Orthodontics that looks at how you breathe

Looking at teeth, jaws, and the whole child

An orthodontic assessment considers how the teeth fit together and how the jaws are developing. Your observations about mouth breathing or snoring are also worth discussing with your child's dental and medical providers.

Screening is a starting point

A dental screening does not diagnose sleep apnea. If a sleep-related breathing disorder is suspected, evaluation by an appropriate medical provider is needed. Orthodontic treatment is not a promise to resolve sleep, attention, or feeding problems.

Treatment decisions depend on your child's assessment. Sometimes the next step is monitoring growth or coordinating with another specialist.

What happens at an airway consultation

• An assessment of the teeth and jaws, with imaging when appropriate
• A clear explanation of what Dr. Cindy sees
• Her treatment recommendations, including whether to treat now or wait
• Follow-up with your child's other providers — the referring doctor or dentist, an ENT, or a myofunctional therapist — when that helps

We're also glad to give second opinions.

Palate expanders and early treatment

While a child is still growing, an expander can widen a narrow upper jaw, making room for the adult teeth and for the tongue. Learn about early orthodontic treatment.

Expansion for teens and young adults (MARPE)

Once growth slows, MARPE uses small mini-screws to help widen the upper jaw without surgery. Learn about MARPE expansion.

An approach we share with every family

Airway awareness is part of our approach to care for all La Petite Dent patients, not just those seeking orthodontic treatment. We share our current understanding of breathing, oral development, and dental health with parents and patients.

Our goal is to help you understand what we observe, talk through your questions, and recognize when further evaluation may be helpful. Recommendations depend on each patient's needs and the available evidence.

A team approach

Airway care often involves more than one specialist. Dr. Cindy works regularly with ENTs, myofunctional therapists, and pediatricians. Because she is board-certified in both orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, and works in the same office as our pediatric dentists, your child's dental and orthodontic care stays on one record.

Meet Dr. Cindy  ·  Early orthodontic treatment  ·  Expansion for teens and young adults