Airway & Breathing Solutions
Having a crooked tooth is one thing, having a restricted airway is totally something else. Think about our body. After every breath the next most important thing our body does is draw the next breath, so on and so on. The airway is catching more and more attention with orthopedic dentists today. There is documentation that some of the issues with a smaller airway starts with the very early growing stages and therefore can actually be diagnosed and even corrected to improve the ability to breath properly as the child grows. We’ll explain the airway first and how we process oxygen. Then we’ll look at the current state of affairs and how OSA, obstructive sleep apnea, is dealt with in a reactive manor. Then we’ll look at what Dr. Pan, as an orthodontist, can do to correct the airway of your child and prevent this breathing disorder as he/she grows.
Orthodontic Changes
It’s simply about more than the teeth. It’s also about proper facial growth. Much like building a house it has a foundation, exterior walls, a roof and rooms. The interaction with the teeth, gums, jaws, sinus cavity all are now being identified as contributing factors equally in facial development.
Dr. Pan might review the 3D scan with you and make some suggestions on how the jaws can be altered orthodontically with your child at their age to ensure their airway development. Frankly, this is drawing more attention and is identified as a much greater problem then straightening teeth. He may also consider the child’s genetics to project facial development.
As Dr. Pan does his evaluation he will identify the efficiency with the nasal breathing and the rate of airflow. Is breathing difficult and is there any audible wheezing sounds. Does the youngster snore? Dr. Pan will check the seal of the lips without any muscle strain. He will check the positioning of the tongue when it is a rest. How does the child swallow and how does the tongue interact with that process? He will ask questions and make suggestions about your child at home. How is the child sleeping regarding the quality and quantity of sleep? Is the nose kept clean to function properly? He will attempt to identify the posture of your child’s bones, their muscles and the fascia related to the face. Finally, how does the child eat. Is there good nutrition being provided that doesn’t challenge the body.
The Benefits to Your Child
If Dr. Pan is able to do some ever-so-slight tweaks to the upper and lower jaw alignment for your youngster than we don’t have the cart in front of the horse. After this alignment is addressed there may be braces to follow to complete the entire make over, but as your child grows and becomes a young adult they will forever thank you. We often talk about trying to put a value on your smile and how it is the foundation for your self-esteem and self-confidence. Well, how about putting a value on a quality night’s sleep. To eliminate the fragmented sleep patterns and the strain it puts on the heart and the other systems as well as daylong fatigue and constant sleepiness.
Think about asking Dr. Pan to evaluate your child and their airway. Have him run a few diagnostic tests to see if your child’s face will grow such that their airway will perform properly. It’s not as pretty as straightening teeth but far more important.
Pan Orthodontics Philosophy
To treat our patients as our families and to treat others as how we want to be treated. From your first phone call to the moment your new smile is born, everything in our office is set up to ensure an excellent experience with us. We will always listen to you and improve with your suggestions.
Featuring The Latest Orthodontics Technology
Our Commitment to You
We will continue to keep up with the ever growing digital technologies to improve your orthodontic experience. We also commit to always help you find the most convenient time for your visit with us.
