What is “Airway Face” and how does it Affect your Invisalign, Phase 1 or Braces Tx Plan
Introduction
Dr. Amanda from Straight Smile Solutions, here to discuss a critical topic in orthodontics and overall health: Airway Face. Recognizing and addressing this issue can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, especially if identified early. Let’s dive into what an Airway Face is, how to spot it, and what you can do about it.
What Is an Airway Face?
● Definition: A facial structure that indicates suboptimal airway development.
● Common traits of an airway face:
○ Mouth breathing.
○ Relaxed lips with poor posture.
○ Recessed chin and longer facial profile.
○ Possible nasal obstruction or sleep-related noises.

Why Does Airway Face Develop?
● Potential causes:
○ Genetic factors influencing growth.
○ Environmental factors like diet (soft or processed foods).
○ Nasal obstructions or tethered oral tissues.
○ Behavioral habits such as mouth breathing.

Impact of Airway Face
1. Physical Consequences:
○ Altered facial growth patterns (downward and backward growth).
○ Potential jaw misalignment and recessed chin.
○ Strain in oral and facial muscles.
2. Health Implications:
○ Sleep disturbances or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
○ Poor nasal airflow leading to chronic mouth breathing.
○ Possible bedwetting and other developmental delays.
3. Behavioral and Cognitive Effects:
○ Link to ADHD-like symptoms and behavioral issues.
○ Possible learning difficulties and speech impairments.
○ Association with low energy and tired appearance.

Diagnosis and Screening
● Importance of early detection:
○ Screening by dentists, parents, teachers, and pediatricians.
○ Recognizing signs in photos or during daily interactions.
● Tools and methods:
○ Comprehensive health questionnaires.
○ CBCT scans (cone-beam computed tomography) for airway analysis.
○ Referral to specialists: ENT, orthodontists, or myofunctional therapists.

Treatment Options
1. For Children:
○ Early intervention: Corrective orthodontics, myofunctional therapy.
○ Addressing nasal obstructions with ENT specialists.
○ Promoting proper tongue posture and oral habits.
2. For Adults:
○ Limited structural changes, but improvement possible:
■ Orthodontic adjustments.
■ Sleep apnea treatments.
■ Possible surgeries (jaw or ENT-related).

Challenges in Addressing Airway Face
● Resistance from parents or patients:
○ Misunderstanding the urgency of treatment.
○ Perceiving airway screening as unnecessary or intrusive.
● Educating and empowering parents:
○ Presenting evidence-based correlations, not causations.
○ Sharing success stories and professional evaluations.

The Role of Professionals in Airway Screening
● Dentists’ responsibility in orthodontic treatment planning:
○ Prioritizing airway health over aesthetics or alignment goals.
○ Avoiding unpredictable outcomes by addressing airway issues first.
● Collaboration with specialists:
○ ENT consultations, myofunctional evaluations, and comprehensive plans.
○ Utilizing imaging technology and professional insights.

Conclusion
● Key takeaways:
1. Screening for airway issues is not limited to orthodontics; it encompasses ensuring holistic health and well-being.
2. Practitioners should prioritize airway evaluations as part of treatment plans.
3. While addressing airway issues may initially seem challenging, it can lead to:
❖ Improved patient outcomes.
❖ Potential growth for your practice.
4. For parents, teachers, and dentists:
● Early action is crucial in making a difference.
● Consult specialists and order CBCT scans when necessary.
● Always consider the broader implications of airway health in evaluations.

● Call to action:
○ Parents, dentists, and educators should prioritize screening and referrals.
○ Emphasize the long-term benefits for both patients and practices.
● Closing statement from Dr. Amanda:
○ Screening for airway face is not just about fixing the present—it’s about ensuring a healthier future.
To learn more about airway-focused orthodontics and practice tips, visit StraightSmile Solutions.