Pediatric Breathing & Airway
Early Detection & Care for Healthy Development
At Scottsdale Family Smiles, our team not only focuses on a child’s teeth, gums, and jaw, but we also evaluate facial development, tongue posture and mobility, breathing, and airway function and quality. Dr. Fattah provides standard airway evaluations to help determine if there are breathing concerns that may lead to further health issues. Call our office at (480) 607-6937 to learn more about our breathing and airway diagnostic and treatment options for your child.
Why Pediatric Airway Screening Is Essential
An airway that is too narrow, underdeveloped, or constricted can prevent a child from getting enough oxygen as they sleep. This can lead to a disturbance in sleep quality and other issues like ADHD, chronic sore throat, irritability, and many other conditions. A lack of quality sleep can be detrimental to a child’s growth due to the release of natural growth hormone during deep sleep. Likewise, many rejuvenation processes occur throughout the sleep cycle. Limiting these functions by leaving airway issues untreated can interfere with healthy growth and development in your child.
Warning Signs of an Improperly Formed Airway
There are many signs that your child is experiencing abnormal breathing and sleep. These include:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding
- ADHD
- Poor performance in school
- Irritability
- Chronic sore throats
- Allergies
- Swollen tonsils
- Crooked teeth
- Trouble swallowing
- Speech issues
- Dark circles under the eyes
Is Your Child At Risk?
Your child may have a higher chance of developing breathing and airway issues if they:
- Have a family history of these conditions
- Were born prematurely with underdeveloped airways and lungs
- Are obese and have difficulty breathing
- Suffer from frequent respiratory infections
Why Do Children Develop Breathing & Airway Problems?
Our Holistic Approach to Pediatric Airway Treatment
Facial development and growth have a major impact on our ability to breathe. The amount of room for the tongue and the teeth in the mouth can have a direct impact on our breathing, sleep, hormones, growth, and neurological development. Scottsdale Family Smiles uses 3D imaging to evaluate your child’s airway from their nasal passage through the space behind their tongue to recognize areas that may be constricted and choose the best path for improving the restrictions.
By using a system of orthodontic appliances, we can help the upper and lower jaws develop and reshape the oral cavity. As these areas develop and change in shape, the child’s airway widens and expands, allowing them to breathe easier. Expanding the oral cavity and helping the jaws develop forward improves the airway, offering a more permanent solution for sleep-disordered breathing. Treatment for underdeveloped jaws and airways in children can improve chronic allergies, headaches, anxiety, and attention issues, and have a direct impact on performance in school.
Our holistic treatment protocols can also help straighten teeth. Teeth are often crowded because a child’s jaw is too small. When the jaw is expanded with oral appliance therapy, it allows more room for teeth to grow naturally. This can provide a straight smile without the need for braces.
Rapid Palatal Expander
The Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) applies force to both sides of the mouth to widen the midpalatal suture, the line that runs down the middle of the roof of your mouth.
Schwarz Palatal Expanders
We offer upper and lower Schwarz appliances, which are removable expanders that can be customized to lengthen dental arches and promote transverse development with 3-way expanders.
Schwarz Upper
Schwarz Lower
3-Way Schwarz
Rick-A-Nator & Rick-A-Nator Plus
The Rick-A-Nator is a fixed expander that treats orthodontic issues contributing to misaligned teeth and jaws, including mandibular and vertical deficiency, that also impact breathing. The Rick-A-Nator Plus offers the same benefits with additional capabilities to help expand the upper arch of the mouth.
Vivos Guide System
Vivos provides a set of appliances for children to correct early airway malformations and promote healthy upper and lower jaw development. The Vivos Guide System therapy uses removable retainers to help the mouth properly align new teeth and prevent airway restrictions.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
Early Intervention: Detecting and addressing potential airway issues early on can prevent long-term complications. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your child’s oral and airway health and proactively treat any issues.
Multidisciplinary Care: Our team leverages an extensive background in pediatric health, allergies, and facial development and structure to provide whole-body care for children with breathing and airway challenges.
Breathing Exercises: Simple exercises can improve respiratory function and promote proper breathing habits. This may also include the use of orthodontic appliances to help expand the airway.
Diet and Nutrition Guidance: We provide tailored nutrition counseling to support overall health and address underlying diet-related factors that may contribute to breathing issues.
Customized Treatment Plans: The key to holistic care is customizing protocols to each individual’s needs. Our tailored treatment plans center around your child’s unique situation to deliver the most effective and long-lasting results.
