Dr. Christensen focuses on the airway first and then the straight teeth and beautiful smile follow.
At Christensen Orthodontics, we stay at the cutting edge of new orthodontic philosophies and techniques so that we can continue to give you the best possible care for your oral health.
One of the newer approaches is that of functional airway centric orthodontics. This paradigm places a particular focus on the health of your airway and facial development.
Through functional airway centric orthodontics, we can address airway problems and, by extension, increase the amount of oxygen you receive, reduce the amount of times you wake up every night, and treat issues like sleep apnea.
For many years, dentistry – including orthodontics, has focused on dental health, the care and repair of teeth and supporting structures. Due to the rapid growth in sleep and dental sleep medicine, maintaining the airway’s physiological function has shifted into high priority. This allows patients to be treated for airway problems that may be missed or may only be able to receive temporary relief if ignored.
More than 50% of patients have an airway issue. This change in focus allows us to look beyond teeth to the nose, throat, muscles of the tongue, face, neck and beyond to the rest of the body. Suddenly, all the dots are connected and we are fixing more than the teeth. We are helping to restore optimal health and oral function to each patient.
Are any of the following signs/symptoms familiar to you or your child?
- Dark circle “panda” eyes
- Mouth breathing
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Thumb sucking
- Grinding and excessive teeth wear
- Multiple (recurrent) ear infections
- Retruded or protruded lower jaw
- Bedwetting
- Narrow jaw
- Crooked teeth
- Migraine headaches
- TMJ signs and symptoms
If these signs/symptoms apply to you or your child, airway centric orthodontics could be something that would be greatly beneficial.
What are the benefits of Airway Centric Orthodontics?
- Optimizing airway passages can assist breathing function and reduces the possibility of sleep apnea
- Intervention and preventive measure are key to staying ahead of problems that can develop
- Focusing on clear, open airways aids with overall sleep and breathing
- Encouraging nasal breathing assists with adequate, natural development of jaw structure
- Aids with overall sleep and breathing
In dentistry and orthodontics, there is a movement towards focusing on early, preventive treatment. By developing the jaw structure at an early age, using a child’s natural growth to our advantage, we can address these concerns and provide our children with a healthier future.
If these are symptoms that you have right now, as an adult, it is not too late. We treat adult patients every day with these issues.
Healthy airways create a healthy today… for a happy tomorrow!