Supporting Healthier Smiles and Healthier Lives
When most people think of orthodontics, they picture braces straightening teeth. But did you know that orthodontic treatment can also play a critical role in your child’s breathing, sleep, and overall health?
This is where airway orthodontics comes in. At Hansen Orthodontics, we take a holistic approach to early orthodontic care, focusing not only on how the teeth align, but also on how the jaws and airway develop. Through early intervention, Dr. Hansen helps young patients in Wichita, KS and surrounding areas improve their airflow, sleep quality, and long-term wellness—all while guiding proper smile development.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is a specialized approach that focuses on the connection between a child’s jaw growth, tongue posture, and airway development. When a child’s jaws don’t develop properly, it can lead to a narrow airway, making it harder for them to breathe through their nose, especially during sleep.
This can contribute to issues like:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep-disordered breathing or pediatric sleep apnea
- Chronic fatigue or daytime sleepiness
- Behavioral problems or difficulty concentrating
By addressing these problems early—often as young as age 6 or 7—Dr. Hansen can help prevent more serious issues down the road.
How Early Orthodontic Intervention Helps
During the early years of growth, a child’s jaw and airway are still developing. This creates a valuable window of opportunity for orthodontic intervention to help shape the airway and promote healthier breathing.
Airway-focused orthodontic treatments may include:
- Palatal expansion to widen the upper jaw and open the nasal airway
- Guided jaw development to improve oral posture and airflow
- Myofunctional therapy to retrain oral muscles and tongue position
- Early orthodontic appliances to create space for teeth and support proper breathing
These treatments work to optimize jaw growth, create space for teeth to erupt properly, and improve airflow—which can reduce or eliminate breathing and sleep issues.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Airway Orthodontics
If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, your child may benefit from an airway-focused orthodontic evaluation:
- Mouth breathing during the day or night
- Snoring or noisy breathing while sleeping
- Frequent nighttime waking or bedwetting
- Difficulty focusing in school or behavioral concerns
- Chronic allergies or nasal congestion
- Narrow arches or crowded teeth
- A visibly recessed chin or underdeveloped jaws
At Hansen Orthodontics, Dr. Hansen evaluates more than just how straight the teeth are—he looks at how your child’s entire facial structure is developing and how it may be affecting their breathing and sleep.
Long-Term Benefits of Airway Orthodontics
Addressing airway concerns early can lead to:
- Improved sleep quality and energy levels
- Better focus and performance in school
- Proper facial and jaw development
- Reduced risk of needing surgery or extractions later in life
- Lower chance of future breathing and sleep disorders
Plus, early treatment can make future orthodontic care simpler and shorter—and in some cases, it may reduce the need for braces entirely.
Why Choose Hansen Orthodontics for Airway-Focused Care
At Hansen Orthodontics, we understand that a healthy smile starts with a healthy airway. Dr. Hansen combines his orthodontic expertise with a deeper understanding of craniofacial development, helping children in Wichita, Goddard, Hutchinson, and surrounding communities breathe, sleep, and grow better—starting with their smile.
We use advanced diagnostics and modern treatment options to evaluate each child’s needs and create a custom plan that supports both their smile and their health.
Schedule a Free Airway Evaluation Today
If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep, breathing, or facial development, it’s never too early to schedule a consultation. Early orthodontic care can have a life-changing impact on your child’s health and quality of life.
Contact our office today or request a consultation to learn more about airway orthodontics in Wichita, KS, and how early intervention can support your child’s long-term wellness.