Airway-Focused Orthodontic Evaluations for Kids and Adults
At Mount Orthodontics, Dr. Tanner Mount evaluates airway-related issues when appropriate to better understand how breathing patterns, airway anatomy, facial growth, and orthodontic concerns may be connected.
His goal isn’t to diagnose every airway condition or replace medical providers. Instead, he uses advanced imaging and orthodontic expertise to identify concerns that may warrant treatment, monitoring, or referral to the appropriate specialist.
What Airway-Focused Orthodontics Means
Airway-focused orthodontics examines how the jaws, teeth, facial structures, and airway work together.
At Mount Orthodontics, airway evaluations may be appropriate for patients experiencing concerns such as:
- Chronic snoring
- Pediatric sleep apnea concerns
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue-tie concerns
- Certain ADHD-related concerns
- Growth and development issues
- Narrow dental arches
- Select airway-related symptoms
Dr. Mount utilizes CBCT imaging to evaluate:
Dr. Mount approaches airway evaluations the same way he approaches orthodontic treatment planning: through careful diagnosis rather than assumptions.
During an airway-focused evaluation, he’ll assess:
- Airway space and volume
- Nasal passage anatomy
- Jaw relationships
- Facial growth patterns
Expansion for Children
Children who are still growing may sometimes benefit from orthodontic expansion when airway-related findings indicate that additional treatment is appropriate.
MARPE for Adults
For adults, Dr. Mount may evaluate whether MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) or similar expansion approaches could be appropriate based on anatomy and treatment goals.
How We Evaluate Airway Concerns
Dr. Mount approaches airway evaluations the same way he approaches orthodontic treatment planning: through careful diagnosis rather than assumptions.
During an airway-focused evaluation, he’ll assess:
- Medical and symptom history
- Growth and development patterns
- Bite relationships
- Facial structure
- Airway anatomy
- CBCT imaging findings
His philosophy centers on identifying issues that may influence function, development, and long-term health while translating those findings into practical recommendations that families can understand.
Advanced diagnostic technology plays an important role in this process.
Mount Orthodontics uses advanced imaging and digital diagnostic tools to create a more complete picture of what is happening anatomically before treatment recommendations are made.
Patient Referrals and Other Specialists
Mount Orthodontics does not position orthodontic treatment as a cure for all sleep or airway conditions.
Airway concerns involve multiple systems of the body and often require collaboration with other healthcare providers. Dr. Mount believes patients receive the best care when recommendations remain grounded in clinical findings.
When appropriate, Dr. Mount refers patients to ENT specialists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers for additional evaluation and management.
This collaborative approach helps ensure patients receive comprehensive care when concerns involve nasal anatomy, sleep-disordered breathing, medical sleep conditions, or other issues that extend beyond orthodontics.
Get Answers About Airway and Growth Concerns
If you have questions about snoring, breathing concerns, airway development, tongue ties, or orthodontic factors that may be affecting function, an evaluation can help provide clarity.
Dr. Tanner Mount will help determine what findings are present, what treatment options may be appropriate, and when referral to another specialist may be the best next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airway Evaluations
Does Mount Orthodontics treat sleep apnea?
Mount Orthodontics evaluates airway-related concerns and how orthodontic treatment may support development and function. Medical diagnosis and management of sleep apnea may require collaboration with physicians and other specialists.
Why is CBCT used for airway evaluations?
CBCT imaging allows Dr. Mount to evaluate airway space, airway volume, nasal anatomy, and surrounding structures in three dimensions, providing information that traditional imaging cannot offer.
Can orthodontic treatment help children with airway concerns?
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may support healthy growth and development when airway-related factors are present. Recommendations are based on each child's individual findings. Families interested in growth-focused treatment options can learn more on our Early Orthodontic Treatment page.
What is MARPE?
MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It’s an expansion approach that may be considered for certain adult patients when clinically appropriate.
Should I schedule an orthodontic evaluation if my child snores?
Snoring can be one of several signs that may warrant an orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Mount can assess whether further investigation or referral is appropriate based on the child's overall development and symptoms.