Q: How are orthodontics, airway, and facial growth connected?

A: Airway development and facial growth are closely linked. The tongue and oral posture play a critical role in shaping the palate, dental arch, and midface. When nasal breathing and tongue-to-palate posture are disrupted (by mouth breathing, allergies, or tongue tie ankyloglossia), children are more likely to develop:

• Narrow palate and high-arched roof of the mouth
  
• Dental crowding and malocclusion
  
• Retruded jaw or long face growth pattern
  
• Increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing

Orthodontics alone may align teeth, but without addressing airway and muscle function, relapse is likely.

Q: Why should orthodontists consider airway health in treatment planning?

A: Because orthodontics that ignores airway can:

• Mask underlying breathing dysfunction
  
• Result in orthodontic relapse after braces
  
• Fail to address the root cause of malocclusion
  
• Miss opportunities for early intervention to prevent lifelong airway issues

By screening for airway dysfunction and collaborating with therapists, orthodontists can ensure both functional stability and patient wellness.

Q: What are clinical red flags for airway dysfunction?

A: Orthodontists, pediatric dentists, and general dentists should watch for:

• Chronic mouth breathing during the day or night
  
• Snoring or restless sleep reported by parents
  
• Narrow dental arches, crossbite, or open bite
  
• Low tongue posture and tongue thrust swallow
  
• Dark circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)
  
• Forward head posture or long face appearance

Q: How does orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) support orthodontic care?

A: OMT retrains oral muscles and breathing habits to:

• Establish tongue-to-palate rest posture
  
• Reinforce nasal breathing day and night
  
• Correct tongue thrust swallowing patterns
  
• Build lip and jaw strength for oral stability
  
• Support long-term orthodontic results by preventing relapse

Q: What role do ENTs and pediatricians play in airway-centered orthodontics?

A: ENTs and pediatricians help identify and treat structural or medical contributors such as enlarged adenoids/tonsils, allergies, chronic congestion, or reflux. Collaboration ensures that orthodontic, medical, and therapy interventions align for comprehensive patient care.

Q: How does BreatheWorks support interdisciplinary care?

A: BreatheWorks partners with orthodontists, dentists, ENTs, pediatricians, and medical doctors to:

• Provide airway and oral posture evaluations before, during, and after orthodontic care
  
• Deliver OMT to stabilize dental results
  
• Support children with feeding/swallowing issues that complicate orthodontic treatment
  
• Offer virtual care so patients can stay consistent even when travel is difficult

Q: Where do you provide services?

A: In-person care is available in:

• Portland, Oregon
  
• Eugene, Oregon
  
• Lake Oswego, Oregon
  
• Bellevue, Washington
  
• Amarillo, Texas

We also offer virtual therapy nationwide, so orthodontic patients everywhere can benefit from therapy that stabilizes outcomes.

Quick FAQs

Does orthodontics affect breathing?

Yes—arch development and jaw position can influence airway size and breathing patterns.

Why do braces relapse?

Often due to unresolved oral muscle habits (like tongue thrust or mouth breathing). myofunctional therapy reduces this risk.

Can airway-focused orthodontics prevent sleep apnea?

Early airway-centered care may reduce future risk of sleep-disordered breathing.

Do orthodontists and therapists work together?

Yes—collaboration improves outcomes and long-term stability.

Next Steps

If you’re an orthodontist, dentist, or medical provider interested in supporting patients’ airway health alongside orthodontics, BreatheWorks can help.

• Schedule a collaborative care consultation (in-person or virtual)
• Refer a patient for airway and oral posture therapy