AIRWAY ORTHODONTICS

Benefits Of Airway Orthodontic Therapy

Airway Orthodontist
DNA Appliance

Airway Orthodontics | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | |

WHAT IS AIRWAY ORTHODONTICS?

Airway orthodontics recognizes the fact that jaw, sleep, and breathing disorders are caused due to the backward position of jaws and incorrect tongue resting posture. The objective of airway orthodontics is to focus on the expansion of the jaw and bring it forward to widen the airways, which is a critical factor in improving the overall well-being of the patient. Airway Orthodontics acknowledges the limitations of current orthodontics techniques. It doesn’t just focus on widening airways like current orthodontics. Unlike current orthodontics, there are various benefits of airway orthodontic therapy such as, correct spine posture, proper tongue posture, protecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and fostering healthy sleep and breathing patterns.

JAW DYSFUNCTION, MALOCCLUSION & TMD

The alignment of the teeth not only has an effect on the position of the jaw and the resting position of the temporomandibular joints but also significantly influences breathing patterns and sleep disorders. The narrowing of the upper jaw naturally pushes the lower jaw back and further compromises the airway. To compensate for this, individuals may start clenching and grinding their teeth, which can lead to muscular dysfunction and articular disk displacement, causing TMD. This, in turn, can also manifest in the form of symptoms such as anxiety, poor sleep, fatigue, and a multitude of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the compression of the nerves by the jaw muscles can cause more TMD-associated symptoms.

TRADITIONAL ORTHODONTICS & TMD

Traditional orthodontics concentrates only on teeth alignment and aesthetics. However, airway orthodontics not only concentrates on the aesthetics but also the functioning. Traditional orthodontics extracts teeth to relieve overcrowding and create space for teeth alignment; this is another possible cause of TMD. Removing teeth rather than expanding the jaw will alter the entire structure of the oronasal airway, which will leave no room for the tongue to rest on the roof. Additionally, it is also important to note that the maxilla, or roof of the mouth, is also the floor of the nose. A smaller maxilla, will render in a smaller nasal cavity, which in turn results in a compromised airway. This will force the body to find a way to compensate, like mouth breathing and poor posture. A smaller jaw will also push the lower jaw behind, causing strained muscles that exert a force on the jaw joint, which results in TMJ pain. Through the domino effect, headaches turn into migraines, which ripple into head, neck, and back pain.

AIRWAY ORTHODONTICS OVER TRADITIONAL ORTHODONTICS?

There are several benefits of airway orthodontic therapy compared to traditional orthodontics. These benefits of airway orthodontic therapy include the following,

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NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY

The purpose of Neuromuscular dentistry is to realign the muscles, jaw joints, and teeth to their optimal position to regain complete harmony between the mouth and body. Unbalanced dental alignment can cause limited jaw movement, headaches & migraines, sleep apnea, jaw locking, neck & shoulder pain, teeth grinding, and jaw & tooth pain.

While similar to traditional orthodontics, neuromuscular orthodontics differ in some major ways. They both use similar TMJ appliances to straighten teeth so individuals can have a perfect smile, healthy bite, and optimal body posture. But, their approaches to attaining this goal are what differentiates one from the other.

  • In traditional orthodontics, while the treatment is planned in advance, it mainly focuses on aesthetics.
  • In neuromuscular orthodontics, the complete teeth alignment treatment is precisely planned, keeping in mind the desired outcome that includes aesthetics and function. Neuromuscular orthodontics focuses not only on creating a beautiful smile, but also on how to achieve optimal tooth positioning without any discomfort.
  • To better understand how neuromuscular orthodontics can help, let’s look at the different types of malocclusions (bite problems) and how they affect individual body posture. Malocclusions are divided into classes – 1, 2, and 3.
Airway Orthodontics | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | |
  • In Class 1 malocclusion, there is an overlap of upper teeth over the lower teeth, but the dental arches are in relative alignment, so it doesn’t affect your bite too much or the body alignment (posture). However, your other teeth may be crowded or have gaps.
  • In Class 2 malocclusion, the lower jaw is underdeveloped which leads to a severe overbite. It can significantly affect your bite, while the body posture may be tilted forward. This needs early orthodontic intervention.
  • In Class 3 malocclusion, the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw, which leads to a severe underbite. Here, the body posture sways backwards.
In neuromuscular orthodontics, since the muscles of the upper and lower jaw are already relaxed before placing the orthodontic appliances, the body is less likely to resist the treatment. This ensures greater comfort before, during, and after the treatment.
Through Neuromuscular Orthodontics, individuals can experience greater function of the jaw and neck, improved upper airways, optimal space for the tongue to rest comfortably, and a better physiologic range of muscles that control posture. This ensures long-lasting results from the orthodontic treatment, and an individual is less likely to suffer from TMJ symptoms.

