Airway Dentistry

Braces &
Breathing Problems

Understanding the connection between orthodontic treatment and breathing difficulties, and why airway-focused approaches may be better for your health.

TMJ International
Over 70 Centres Located in 7 Countries

Over 70 Centres

LOCATED IN 7 COUNTRIES
Decades of Combined Experience

Decades

OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
Tens of Thousands of Patients Treated

Tens of Thousands

OF PATIENTS TREATED

How Traditional Braces Affect Breathing

Traditional braces focus primarily on moving teeth into cosmetically straight positions, but this approach can sometimes come at the expense of airway health. Certain orthodontic techniques can actually narrow the dental arch and reduce airway space.

When teeth are retracted or extracted to create space for alignment, the jaw can be pushed backward, reducing the size of the airway. This is particularly concerning for patients who already have breathing issues or are at risk for sleep apnea.

Understanding how braces affect breathing

Airway-Focused Orthodontics

Airway-focused orthodontics considers both dental alignment and airway health. By expanding the dental arch rather than extracting teeth, this approach can improve breathing while achieving beautiful, straight teeth.

Jaw Alignment

Proper jaw positioning supports healthy airway function

Arch Expansion

Widening the arch improves both alignment and breathing

No Extractions

Preserving teeth maintains airway space

Comprehensive Care

Addresses TMJ, sleep, and dental health together

Start with a Simple TMJ and Sleep Screening

Do You Have TMJ?

Take our quick 2-minute assessment to find out if your symptoms may be related to TMJ disorder. Take TMJ Quiz

Sleep Apnea Risk?

Discover if your snoring, fatigue, or restless sleep could indicate sleep apnea with this brief screening. Take Sleep Quiz

Advanced Non Surgical Solutions

Combining proven techniques with innovative technology to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Oral appliance therapy
 

Snoring/Sleep Apnea

Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw for optimal function and airway support.function and airway supportfunction and airway support

Oral appliance therapy
 

TMD Treatments

Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw for optimal function and airway support.

Oral appliance therapy
 

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw for optimal function and airway support.

Oral appliance therapy
 

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw for optimal function and airway support.

Oral appliance therapy
 

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw for optimal function and airway support.

Oral appliance therapy
 

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw for optimal function and airway support.

"After years of chronic migraines and jaw pain, I finally found answers here. The team took the time to truly understand my condition. Three months into treatment, my headaches have virtually disappeared. I wish I had found them sooner."

John Stamos

TMJ & Migraine Patient





Sarah M.

"After years of chronic migraines and jaw pain, I finally found answers here. The team took the time to truly understand my condition. Three months into treatment, my headaches have virtually disappeared. I wish I had found them sooner."

Sarah Mitchell

TMJ & Migraine Patient





Expert Care, Compassionate Hearts

Dr. Elizabeth Chen

Dr. Elizabeth Chen

Founder & Lead Specialist
Dr. Michael Torres

Dr. Michael Torres

Sleep Medicine Specialist
Dr. Sarah Johnson

Dr. Sarah Johnson

Orofacial Pain Specialist
Amanda Peters

Amanda Peters

Physical Therapist