What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway-focused orthodontic treatment addresses the relationship between jaw structure and breathing. When the jaw is too narrow or underdeveloped, nasal breathing becomes difficult — affecting sleep, facial development, and overall health.
Dr. Kendrick includes an orthodontic airway evaluation as part of every comprehensive assessment at our Kissimmee office. When concerns are found, treatment targets both the bite and the breathing together.
Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing
The body is designed to breathe through the nose. Nasal breathing filters air, supports healthy development, and promotes restful sleep.
Chronic mouth breathing can disrupt tooth alignment, facial growth, and sleep quality — particularly in growing children.
Catching this early gives Dr. Kendrick the best opportunity to guide treatment when it matters most.
How a Narrow Palate Affects Breathing
A narrow palate reduces space for the tongue and restricts upper airway flow. This structural issue is one of the most common reasons patients develop habitual mouth breathing or experience sleep-disordered breathing.
Expanding the palate at the right stage of development can open the airway, improve nasal breathing, and relieve jaw tension in both children and adults.
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Airway Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults
Children
Young patients benefit most from early evaluation. Growing jaws respond well to guided expansion and appliance therapy. Dr. Kendrick identifies narrow palate, restricted airway, and breathing concerns early, and intervenes while natural growth is still an advantage.
Teens
During the teen years, Dr. Kendrick monitors how the bite and airway develop together. Orthodontic treatment at this stage can correct bite issues and support healthier breathing before growth is complete.
Adults
Adults with chronic nasal breathing difficulty, bite imbalance, or jaw tension are not excluded from airway care. Dr. Kendrick evaluates each adult case individually and recommends treatment only when it is clinically appropriate and likely to help.
Common Signs of Airway Concerns
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Narrow palate or small jaw
- Jaw tension or clenching
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Uneven facial development in children
Airway Evaluation and CBCT Technology
Dr. Kendrick uses 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate the airway, jaw, and bite with a level of detail that standard X-rays cannot provide. This advanced diagnostic technology is part of what sets Kendrick Orthodontics apart as an airway orthodontist in Kissimmee. Every patient receives a thorough evaluation, a clear explanation, and an honest recommendation.
Treatment Options
Airway care at Kendrick Orthodontics is always personalized. Depending on the case, treatment may include:
- Palatal expansion to widen a narrow jaw and improve airflow
- Early orthodontic appliances to guide bite and jaw development
- Braces to correct structural bite issues
- Coordinated care with ENT or sleep specialists when appropriate
Why Early Evaluation Matters
The jaw is most responsive to treatment during childhood. Dr. Kendrick recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 so any developing concerns can be identified early.
Early evaluation does not always mean immediate treatment. It means the right care happens at the right time.
Airway Orthodontic FAQs
Have questions about airway orthodontics, mouth breathing, jaw development, or early treatment? Here are answers to common questions from patients and parents.
No. Adults with breathing difficulty, jaw tension, or bite imbalances are also good candidates. Dr. Kendrick evaluates every patient individually.
Common causes include a narrow palate, nasal obstruction, or enlarged tonsils. Dr. Kendrick identifies the structural cause and recommends the right orthodontic approach.
Not always. Some children complete early airway treatment first, then proceed to braces later. Others have both addressed together. Dr. Kendrick explains the full plan clearly.
Coverage depends on your plan and recommended treatment. Our team reviews your benefits at the consultation and walks you through all payment options, including no-interest monthly plans.
Schedule a free consultation at Kendrick Orthodontics in Kissimmee. Dr. Kendrick will evaluate your bite, jaw, and airway and give you a clear, honest answer.
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