Traditional orthodontic treatment around 12-13 years of age (braces, invisible aligner therapy, etc.) has been the “normal” since braces were invented over 100 years ago. Back then and even today, orthodontics is thought necessary to only create a “beautiful smile,” balanced good-looking faces, healthy gums and possibly to stabilize the TM Joints. Airway has not been an area that orthodontists believe they can alter. But interestingly enough, airway and breathing patterns related to orthodontics began over 100 years ago; even the father of modern orthodontics, Dr. Edward H. Angle, published and taught on this connection of airway and orthodontics in his lectures and publications. Unfortunately, this got lost in history until the last decade when medical and dental colleagues came together to research this connection further.
Various treatments in these age groups are either totally focusing on aesthetics, i.e., “the beautiful smile,” or also looking at ways to evaluate for airway and sleep issues that may be related to an obstructed airway caused by structural growth abnormalities.
Our office still focuses on non-extraction therapies in teens, young adults and older adults. But there are times where teeth have to be extracted as growth is not available to help broaden the dental arches. Even with the few we have to consider extraction therapy; we want the dental / skeletal arches as wide as possible but still fit into bone boundaries and hopefully improve airway function.
Non-extraction “AT ALL COSTS” is not possible every time. The age and the quality of the supporting bone and gums around the teeth dictate the positions they can be moved into. Teeth cannot be moved into “thin air” out of the boney boundaries. This takes careful evaluation and best by using 3D CBCT imaging.
Sometimes surgical procedures may be necessary in order to preserve the airway and not narrow the arches in non-growing patients.
Airway and Sleep Disordered Breathing issues are best evaluated by a Sleep Physician, ENT, Otolaryngologist, etc. as Sleep Disordered Breathing such as Sleep Apnea is a Medical Issue that has some dental / orthodontic solutions.
To learn more about teen orthodontics in Alexander City, Alabama, and make your teenager’s appointment with Dr. William Harrell, our experienced orthodontist, please contact Harrell Orthodontics at 256-234-6353.
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that corrects “bad bites” or malocclusions. Dr. Harrell is a Board-Certified Orthodontist by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).
Our office focuses on airway and TMJ friendly orthodontics. Research has shown that yes, orthodontic therapy may have a negative or positive impact on the airway and even the jaw joints depending on various philosophies of treatment. We like to see patients early (4 – 7 years old) to evaluate breathing, airway issues and TMJ dysfunction as this is the time, while they are growing rapidly, that we can have the GREATEST POSITIVE EFFECT on the GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT of your child.
We do traditional airway friendly orthodontics that create beautiful and healthy smiles in teenagers and adults and try to establish a healthy airway and TM Joints.
We use the latest in 3D technology.