Reviewed by Dr. Amir Davoody, board-certified orthodontist (ABO Diplomate).

Orthodontics is usually thought of as a way to straighten teeth, but the position of the teeth, jaws, and palate also affects the airway. At Davoody & Hablinski Orthodontics in Houston, TX, Dr. Amir Davoody offers airway-focused orthodontics that, in appropriate cases, can support healthier breathing, and he often helps identify signs of sleep-disordered breathing during a routine exam.

Orthodontics and the airway

A narrow upper jaw or crowded arch can be associated with reduced nasal airflow and mouth breathing, especially in children. In suitable cases, treatments such as palatal expansion can widen a narrow arch and may support nasal breathing as the face develops. Orthodontics does not cure respiratory conditions, but improving how the jaws and palate are shaped can be one part of a broader picture of healthy breathing.

Spotting signs of sleep apnea

Orthodontists are sometimes the first to notice signs that may point to obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep-disordered breathing, such as a narrow palate, mouth breathing, or certain bite patterns. If we see those signs, we coordinate with your physician or a sleep specialist, who makes the diagnosis and directs medical treatment. For appropriate patients, an orthodontist may provide an oral appliance as part of a physician-led plan.

A note on asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition managed by your physician, not by orthodontics. That said, we tailor orthodontic care around your health needs, and good oral hygiene matters because some asthma medications can reduce saliva and raise the risk of decay.

A more balanced profile

By guiding the position of the teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment can also support a more balanced facial profile, which some patients find helps with breathing and speech.

Frequently asked questions

Can orthodontics cure sleep apnea? No. Diagnosis and treatment are physician-led, but an orthodontist can screen for signs, refer, and sometimes provide an oral appliance as part of that plan.

Can orthodontics help my child breathe better? In appropriate cases, treatments like palatal expansion can support nasal breathing during growth. An evaluation will tell you whether it applies.

Should I see an orthodontist or a doctor for breathing problems? Start with your physician for diagnosis; an orthodontist can support the airway side of the plan.

Ask about an airway evaluation

If you or your child shows signs of mouth breathing or disrupted sleep, contact our office to discuss an airway-focused evaluation with Dr. Amir Davoody.

Davoody & Hablinski Orthodontics
5311 Kirby Dr Ste 209, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 521-2727