Orthodontic Relapse Due to Airway Issues and Mouth breathing
I. Introduction
Orthodontic relapse is a persistent issue, often caused by underlying issues like mouth breathing and airway problems. Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions emphasizes comprehensive screenings and enlisting OMT and ENT experts when necessary. She provides proactive solutions, such as patient release forms and webinars, to address root causes and ensure optimal, lasting orthodontic outcomes. Her insights help practitioners respond appropriately and prevent complications.

A. Orthodontic relapse is a common issue often caused by poor habits like mouth breathing and airway problems

B. These problems can be addressed with treatments like Orthodontic Movement Therapy (OMT) to prevent relapse
II. Recommendations from Dr. Amanda
A. Get a written release from ENT stating surgery is not needed to proceed with orthodontics
● Template available for free
B. Attend Dr. Amanda’s webinar to get free documents
● Can request free ENT document
● Also offers document templates for free
C. Emphasizes screening patients for sleep disorders and airway issues
● Parents often don’t put in the effort to properly screen
● This can lead to patients not getting proper treatment
III. Preventing Complications and Relapse

A. Record patients’ sleep during procedures to identify potential problems

B. If airway issues are not addressed, further treatment may be needed
● The jaw may still grow down and back
● This can lead to open bite
● May require jaw surgery later, depending on age and severity

C. Need extensive documentation to protect patient
● Free redo of treatment
● Insurance coverage
● Potential refund

D. More unpredictable growth with standard braces vs. clear aligners

E. Have patients sign informed consent documents to set expectations
IV. Role of OMT and ENT
A. Can identify issues like adenoids/lingual tonsils with imaging

B. If red flags are found, refer to OMT and ENT

C. More virtual OMT options and training orthodontic teams on it is helpful
V. Importance of patient screening and documentation
A. Get a written release that surgery is not needed

B. Provide extensive documentation to protect patient
● Free touch-ups, insurance coverage, refunds
C. Screen for sleep disorders and airway issues
● Parents often don’t screen well enough

D. Record sleep during procedures to identify issues
VI. Additional treatments sometimes needed
A. If the airway is not addressed, further problems likely
● Jaw grows down and back
● Anterior open bite
B. May need ortho plus jaw surgery
● Depends on age and severity
C. Informed consent doesn’t explain enough
● Need to protect patients better
VII. Managing unpredictable growth
A. Growth unpredictable with standard braces
B. Improve informed consent forms
C. Check adenoids on x-ray and lingual tonsils
VIII. Conclusion
Dr. Amanda stresses the importance of screening for airway and sleep issues to prevent orthodontic relapse. She provides free documents and templates to improve informed consent and protect patients. More virtual OMT options and staff training on implementation could further enhance outcomes.