As a part of airway orthodontics, this non-invasive dental treatment primarily focuses on treating TMJ disorders and TMD. The advanced technology used in neuromuscular dentistry helps the specialist evaluate the jaw joints, tendons, bite teeth alignment, muscles, and other moving tissues. By evaluating these factors, the Neuromuscular dentist can help alleviate symptoms, such as neck, shoulder, and head pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, jaw pain, teeth grinding, posture, and tinnitus.

Apart from using neuromuscular dentistry to treat temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), it is also used to correct overbites, tooth & jaw pain symptoms and misalignment of teeth. Depending on the cause, the specialist will create a customised treatment plan. However, note that neuromuscular dentistry is a part of a much more comprehensive treatment for TMJ and TMD.

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INDIA’S LEADING AIRWAY FOCUSED DENTISTS

We are honored to be considered the pioneers and leaders of airway focused Dentistry in India. Our Founder Dr. Ankita Shah, trained by ENT & Sleep Surgeon Dr. Soroush Zaghi is also the Only Indian Ambassador of the Breathe Institute, Los Angeles.
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TREATMENTS & APPLIANCES:

These days, we have a wide variety of braces available to choose from. These choices of braces include, Invisalign, Damon, I aligners, metal, ceramic and lingual braces. Choosing the right races may often get confusing as the individual requirements, expectations, and results may vary from one patient to another. Hence, we take great care to understand each unique case before any decisions are made about their treatment plans. We specialize in providing orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. We select an orthodontic approach that works with nature and not against it, allowing the facial bones, jaws, and body to develop to the fullest potential, creating beautiful airways, balanced TMJ, and beautiful smiles.

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Airway Orthodontics | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | |
ALF is a non-invasive orthodontic appliance that uses the principles of cranial osteopathy. It is a custom appliance made of light, flexible wire to expand both jaws. In children below 7 years of age, ALF appliances are used to guide proper facial growth and balance. For children between 7-11yrs of age, ALF appliances can help remodel suboptimal growth from earlier years and redirect proper development in the remaining active growth years. The only drawback is that it is a slow-acting appliance and needs an appropriate case selection. For selective adults, an ALF device can help get an effective method for achieving improved balance, function, alignment, and aesthetics.
Airway Orthodontics | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | |
For individuals who have extremely narrow upper jaws and have trouble breathing through their nose, such as in disorders like mouth breathing, snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome(UARS), or sleep apnea, we expand the upper jaw to become wider, which, in turn, increase the nasal cavity space. Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE)/ MSE is an effective minimally invasive, non-surgical, and non-extraction treatment approach for expanding the upper jaw. It is a commonly used orthodontic treatment in teens and adults. The upper jaw suture completely fuses at 12-15 years of age, which prohibits the use of conventional expanders. The appliance was created by Dr. Won Moon of UCLA, Los Angeles.
Airway Orthodontics | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | |
The DNA Appliance gently broadens the upper arch space in three dimensions. This in turn, increases nasal cavity size. As a result, the lower jaw is able to move forward into a more natural position, due to the widening of the upper arch. The tongue and associated soft tissues are pulled when the jaw moves forward, resulting in an increase in the size of the airway. This eventually leads to an improvement in the patient’s ability to breathe. The bones are remodelled over time, non-surgically. This makes a foundational correction to the structure of the airway. It is a pain-free and minimally invasive process.

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Airway Orthodontics | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | |

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Orthodontics is retractive and pushes the jaw and teeth behind. Neuromuscular orthodontics focuses on improving both aesthetics and function, by making jaws wider and pushing the jaws forward. Neuromuscular orthodontics is planned precisely to achieve the desired patient outcome to ensure complete well-being.

Biobloc orthotropics is an excellent treatment approach for young individuals who do not have a perfect mouth posture. This biobloc orthotropic approach involves training the jaw muscles to hold and maintain the jaw in a proper position naturally. Unlike other approaches that involve tooth extraction or surgery for the jaw, biobloc orthotropics utilizes natural growth guidance to align the jaw correctly.

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By focusing on the expansion of the jaw and achieving a proper facial structure and function, airway orthodontics helps in the prevention of TMD by avoiding issues such as teeth clenching and grinding, improper alignment of the jaw, etc.

