Airway Orthodontics
Breathe Better, Sleep Better, Live Better
At Viva Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic care goes beyond creating beautiful smiles. Airway orthodontics is an innovative approach that focuses on the connection between oral development, airway health, and overall wellness. Dr. Jason Gallant and Dr. Kimberly Hodder are committed to identifying and treating airway-related issues in patients across Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and South Surrey.
Many patients, especially children, experience breathing difficulties that can impact their sleep quality, growth, development, and daily functioning. Through comprehensive airway-focused orthodontic treatment, we can help improve breathing patterns, reduce sleep disturbances, and support healthy development.
What is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a specialized field within orthodontics that addresses the relationship between jaw development, tooth positioning, and breathing function. Poor airway development can lead to restricted breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our orthodontists evaluate the size and position of the jaws, the tongue's resting position, and the overall structure of the airway to identify potential breathing issues.
By using specialized orthodontic appliances and treatment approaches, we can guide proper jaw growth and expansion, creating more space for the airway and improving breathing capacity. This proactive treatment can prevent long-term health complications and improve quality of life for patients throughout the Greater Vancouver area.
Signs Your Child May Have Airway Issues
Early detection is crucial for effective airway orthodontic treatment. Many parents in Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and South Surrey bring their children to us after noticing concerning signs. Here are some indicators that your child may benefit from an airway evaluation:
- Mouth breathing during the day or while sleeping
- Snoring or loud breathing during sleep
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Bedwetting beyond the typical age
- Difficulty concentrating or behavioral issues at school
- Chronic allergies or frequent respiratory infections
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Forward head posture or slouching
- Crowded teeth or narrow dental arches
- Tongue thrust or difficulty swallowing
If you notice any of these signs in your child, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at one of our four convenient locations. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's development and overall health.
Benefits of Airway Orthodontic Treatment
- Improved breathing and oxygen intake
- Better sleep quality and reduced snoring
- Enhanced facial development and aesthetics
- Reduced risk of sleep apnea
- Improved concentration and school performance
- Better behavior and emotional regulation
- Decreased risk of dental crowding
- Reduced need for tooth extractions
- Support for overall physical and mental health
- Long-term health benefits into adulthood
How Airway Orthodontics Works
Our approach to airway orthodontics at Viva Orthodontics combines comprehensive evaluation with personalized treatment planning. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to assess your child's airway health and develop an effective treatment strategy.
Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step involves a thorough examination of your child's facial structure, dental development, and airway. We may use 3D imaging, sleep questionnaires, and functional assessments to understand the full scope of any airway restrictions. Our team works closely with sleep specialists, ENT doctors, and other healthcare providers throughout Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and South Surrey to ensure comprehensive care.
Treatment Options
Depending on your child's specific needs, we may recommend one or more of the following approaches:
- Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and create more space for the tongue and airway
- Custom orthodontic appliances designed to guide jaw growth and positioning
- Early orthodontic intervention to address structural issues before they worsen
- Myofunctional therapy referrals to retrain muscles and improve oral function
Coordination with other specialists for comprehensive airway management
Ongoing Monitoring
Throughout treatment, we carefully monitor your child's progress and make adjustments as needed. Our goal is to achieve optimal airway function while also creating a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
Why Choose Viva Orthodontics for Airway Treatment?
Certified Specialists: Dr. Jason Gallant and Dr. Kimberly Hodder are both Certified Specialists in Orthodontics with extensive training in airway-focused treatment approaches.
Family-Centered Care: As a family-owned practice, we understand the importance of addressing health concerns that affect your child's well-being and development.
Advanced Technology: We utilize the latest diagnostic tools and treatment techniques to provide the most effective airway orthodontic care.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with pediatricians, sleep specialists, ENT doctors, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
Convenient Locations: With four offices serving Clayton Heights, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and South Surrey, quality airway orthodontic care is always close to home.
Experienced Team: Our team has helped countless families throughout the Greater Vancouver area address airway issues and improve their quality of life.
Airway Orthodontics for All Ages
While airway orthodontics is particularly effective in growing children, adults can also benefit from airway-focused treatment. Many adults in the Greater Vancouver area suffer from sleep-disordered breathing, chronic fatigue, or TMJ issues related to airway restrictions. Our orthodontists can evaluate your airway health and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include orthodontic expansion, oral appliance therapy, or coordination with sleep medicine specialists.
Schedule Your Airway Evaluation Today
If you're concerned about your child's breathing, sleep quality, or development, we invite you to schedule an airway evaluation at one of our four convenient locations. Early assessment and intervention can make a tremendous difference in your child's health, development, and overall quality of life.
Contact Viva Orthodontics today to learn more about airway orthodontics and how we can help your family breathe easier and live healthier.
Contact Us
We are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care while creating a fun and positive atmosphere for you and your family. Our facilities include fresh coffee or tea, current magazines, and video games. With four locations in Vancouver, BC, your orthodontic care can be more convenient than you ever thought possible.
Viva Orthodontics Locations