The relationship between your breathing and dental health often goes unrecognized, yet it fundamentally impacts your overall wellbeing. Breathing difficulties can contribute to numerous health issues including sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, and even developmental concerns in children. When your airways aren’t functioning optimally, your body compensates in ways that can affect your dental structure and overall health.
At Floss Lincoln Park, we’re proud to offer airway orthodontics with Dr. Martha Silva, whose advanced training and patient-centered approach helps address these often-overlooked connections between breathing and oral health. Our commitment to comprehensive dental care extends beyond traditional treatments to include this innovative approach that may improve both your smile and your breathing.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics examines the connection between your dental structure and your ability to breathe properly. Unlike traditional orthodontics that focuses primarily on straightening teeth, airway orthodontics takes a more holistic approach by considering how dental alignment affects breathing pathways.
This specialized treatment addresses issues such as narrow dental arches, recessed jaws, and improper tongue positioning that can contribute to restricted airways. By optimizing the oral and facial structures, airway orthodontics may improve breathing function while simultaneously enhancing dental alignment and facial aesthetics.
Signs You Might Benefit from Airway Orthodontics
Many people don’t realize their dental issues may be connected to breathing problems. Some common indicators include:
- Chronic mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
- Frequent snoring or diagnosed sleep apnea
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Forward head posture
- Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Frequent headaches upon waking
Recognizing these signs early is important, especially in children, as addressing airway issues during developmental years may prevent more serious problems later in life.
Benefits Beyond Straight Teeth
The advantages of airway orthodontics extend far beyond cosmetic improvements. Patients who undergo airway-focused treatment often report:
Improved breathing during both day and night leads to better sleep quality and increased daytime energy. Better sleep quality contributes to improved cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall health. For children, addressing airway issues early may support proper facial development and potentially reduce the need for more invasive treatments later.
The Airway Orthodontic Process
The journey toward improved breathing and dental health begins with a comprehensive assessment. Our approach emphasizes education and partnership with patients throughout the treatment process
Comprehensive Evaluation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Silva conducts a thorough examination that goes beyond looking at your teeth. This includes assessing your airway passages, breathing patterns, facial structure, and how these elements work together. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools to visualize your airways and identify potential restrictions.
The evaluation also includes discussing your symptoms, sleep quality, and any breathing difficulties you may experience. This holistic approach helps us understand the full scope of your situation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Personalized Treatment Approaches
Based on your specific needs, Dr. Silva may recommend various treatment options. These might include specialized orthodontic appliances designed to expand the dental arches, reposition the jaw, or improve tongue positioning. For some patients, a combination of approaches provides the best results.
Treatment plans are always customized to address your unique situation. We take into account factors such as age, severity of symptoms, and overall health goals when designing your care plan.
Why Choose Airway Orthodontics at Floss Lincoln Park
When considering treatment for breathing and orthodontic concerns, specialized expertise makes all the difference. Dr. Silva’s dedication to continuing education ensures you receive the most current and effective care available.
Dr. Silva brings exceptional credentials to her practice of airway orthodontics. Her ongoing advanced training through the University of Florida School of Dentistry’s Mastership program with the Academy of General Dentistry includes over 600 hours of continuing education in all fields of dentistry. This comprehensive educational background enables her to provide cutting-edge care that addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Breathing difficulties and improper dental alignment can significantly impact your quality of life, but effective solutions are available. At Floss Lincoln Park, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health and breathing function through our specialized airway orthodontic approaches.
Our patient-centered care philosophy means we take time to understand your concerns, educate you about your options, and develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals. With convenient scheduling options including early morning and evening appointments, plus Saturday availability, we make it easy to prioritize your dental and airway health. Contact Floss Lincoln Park today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Silva and take the first step toward improved breathing and overall wellbeing