DNA appliances offer several benefits, such as,

  • Improved airflow through the mouth and the nasal spaces
  • Decrease in teeth clenching
  • Improved posture and bite function
  • Reduced headaches, especially in the morning



DNA Appliance Near Me

There are several benefits of airway orthodontic therapy, such as,

  • Improved tongue posture
  • Better jaw growth
  • mIproved sleep and eating habits
  • A good balance of facial function and structure


Find the best airway orthodontist near me

OUR NON-INVASIVE SOLUTIONS FOR TMJ DISORDER & JAW PAIN:

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Airway Orthodontics | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | |
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The Importance of Airway Orthodontics in Overall Health

Airway Orthodontics: A Comprehensive Approach

Airway orthodontics is a revolutionary branch of dental care that focuses on improving the structural alignment of the jaw and teeth to enhance breathing and overall well-being. Unlike traditional orthodontic treatments, which primarily aim at straightening teeth for aesthetic purposes, airway orthodontics emphasizes functional benefits, such as widening airways, correcting tongue posture, and addressing sleep-related breathing issues. Consulting an experienced airway orthodontist can significantly improve not only dental health but also the quality of life.

How Airway Orthodontics Works

Airway orthodontics involves treatments designed to expand the jaw, allowing for proper tongue placement and improved airflow through the nasal and oral passages. By addressing these fundamental aspects, airway orthodontists can prevent or alleviate conditions such as sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, and even cardiovascular issues linked to poor breathing habits.

Key Techniques in Airway Orthodontics

Jaw Expansion

Specialized appliances, such as palate expanders or maxillary skeletal expanders, are used to widen the upper jaw, creating more room for airflow and tongue positioning. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with narrow palates or restricted nasal passages.

Guided Growth for Children

Airway orthodontists often recommend early intervention in children to guide jaw growth and prevent airway obstructions. By addressing developmental concerns early, long-term complications like mouth breathing and misaligned bites can be avoided.

Correcting Posture and Alignment

Proper alignment of the jaw not only improves breathing but also enhances posture. Many patients report relief from chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain after undergoing airway orthodontic treatments.

Signs You May Need an Airway Orthodontist

Many individuals live with undiagnosed airway issues that affect their daily lives. If you experience symptoms such as mouth breathing, snoring, daytime fatigue, or frequent headaches, it may be time to consult an airway orthodontist. The underlying structural issues can be found by these experts, who can also create customised treatment plans for you.

Benefits of Airway Orthodontics

1. Improved Sleep Quality

Proper jaw alignment reduces snoring and sleep apnea, allowing for restorative rest.

2. Enhanced Breathing

Expanding airways ensures optimal oxygen intake, supporting overall health.

3. Better Posture

Correcting jaw alignment positively impacts spinal posture and reduces muscular tension.

3. Long-Term Solutions

Airway orthodontics offers sustainable, non-invasive treatments that prevent future complications.

The Connection Between Airway Orthodontics and Sleep Health

Airway orthodontics plays a transformative role in addressing sleep-related issues by targeting the root causes of breathing dysfunction.Sleep problems include obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and chronic snoring are frequently caused by poor airway alignment, which is frequently disregarded. By consulting a specialized airway orthodontist, patients can improve their breathing patterns and, consequently, their sleep quality.

How Airway Structure Affects Sleep?

The alignment of the jaw and position of the tongue directly influence airflow during sleep. If the airway is narrow due to a misaligned jaw or insufficient jaw growth, the soft tissues in the throat can obstruct airflow, leading to interrupted breathing patterns. This not only disrupts sleep cycles but also reduces oxygen levels in the body, impacting overall health.

The Role of Airway Orthodontics in Sleep Health

An airway orthodontist uses specialized techniques to correct these structural problems. Treatments aim to expand and realign the jaw, creating a wider airway and improving breathing efficiency during sleep. This can lead to reduced instances of snoring, deeper sleep, and relief from other sleep-related disorders.

Key Interventions for Sleep Improvement

1. Expansion Appliances

Appliances like the Day Night Appliance (DNA) or ALF expanders are used to widen the upper jaw, providing more space for the tongue and improving airflow. This non-invasive solution promotes healthier breathing during sleep.

2. Tongue Posture Training

An airway orthodontist often collaborates with myofunctional therapists to train patients in proper tongue posture. This ensures the tongue rests naturally on the roof of the mouth, which supports open airways.

3. Jaw Advancement Treatments

For patients with recessed jaws, airway orthodontics can reposition the lower jaw forward, preventing airway collapse during sleep.

Benefits of Addressing Airway Issues for Sleep

Restorative Sleep

Patients may experience deeper stages of sleep and get better rest when their airflow is improved.

Cognitive Enhancement

Quality sleep supports brain health, improving memory, focus, and productivity.

Physical Health

Reduced oxygen deprivation lowers the risk of cardiovascular issues and other chronic conditions.

