structure of the airway
- Identify any blockages, enlarged tonsils/adenoids, or sinus concerns
- Coordinate timing for any necessary procedures
- Align treatment with your orthodontic plan
In more complex cases (such as sleep apnea or jaw development concerns) we may also coordinate with your primary care provider or recommend sleep studies to ensure a complete picture of your health.
How does airway orthodontics work?
1. Airway orthodontics begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, jaws, facial structure, and airway.
This often includes digital x-rays, a bite assessment, and a review of sleep or breathing patterns.
2. After thoroughly examining your smile and airway, Dr. Coombs will determine the most efficient treatment route for your case and create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
3. As always, we’ll explain your condition and treatment plan in detail, ensuring that you feel comfortable before moving forward!
Treatment Options in Airway Orthodontics
After Dr. Coombs assesses you or your child’s teeth, jaws and airway structure, he’ll determine the most efficient treatment route and develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw and create more room for proper breathing and tooth alignment.
Different types of expanders are recommended based on the age and development of the patient. These range from Mini-Expanders and Rapid Palatal Expanders in growing children to Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expanders or possibly jaw surgery for adults.
Orthodontic Treatment
In addition to palatal expanders, other orthodontic appliances can help guide jaw growth and improve positioning, especially during early intervention (children’s orthodontics).
A personalized treatment plan with orthodontic appliance(s) and or braces or clear aligners can align the teeth and jaws in a way that supports both breathing and bite function.
Jaw Surgery
or ENT Procedures
In advanced cases where repositioning the jaws can help open the airway and improve overall health, jaw surgery can be the most efficient treatment route.
Depending on the source of obstruction, ENT procedures, such as the removal of tonsils or adenoids, may be necessary, if they’re contributing to airway obstruction.
Every option is considered as part of the bigger picture.
Dr. Coombs takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to orthodontics.
As your trusted provider for airway-focused orthodontics near you, we’ll work closely with you and other specialists to create a treatment plan that supports both function and esthetics.
We’ll explain the process to you every step of the way, and ensure that you feel comfortable and informed. Patient education is very important to us!
If you suspect that airway issues could be affecting your health or your child’s development, we’re here to help. Book a complimentary consultation with our Rock Hill orthodontic office today!
Lead with a smile.
We’ll make the next steps easy!
Book a complimentary consultation at our Rock Hill orthodontic office, or start with a virtual consult from home first.