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Richlands Airway Orthodontist
At Westfall Orthodontics in Richlands, VA, we offer specialized airway orthodontic care that goes beyond straight teeth. An airway orthodontist focuses on facial structure, breathing patterns, and jaw growth — helping both children and adults breathe easier, sleep better, and align their smiles for long-term wellbeing.
Our board-certified doctors, Dr. Chad Westfall and Dr. Ian Weaver, are trained in facial development and airway-friendly orthodontics. Patients from Richlands and surrounding areas seek our care not just for smile aesthetics, but for healthier breathing, sleep, and overall growth — all made possible through advanced technology and compassionate treatment planning.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a holistic approach to jaw alignment that considers breathing, facial growth, sleep quality, and overall health — not just tooth position. Traditional braces move teeth into straight lines, but airway orthodontics supports optimal alignment of the upper jaw, tongue posture, and air passage.
Early airway-focused treatment can guide skeletal development, prevent obstructed breathing, reduce snoring or sleep discomfort, and support improved facial balance. It’s a proactive, foundational way of treating orthodontic and health concerns together.
How Does Airway Orthodontics Work?
Airway orthodontic treatments are designed around several key principles:
- Jaw expansion or repositioning using devices like expanders, functional appliances, or discreet orthodontic appliances
- Encouraging nasal breathing and proper tongue posture, reducing mouth breathing and airway restriction
- Evaluating airway health through 3D imaging (CBCT) and sleep/breathing assessments when needed
- Combining orthodontics with other supportive therapies, such as myofunctional therapy, our airway-friendly approach creates long-term benefits
Benefits of Airway Orthodontics
- Improved breathing, especially during sleep
- Better craniofacial growth and symmetry
- Reduced snoring or mild sleep-disordered breathing
- Enhanced alignment and less relapse potential
- Decreased risk of jaw pain, headaches, and dental wear
- Positive impact on posture and orthodontic stability
These benefits extend beyond appearance — they support healthier, more functional smiles for life.
Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation
If you’re a parent in Richlands, look for these early signs:
- Chronic mouth breathing or dry lips
- Snoring, restless sleep, or bedwetting
- Difficulty swallowing or tongue thrusting
- Narrow upper jaw or high palate
- Crowding despite early dental care
- Behavioral concerns, daytime fatigue, or learning difficulty
- Open bite, narrow smile, or jaw retrusion
If any of these are present, an airway-focused evaluation can uncover underlying causes and support healthier development with personalized treatment.
Airway Orthodontics for Adults
Airway treatment isn’t just for children — many adults in Richlands experience chronic congestion, sleep issues, or prior relapse following traditional orthodontics. Airway orthodontics can also benefit adults by restoring proper jaw posture and encouraging better airflow.
Potential adult airway treatments include:
- Discreet expanders or aligner-based widening
- Bite adjustments to relieve joint strain
- Orthodontics combined with CPAP or dental device referrals, when needed
- Collaboration with myofunctional therapy or ENT specialists
Whether you had braces in the past or have struggled with mouth breathing, airway orthodontics at Westfall Orthodontics can help improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and enhance long-term oral function.
Why Choose Westfall Orthodontics?
Selecting an airway-focused orthodontist matters — here’s why families and adults in Richlands choose us:
- Specialized expertise in facial growth, airway, and orthodontics
- Comprehensive evaluation including digital imaging and airway scans
- Board-certified doctors with professional leadership in airway treatment
- Balance-focused care — we treat breathing and smile goals together
- Supportive environment — modern office, caring team, and Molly our therapy dog
- Community commitment — leading care for Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee & Western North Carolina
Our approach is not just cosmetic — it’s foundational.