Improved Energy Levels

Restful sleep enhances daytime alertness and reduces fatigue.

Early Intervention for Sleep Disorders

Many sleep-related issues can be traced back to developmental problems in childhood, such as narrow palates or misaligned jaws. Addressing these issues early with airway orthodontics can prevent long-term complications. Pediatric airway orthodontics is particularly effective in guiding proper jaw growth and supporting healthy breathing patterns.

Finding the Right Airway Orthodontist

Choosing a skilled airway orthodontist is essential for achieving the best outcomes. Seek out a specialist who combines knowledge of innovative orthodontic techniques with a patient-centered approach to treatment. Airway orthodontics can improve your overall well-being and oral health if you follow the proper instructions.

Comprehensive Care for Tongue Tie and TMJ Disorders

At our institute, we take pride in providing complete care for issues related to tongue tie and TMJ. To enhance your quality of life, we treat a range of ailments with state-of-the-art technology and expert care. If you’re searching for an effective tongue-tie operation option or a TMJ specialist in India, you have arrived at the right place.

Why Choose a Tongue Tie Operation?

A tongue tie operation or tongue tie surgery is a life-changing procedure that not only restores tongue mobility but also has a full body effect. While most people associate tongue tie with breastfeeding difficulties in infants, it can also affect speech, breathing, posture, dental health, and sleep patterns in older children and adults. By undergoing this minimally invasive fascia release procedure, patients often experience immediate improvements in functionality and overall well-being.

Benefits of a Tongue Tie Surgery

For individuals considering tongue tie surgery, the benefits are far-reaching:

  • Improved Speech Clarity : Eliminating the restriction improves the tongue's range of motion, which improves the articulation of words and sounds.
  • Better Oral Hygiene : Increased tongue movement makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, which lowers the chance of dental issues.
  • Enhanced Eating and Swallowing : Adults and children with eating difficulties often find relief post-surgery.
  • Improved Sleep : In some cases, releasing a tongue tie can alleviate sleep apnea or other breathing-related issues.
  • Improvement in Breathing efficiency : Surgery can improve nasal breathing efficiency, helping individuals transition away from compensatory mouth breathing that often leads to health concerns like dry mouth or increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Better Posture : The tongue plays a role in stabilizing the head and neck. Releasing a tongue tie can alleviate strain on these areas, promoting better posture and reducing tension in the shoulders, neck, and jaw.

TMJ Specialist Mumbai: Advanced Care Tailored to Your Needs

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) that is your Jaw Joint has a significant impact on one’s quality of life, as they leave the person feeling exhausted and irritable. It not only affects essential functions like chewing, speaking, yawning but also affects one’s posture, breathing and sleep. As a leading TMJ specialist in Mumbai, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to address your unique needs.

Innovative Treatments by TMJ Specialists in India

Our approach to TMJ disorders combines state-of-the-art technology with evidence-based practices. We specialize in:
  • GNeuromuscular (GNM) Orthotic Therapy: Using advanced techniques like TENS & Jaw Tracking machines to achieve a balanced jaw and body alignment.
  • Non-Invasive Pain Management: Treatments such as laser therapy, myofunctional therapy, and physiotherapy.
  • Holistic Interventions: Integrating multidisciplinary care related to diet and mental health to treat the root cause of TMJ pain.

The Role of Tongue Tie in TMJ Disorders

Many patients are unaware that tongue tie and TMJ disorders can also be interconnected. A restricted tongue can lead to compensatory behaviors that strain the jaw, progressing towards TMJ issues.

Personalized Treatment for All Ages

Infants

For newborns, a tongue tie operation is critical in supporting breastfeeding. Infants struggling to latch or feed effectively benefit greatly from a quick and safe procedure.

Children

Tongue tie in children might affect their oral health and speech development. They can significantly enhance their quality of life with a tailored tongue tie surgery.

Adults

Adults often seek tongue tie operations for relief from symptoms such as speech impediments, TMJ pain, or even snoring. Combining tongue tie surgery with myofunctional therapy ensures optimal results.

Integrated Myofunctional Therapy

An integral part of our treatment protocols is myofunctional therapy. Exercises used in this therapy help to strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the tongue and face. Whether you’re undergoing a tongue tie operation or being treated for TMJ issues, myofunctional therapy plays a pivotal role in ensuring lasting outcomes.

Expertise and complete treatment are essential for treating TMJ issues or tongue tie. Whether you’re searching for the best tongue tie surgery options or a trusted TMJ specialist in Mumbai, we ensure personalized care and transformative results. Don’t let these conditions stop you—reach out to us today to book your consultation and start your journey toward better health and wellness.