Airway Evaluation & Treatment in Richlands, Abingdon, & Bristol
Better Breathing, Happier Life
At Westfall Orthodontics, Dr. Chad Westfall specializes in diagnosing, educating, and treating airway issues that can impact your sleep and overall health. Through comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatment plans, our goal is to help you breathe better, sleep better, and ultimately, live better.
Understanding Airways
Breathing easily is one of life’s simplest yet most essential joys. Unfortunately, many children, teens, and adults today struggle with sleep breathing disorders (SBD), such as pediatric sleep apnea (PSA) and adult sleep apnea (ASA). These conditions often go undiagnosed, leading to long-term health complications and decreased quality of life.
At Westfall Orthodontics, Dr. Westfall uses a comprehensive approach to assess how your orthodontic issues may be contributing to trouble breathing. Through modern diagnostics and personalized treatment plans, we can straighten your teeth and improve your airway function, helping you or your child breathe easier and live healthier.
Benefits of Airway Evaluation
Orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth—it can also play a key role in improving breathing by addressing structural issues in the mouth and jaw that may be obstructing the airway.
For many patients, particularly those with sleep breathing disorders (SBD) like sleep apnea, improper alignment of the teeth and jaws can narrow the airway, making it harder to breathe while sleeping.
Jaw Alignment
One of the most common causes of airway obstruction is an improperly aligned jaw. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or other appliances, can help correct bite problems (like overbites or underbites) that contribute to a restricted airway.
By repositioning the jaws, orthodontics can open up the space in the throat, allowing for easier airflow.
Expanding the Palate
In children and some adults, a narrow upper jaw can crowd the teeth and reduce the space available for proper breathing.
Palatal expanders, a type of orthodontic device, gently widen the upper arch over time, creating more room for the tongue and improving airflow through the nasal passages.
Improving Facial Structure
Orthodontic treatment during the growth phase of children can guide the proper development of the facial bones and airway structures.
By optimizing the growth of the jaw and face, orthodontics can help prevent issues like mouth breathing, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Supporting Overall Health
Proper breathing isn’t just about comfort—it’s vital for overall health.
When airway obstructions are corrected, patients often experience better sleep, improved energy levels, and a reduced risk of related health problems, such as cardiovascular issues, headaches, or behavioral disorders in children.
Adult Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea can be a serious issue for adults — in fact, over 18 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, with about 85% of them experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If left untreated, OSA can lead to significant health risks, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and obesity.
The good news is that orthodontic treatment can often play a critical role in managing and even eliminating the symptoms of sleep apnea. At Westfall Orthodontics, Dr. Westfall provides personalized treatment plans to help adults suffering from airway issues and sleep disorders find relief.
Using advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach, we help reduce airway obstruction, allowing for better breathing and more restful sleep.
Early Airway Orthodontics
Many children experience breathing issues that can significantly affect their development and health. Pediatric sleep apnea (PSA) is one common form of sleep breathing disorder (SBD) that, if left untreated, can negatively impact a child's growth, learning abilities, and even facial structure.
Dr. Westfall focuses on identifying these problems early. By addressing airway issues at a young age, we can guide your child's growth toward healthier breathing patterns and a stronger, more balanced development.
5 Questions to Ask About Your Child's Breathing
If you're concerned about your child's breathing or sleep habits, start by asking yourself these five important questions:
- Is your child struggling to perform at their full potential, either academically or socially?
- Does your child snore while sleeping?
- Does your child experience nasal congestion or regularly breathe through their mouth? (Mouth breathing can contribute to crooked teeth, facial imbalances, and increased susceptibility to illness.)
- Is your child hyperactive, or do they have difficulty sitting still or focusing? Breathing problems and poor sleep can be mistaken for ADHD.
- Has your dentist or orthodontist noted crowded teeth or a narrow arch in your child's mouth? (This can affect physical, mental, and emotional development.)
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your child could benefit from an airway evaluation. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children undergo their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, and this becomes especially critical if they are showing signs of airway or breathing issues.
Schedule Your
Airway Appointment
If you or your child are experiencing signs of sleep apnea or other airway-related issues, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment at Westfall Orthodontics in Richlands, Abingdon, or Bristol to start on the path toward better breathing and a happier, healthier life. Dr. Westfall and his experienced team are here to support you every step of the way!