Scottsdale Orthodontics - Airway Protective Orthodontics

The mouth plays an important role in dictating a patient’s overall health. As a result, inadequate or superficial dental care can have a domino-like effect of an individual’s overall health spurring on the development of secondary issues. In particular, while traditional orthodontics may provide immediate relief from poor bite alignment, unless therapy comprehensively addresses the cause of misalignment, patients are at a continued risk of relapse as well as the development of other issues, such as sleep apnea, jaw pain, and migraines.

At Aesthetic Dentistry of Scottsdale, our team is dedicated to providing patients with personalized solutions that encourage long-term overall health and function. By utilizing the latest in dental technology, our team is able to provide early orthodontic intervention, protecting patient’s future oral health. 

The Impact of the Jaw

In traditional orthodontics, preliminary treatments required some variation of retraction therapy during the development of the jaw during childhood. While effective for immediately correcting alignment of the jaw, such treatments often led to the development of flat-looking faces, or chins that appeared to be too far back. As retraction often did not treat the alignment of the teeth, many patients were required to undergo further treatments, such as the extraction of permanent teeth. 

Unfortunately, such treatments have a tendency to cause further issues. As retraction reduced the amount of space in the mouth, little room is left for the tongue, putting patients at an increased risk of developing breathing conditions as the tongue then obstructs the airway. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMD, is also a possible outcome, as rapid repositioning of the jaw may disrupt the smooth movement of the jaw. 

A New Approach to a Straighter Smile

In recent years, the emergence of airway-protected orthodontics has presented an alternative solution to encouraging proper growth and alignment. With this early intervention treatment, removable appliances are used to redirect jaw development in the right direction, ensuring the airway and facial structure are preserved. Once movement is complete, patients wear a retainer to preserve the new alignment. Unlike traditional retainers, this follow-up appliance encourages proper oral posture to protect alignment and breathing abilities.  

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Located in Scottsdale, Aesthetic Dentistry of Scottsdale is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that enhance the natural beauty of our patient’s smiles while improving their overall health and function. For more information about the long-term benefits of airway-protective orthodontics, contact our practice today.