At Lucas Orthodontic Group, we offer advanced orthodontic solutions that not only enhance your smile but also improve your overall health. One of our specialties is Airway Orthodontics in Franklin, TN, which focuses on the vital connection between dental structure and breathing. Addressing airway issues can reduce the risk of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and related conditions, promoting better sleep and improved quality of life.

What is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway Orthodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating airway obstructions that can lead to conditions such as sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and snoring. Improper jaw development or narrow dental arches can restrict airflow, leading to difficulties in breathing, particularly during sleep. This specialized branch of orthodontics looks beyond straight teeth to assess how your jaw, teeth, and facial structures interact with your airway.

Why is Airway Health Important?

Proper airway function is essential for good health. A restricted airway can result in poor sleep quality, which in turn affects energy levels, growth in children, and overall well-being. Addressing these issues through early orthodontic treatment can lead to lasting improvements in sleep, breathing, and even facial development.

Who Can Benefit?

Airway orthodontics can benefit individuals of all ages in Franklin, TN, from children experiencing early signs of airway obstruction to adults seeking to improve their overall health and well-being. Symptoms that may indicate a need for airway-focused orthodontic treatment include:

  • Snoring or disrupted sleep
  • Mouth breathing
  • Difficulty concentrating or focusing
  • Frequent headaches or fatigue
  • Poor posture or facial asymmetry

At Lucas Orthodontic Group in Franklin, we take a comprehensive approach to orthodontics. Our team will assess your child’s or your airway health during consultations, considering factors such as dental alignment, jaw position, and breathing patterns. If airway obstruction is identified, we may recommend MARPE or other orthodontic treatments to create a healthier airway and improve overall quality of life.

If you’re concerned about airway health for yourself or your child, or if you want to learn more about airway orthodontics and MARPE, contact us at Lucas Orthodontic Group today. We’re dedicated to providing advanced orthodontic care that prioritizes your health, comfort, and beautiful smiles!

Treatment Approaches

Our experienced orthodontists use advanced technology and diagnostics, including 3D imaging, to evaluate your airway health. Treatments may involve expanders, braces, or other appliances to widen the jaw and create more room for the airway. In some cases, orthodontics may be combined with other treatments such as myofunctional therapy or even collaboration with sleep specialists to achieve the best results.

MARPE: The Key To Expanding Airway Space

One of the advanced techniques we offer at Lucas Orthodontic Group is MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion). This treatment is particularly effective for patients with a narrow upper jaw, which can contribute to restricted airflow and sleep-disordered breathing.

MARPE uses mini-implants (or screws) to assist in expanding the upper palate. Unlike traditional expansion techniques, MARPE can be used in adults and adolescents where the upper jawbone has already fused. By expanding the upper jaw, MARPE increases the size of the nasal passages and oral airway, resulting in better airflow and improved breathing during sleep.

Top-Rated Franklin, TN Airway Specialists

At Lucas Orthodontic Group, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to every patient. Our team is highly trained in airway assessment and treatment, ensuring you or your child receives the most effective care possible. We are committed to improving not just smiles, but also quality of life through our innovative airway-centered orthodontic treatments in Franklin, TN.

If you or your child experience symptoms such as snoring, frequent waking, or difficulty breathing, request a consultation at one of our many convenient Middle Tennessee locations. At Lucas Orthodontic Group, we are here to help you breathe easier and smile brighter.