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Raleigh Airway Orthodontist
Breathing well is just as important as having a healthy smile. At Carolina Braces in Raleigh, NC, our orthodontists Dr. Robert Kent and Dr. Samantha Tagerman specialize in airway orthodontics — a modern approach that addresses how jaw and dental development can affect breathing.
Airway issues in children and adults are often overlooked but can lead to challenges like poor sleep, daytime fatigue, or even long-term health concerns. Through airway-focused orthodontics, we help patients breathe better, sleep better, and live healthier lives — all while improving their smiles.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a specialized field that focuses on how the alignment of teeth and the growth of the jaws influence breathing. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which primarily focuses on straightening teeth, airway orthodontics considers the bigger picture: how your child’s or your airway develops and functions.
Problems with airway development can contribute to issues like:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring or sleep-disordered breathing
- Narrow jaws or crowded teeth
- Poor sleep quality leading to daytime fatigue
- Behavioral issues in children related to lack of restful sleep
By identifying and treating these issues early, airway orthodontics helps support proper growth, healthy breathing, and long-term wellness.
How Does Airway Orthodontics Work?
Airway orthodontics works by guiding jaw and dental development in ways that promote proper airflow. At Carolina Braces, this process may include:
- Comprehensive evaluation — We assess jaw development, breathing patterns, and oral habits.
- Digital imaging — Advanced scans allow us to see how the airway looks and functions.
- Growth guidance appliances — For children, appliances can gently widen the jaw to create more space for teeth and improve airflow.
- Orthodontic treatment — Braces or Invisalign may be used alongside airway-focused approaches to align teeth and jaws.
- Habit correction — Identifying issues like thumb sucking or chronic mouth breathing that can impact airway development.
This holistic approach not only creates a beautiful smile but also supports healthy breathing for years to come.
Benefits of Airway Orthodontics
- Better sleep — Improved airflow helps reduce snoring and sleep-disordered breathing
- Enhanced concentration — Restful sleep supports focus and behavior, especially in children
- Healthier growth — Proper airway function aids in overall child development
- Improved oral health — Correct jaw development creates room for teeth and reduces crowding
- Long-term wellness — Addressing airway issues early may prevent future breathing-related problems
Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation
Airway concerns often appear early in life. Some common signs that your child may benefit from an airway orthodontic evaluation include:
- Frequent mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
- Loud snoring or restless sleep
- Chronic fatigue or difficulty waking up in the morning
- Behavioral issues such as irritability, hyperactivity, or lack of focus
- Crowded teeth or a narrow upper jaw
- Bedwetting beyond the usual age range
- Forward head posture
If you notice these signs, it’s important to schedule a consultation at Carolina Braces. Early detection allows us to guide proper jaw growth and breathing patterns, leading to healthier outcomes.
Airway Orthodontics for Adults
Airway orthodontics isn’t just for kids — adults can benefit too. Narrow jaws or misaligned bites can contribute to airway restrictions, leading to problems like:
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Daytime fatigue
- Jaw discomfort or tension headaches
For adults, treatment may involve orthodontics like Invisalign or braces, along with appliances designed to expand or reposition the jaw to create more space for airflow. By addressing these concerns, we can improve sleep quality, reduce health risks, and enhance overall well-being.
Why Choose Carolina Braces?
At Carolina Braces, we take a whole-health approach to orthodontics. Families throughout Raleigh choose us for airway-focused care because we offer:
- Experienced orthodontists — Dr. Kent and Dr. Tagerman are highly trained in both traditional and airway orthodontics
- Comprehensive evaluations — We look beyond straight teeth to consider breathing, growth, and long-term health
- Advanced technology — Digital imaging provides precise insights into jaw and airway development
- Personalized care — Every treatment plan is designed to fit the unique needs of your child or family member
- Welcoming environment — Our team makes visits positive, supportive, and stress-free for patients of all ages
Schedule Your Airway Orthodontics Consultation in Raleigh
Healthy breathing leads to a healthier life. If you’re concerned about airway issues for yourself or your child, Carolina Braces is here to help. Our Raleigh orthodontists provide expert airway evaluations and personalized treatments designed to improve both smiles and overall well-being.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward better breathing, better sleep, and better health with Carolina Braces.