Airway Orthodontics is a philosophy of orthodontic treatment that is fairly new. It is the concept that orthodontics should be practiced with the aim of improving the patient’s airway as the first and most important goal of treatment.
There are plenty of other reasons for orthodontic treatment such as improving the mouth’s function for eating and chewing, the aesthetic improvement that comes with having straight teeth, and relief of discomfort from teeth that do not meet or mesh properly. However, the point of airway orthodontics is that good airway function is and should be the most important preoccupation of the practicing orthodontist.
Research has shown that certain teeth and jaw problems contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. And obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to other heart and lung problems. So, the purpose of airway orthodontics is to make the patient’s airway the first and primary consideration in any orthodontic treatment plan.
There is increasing evidence that orthodontic treatment can improve upper airway function and prevent OSA which often appears later in life. So, consideration of how the upper airway will be affected by treatment can and should play a role in orthodontic decision making.
Specialists in orthodontic treatment have known for years that orthodontics could have a major impact on the patient’s life, but considering that the treatment can have a major impact on the patient’s upper airway is what is new. Now, orthodontists take a broader, more holistic view of the patient’s treatment and consider the patient’s airway as the fundamental and first consideration.
The Hicks orthodontic practice has been around for over 40 years, with Bryan Hicks taking over for his father. Dr. Hicks works hard to give his patients extraordinary outcomes from their orthodontic treatment.
If you have any questions about this article or need to talk to someone in the office, give us a call at (604) 922-0111.
