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Adult Airway Orthodontics
in Lakewood:
Transform Your Smile and Breathing
Adult Airway Orthodontics in Lakewood: Transform Your Smile and Breathing
As a cosmetic dentist in Lakewood who specializes in whole-health approaches, I've discovered something remarkable: the same treatment that creates a beautiful smile can also dramatically improve how you breathe and sleep. Adult airway orthodontics represents a revolutionary approach that goes beyond traditional cosmetic concerns to address the fundamental connection between your jaw position, airway space, and overall health.
Many of my adult patients come to me frustrated with years of poor sleep, chronic fatigue, or breathing difficulties that seem unrelated to their teeth. What they don't realize is that a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, or improper bite alignment can significantly restrict their airway, leading to sleep-disrupted breathing, snoring, and even sleep apnea. Adult airway orthodontics addresses these issues by expanding the jaw and repositioning teeth to create more space for proper airflow while simultaneously creating the confident smile you deserve.
This specialized field combines the artistry of cosmetic dentistry with the science of airway management, offering adults a chance to achieve both aesthetic and functional improvements that can transform their quality of life.
A beautiful happy content woman lying in bed smiling at camera.
Breathe Better While Achieving Your Dream Smile
A proper tongue-tie evaluation goes far beyond simply looking under the tongue. Our Lakewood practice utilizes a thorough assessment protocol that examines functional limitations, not just anatomical appearance. We evaluate how tongue movement affects feeding, speech, breathing patterns, and oral development. For infants, we assess latch quality, milk transfer, and maternal comfort during feeding. For children and adults, we examine speech patterns, breathing function, sleep quality, and jaw development. This functional approach ensures we identify restrictive tissues that might be missed in a standard examination. By understanding how the restriction specifically affects each patient, we can provide targeted treatment that addresses your unique challenges.
Gentle CO2 Laser Frenectomy
and Complete Aftercare
Traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on straightening teeth for appearance, but adult airway orthodontics takes a more comprehensive approach. When I evaluate your case, I'm looking at how your jaw structure affects your breathing patterns, sleep quality, and overall facial aesthetics. The goal is to create more space in your mouth and throat area while aligning your teeth into their most attractive positions.
The treatment process often involves palatal expansion techniques that widen your upper jaw, creating room for your tongue and opening your airway. This expansion not only improves breathing but also provides space for teeth to align naturally, often reducing the need for tooth extractions that traditional orthodontics might require. Many patients are amazed to discover that the same treatment improving their sleep also gives them a broader, more confident smile.
I use advanced 3D imaging technology to analyze your airway dimensions and plan treatment that maximizes both aesthetic and functional outcomes. This allows me to show you exactly how the changes will improve your breathing space while creating the smile transformation you're seeking. The treatment typically involves custom appliances or clear aligners designed specifically for airway expansion, making the process comfortable and discreet.
What Makes Our Airway Orthodontic Approach Unique
What sets my approach to adult airway orthodontics apart is the integration of comprehensive sleep and breathing assessments with cosmetic smile design. Before recommending any treatment, I conduct thorough evaluations that may include home sleep studies, airway measurements, and analysis of your breathing patterns. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, proper evaluation of airway dimensions is critical for successful treatment outcomes in addressing sleep-related breathing disorders.
I work closely with sleep physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure we're addressing all aspects of your condition. This collaborative approach means you're not just getting orthodontic treatment – you're receiving comprehensive care that considers how your oral health impacts your entire body's wellbeing.
My treatment philosophy focuses on non-extraction approaches whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth structure while creating the space needed for proper function. The appliances I use are designed for adult patients, meaning they're comfortable, removable when appropriate, and designed to fit seamlessly into your professional and social life.
The technology in my Lakewood practice includes CBCT 3D imaging that allows me to measure your airway space precisely and track improvements throughout treatment. This scientific approach ensures that we're not just moving teeth but actually creating measurable improvements in your breathing capacity and sleep quality.
Start Your Journey
If you've been struggling with sleep issues, snoring, or simply want a more beautiful smile, adult airway orthodontics might be the solution you've been searching for. I invite you to schedule a comprehensive consultation where we can evaluate your unique situation and develop a treatment plan that addresses both your aesthetic goals and breathing concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does adult airway orthodontics differ from traditional braces for cosmetic purposes?
Adult airway orthodontics focuses on expanding jaw space and improving airway function while straightening teeth, rather than just moving teeth for appearance. This approach often involves palatal expansion and considers your breathing patterns, sleep quality, and overall facial development, not just tooth alignment.
Can airway orthodontics help with my snoring and sleep problems?
Yes, many patients experience significant improvement in snoring and sleep quality through airway orthodontic treatment. By expanding the upper jaw and creating more space for the tongue and airway, breathing becomes easier during sleep, often reducing or eliminating snoring and improving sleep apnea symptoms.
Am I too old for airway orthodontic treatment in Lakewood?
It's never too late to improve your breathing and smile! While jaw expansion is easier in younger patients, adults can still achieve significant improvements through specialized techniques. During your consultation, I'll evaluate your specific anatomy and recommend the most effective approach for your age and condition.
How long does adult airway orthodontic treatment typically take?
Treatment duration varies based on your specific needs, but most adult airway orthodontic cases take 12-24 months. The expansion phase often shows breathing improvements within the first few months, while the complete smile transformation develops throughout the treatment period.
Will insurance cover adult airway orthodontics treatment?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the medical necessity of treatment. Many plans provide partial coverage when the treatment addresses documented sleep-related breathing disorders. I'll work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and explore financing options for any remaining costs.
What should I expect during the airway expansion process?
The expansion process is typically comfortable with modern techniques. You may experience mild pressure initially as your jaw adapts to the appliance, similar to the feeling after dental work. Most patients adjust quickly and begin noticing improved breathing within weeks of starting treatment.
Think a tongue-tie might be causing difficulties with
feeding, breathing, or sleeping?
Schedule an appointment to find the root of the problem.
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Appointment
Are you ready to smile more, breathe freely, and live better?
We are, too! Give us a call or complete the form to schedule an appointment! We'd love to sit down and discuss how you can achieve better oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile!
Please call 303.989.3192 or use the form to request to schedule an appointment. The Balanced Dental Studio Team will then call you to confirm a date and time.
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