Airway Orthodontics

What is Airway Orthodontics?

At Race Orthodontics, we believe orthodontics is about much more than straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Sometimes, a crowded or crooked smile signals that the jaw isn’t growing as it should. Bad habits or jaw issues can contribute to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB).

Airway orthodontics is our approach to factoring in these issues when designing treatment. It allows us to create a plan that focuses on overall health, not just aesthetics. With a board‑certified orthodontist guiding treatment decisions, we aim for precise diagnosis and reduce unnecessary procedures.

Wide view of orthodontic treatment area at Race Orthodontics.

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

Obstructive Sleep Apnea happens when the airway collapses during sleep, temporarily blocking breathing. While the sleeper may not fully wake, their body reacts: releasing stress hormones, increasing heart rate, and forcing muscles to reopen the airway. This cycle may repeat throughout the night, pulling someone out of deep sleep repeatedly.

This constant stress on the body is harmful. Elevated cortisol, interrupted sleep, and metabolic disruptions can impact immunity, hormone balance, memory, digestion, and many other systems.

Symptoms of OSA & SDB

Snoring
Mouth Breathing
Enlarged Tonsils/Adenoids
Facial & Jaw Deformities
Restless Sleep & Drowsiness During the Day
Short Attention Span or ADD/ADHD
Bed Wetting

Digital dental X-ray of teeth and jaw at Race Orthodontics.

Causes

There are several factors that commonly lead to airway issues:

Obstructive tissues (enlarged tonsils, adenoids, turbinate bones (in the nose), deviated septum)
Lack of room for the tongue (narrow jaws, recessive upper and lower jaws, tongue-tied)

Treatment

Growth-oriented Orthodontics (jaw expansion, advancement of upper and/or lower jaws to create room for the tongue and open the airway) rather than pulling teeth.
An Orthodontist may recommend referral to an ENT specialist for the reduction of obstructive tissues, such as removal of tonsils or adenoids, management of allergies, or other appropriate thera pies. Research demonstrates that the most effective and lasting results are often achieved when orthodontic treatment is coordinated with these medical interventions.

How We Treat It and When Should You Start?

Instead of merely pulling teeth, we lean into growth-driven orthodontics: expanding or advancing the upper and/or lower jaw to open space for the tongue and clear the airway. In many cases, we coordinate with ENT specialists to remove obstructive tissues (tonsils, adenoids), address allergies, or perform other complementary therapies. The best, most lasting results often happen when orthodontic treatment and medical care work together.

When should you contact us? As soon as you notice symptoms or have concerns. The age of 6–8 is often pivotal for early diagnosis, but sometimes treatment may be needed even earlier. In cases needing collaboration with an ENT, we begin that conversation right away.

Contact us for a no‑cost consultation to assess whether airway orthodontics is appropriate for you or your child.

What our patients say

“Amazing staff and care, always taking the best care. Dr Marston is always so caring and encouraging, as well as super supportive to help rework and restrategize the way that he assists your needs.”

John K

“Dr. Marston is absolutely professional, and all the staff are very kind. My case was not easy I had to pause and redo it because of my TMJ but what I appreciate most about Dr. Marston is his patience and dedication throughout the process. My daughter also loves visiting the clinic because of the welcoming, kid-friendly environment.”

MCogan

“Just finished my Invisalign treatment. Awesome experience from beginning to end. I felt very comfortable with every step of the process from the first consultation to receiving my retainers. Every question no matter how dumb it sounded was answered professionally. They even worked with me when I moved overseas to continue my treatment. Thanks a ton Dr. Marston and team! I appreciate all of you.”

Mark S

“The entire staff is not only incredibly friendly but also consistently professional. They always go above and beyond to accommodate our scheduling needs, which we deeply appreciate. Dr. Marston is both knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring that both the patient and their family fully understand the treatment plan and what to expect. We couldn’t ask for a better orthodontic experience—and we highly recommend Marston Orthodontics to anyone in need of care!”

KC

“Dr. Marston is amazing. He does a great job of explaining and setting expectations. He is also very gentle with kids. I used him for all three of my daughters. Highly recommend.”

Tam B