Airway Centric® Health Care

SPEEDVALE DENTAL

What is Airway Centric®

Health Care?

Airway Centric® Health Care takes the focus beyond just the teeth and gums. Your airway’s main role is to deliver oxygen to your blood, which is needed for the health and proper function of all our internal organs. The way we breathe, the way we swallow and the way our head and neck muscle’s function all directly impact this system and as a result, it’s efficiency. The ability to breathe properly is crucial

for optimal growth, development and function.

This is especially important in growing children where properly developing their airways can prevent breathing issues such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the future. OSA is directly linked to a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue-tie is a condition present at birth describing a short, thick or tight band

of tissue extending from the floor of the mouth to the tip of the tongue. A tongue-tie can reduce the range of motion of a person's tongue tip and cause mild or severe symptoms, including problems with speaking, swallowing and chewing.



Tongue ties can contribute to inadequate arch development due to the inability of

the tongue to rest on the roof of our mouths. This is another factor that is evaluated in looking at the overall growth and development of our teeth, jaws and airways.

A close up of a child 's mouth with his tongue sticking out.

Signs and Symptoms of

a Tongue Tie Include:

  • Infant Feeding Problems
  • Speech Delays and Articulation Problems
  • Chewing Difficulties or Fussy Eating
  • Mouth Breathing, Snoring, Teeth Grinding
  • Poor Oral Rest Posture and Swallowing Patterns
  • The Development of Obstructive Breathing During Sleep
  • Increased Shoulder and Neck Tension

What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children?

Sleep is critical to your child’s development, as it is during this time when the body grows, restores itself and the brain develops. Sleep-Disordered Breathing or SBD is a condition in which a child’s breathing is partly or completely disrupted during sleep.

A woman and a little girl are sleeping on a bed.

Signs and Symptoms of SBD in Children Include:

  • Mouth Breathing
  • Loud Snoring
  • Restlessness During Sleep
  • Teeth Grinding
  • Daytime Irritability and Sleepiness
  • Excessive Hyperactivity During The Day
  • Poor Concentration and Attention (ADHD Symptoms)
  • Concerns with Behaviour, Emotional Regulation and Anxiety
  • Headaches
  • Bedwetting, Night Terrors
  • Dark Circles Under The Eyes

How Can We Help?

In addition to all the traditional dental services our clinic offers, we also offer treatment specifically focused on AirwayCentric® Health Care including myofunctional orthodontics (Myobrace®System, Invisalign®),

myofunctional therapy and tongue-tie releases.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy uses a combination of physical therapy exercises to improve the bite, breathing, and facial posture of those with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). The training targets the face, neck, and mouth's soft tissues to reach optimal tongue position and oral rest posture.

Common OMDs Include:

  • Open Mouth Breathing
  • Poor Lip Seal
  • Reduce Tongue Mobility with Tongue Ties
  • Snoring and Sleep Apnea
  • Thumb Sucking
  • Persistent Mouth Breathing or Snoring After Removing Tonsils and Adenoids
  • Tongue Thursts and Reverse Swallows
  • Teeth Grinding During Sleep
  • Speech Misarticulations Including Lisps
  • Instability of Orthodontic Treatment
The logo for myobrace myofunctional orthodontics is blue and black.

What is the Myobrace® System?

The Myobrace® System is preventive pre-orthodontic treatment that focuses on addressing the underlying causes of crooked teeth, often without the need for braces or extraction of teeth, unlocking natural growth and development.

THE BENEFITS

Myobrace® Treatment

Overall Benefits

  • Corrects Poor Oral Habits
  • Develops and Aligns The Jaws
  • Straightens The Teeth
  • Optimises Facial Development
  • Improves Overall Health
  • Promotes Healthy Eating Habits

Children Benefits

  • Breathe Through The Nose
  • Keep The Lips Together
  • Correct Tongue Resting Postion
  • Swallow Correctly

Myobrace® - Straight Teeth The Natural Way