Struggling with poor sleep quality, chronic mouth breathing, or snoring? These could be signs of airway obstruction that orthodontic treatment can address. At Sturgill Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists provide comprehensive airway orthodontics in Johnson City, helping patients throughout the Tri-Cities achieve better breathing, improved sleep, and enhanced overall health.
Unlike traditional orthodontics that focuses solely on straightening teeth, airway orthodontics takes a holistic approach by addressing the underlying structural issues that restrict proper breathing.
This specialized treatment can transform lives, especially for children whose jaw development directly impacts their long-term health—and it’s equally effective for adults struggling with sleep-disordered breathing and related issues.
Breathe Better, Sleep Better, Feel Better
What You’ll Learn
✓ How airway orthodontics differs from traditional orthodontic treatment
✓ Warning signs of sleep-disordered breathing in children and adults
✓ Treatment options including palatal expansion and functional appliances
✓ Why early intervention matters for pediatric sleep apnea
✓ How our board-certified orthodontists collaborate with medical specialists
✓ Expected outcomes and treatment timelines for airway issues
✓ Insurance coverage and flexible financing options available
Understanding Airway Orthodontics: More Than Just Straight Teeth
Airway orthodontics focuses on correcting structural issues in the jaw, palate, and oral cavity that may restrict breathing. These restrictions can lead to serious health problems including obstructive sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and developmental issues in children.
The philosophy behind airway orthodontics recognizes that teeth and jaws are part of a larger system affecting how we breathe, sleep, and function. Narrow jaws, recessed chins, and underdeveloped palates can all contribute to airway obstruction—and orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues.
How Airway Issues Develop
Several factors can contribute to restricted airways:
Genetics and Jaw Development – Narrow upper jaws or underdeveloped lower jaws can restrict tongue space and reduce airway volume, making breathing more difficult during sleep.
Chronic Mouth Breathing – Children who consistently breathe through their mouths instead of their noses may develop improper jaw growth patterns, leading to long-term airway restrictions.
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids – While these are medical issues requiring ENT consultation, they often occur alongside jaw development problems that orthodontics can address.
Poor Tongue Posture – Incorrect tongue positioning can affect facial development and contribute to airway restrictions over time.
Modern Diet and Lifestyle – Softer, processed foods require less chewing, which may contribute to underdeveloped jaws in children growing up today.
Understanding these causes helps our team at Sturgill Orthodontics create targeted treatment plans that address the root of breathing difficulties rather than just managing symptoms.
Airway Orthodontics vs. Traditional Orthodontics: What’s the Difference?
| Aspect | Traditional Orthodontics | Airway Orthodontics |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Straightening teeth and correcting bite | Improving breathing, sleep quality, and jaw development |
| Treatment Goals | Aesthetic alignment and proper bite function | Expanded airways, better oxygen intake, improved sleep |
| Health Considerations | Dental health and function | Overall health including sleep apnea, ADHD symptoms, facial development |
| Evaluation Process | Teeth and jaw alignment assessment | Comprehensive airway evaluation with 3D imaging, sleep history, breathing patterns |
| Typical Age for Treatment | Usually teens and adults | Early intervention (ages 7-12) preferred, but effective at any age |
| Collaboration | Primarily orthodontist | Team approach with ENTs, sleep specialists, myofunctional therapists |
| Long-Term Benefits | Straight teeth, improved bite | Better breathing, improved sleep, reduced health risks, enhanced quality of life |
| Treatment Approach | Braces, aligners focused on tooth movement | Palatal expansion, functional appliances, combined orthodontic treatment |
Both approaches can work together—and at Sturgill Orthodontics, we ensure your treatment plan addresses both beautiful smiles and optimal breathing function.
Airway Orthodontics: Key Facts at a Glance
📊 By the Numbers:
- 7 years old – Recommended age for first orthodontic evaluation to identify airway issues
- Up to 10% of children experience sleep-disordered breathing
- 6-12 months – Typical timeframe to see breathing improvements with palatal expansion
- 25-30% of adults with narrow jaws experience some form of sleep-disordered breathing
- 40% – Percentage of practicing orthodontists who are board-certified (all our doctors are)
- Same week – How quickly we can typically schedule your airway evaluation
⚡ Quick Facts:
- Mouth breathing affects facial development and can lead to long-term health issues
- Pediatric sleep apnea often mimics ADHD symptoms in children
- Airway orthodontics can reduce or eliminate the need for CPAP machines in some adults
- Early intervention may prevent the need for more extensive treatment later
- Treatment addresses root causes, not just symptoms
What Are the Signs of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children?
Early intervention is crucial for children with airway issues and sleep-disordered breathing. Parents throughout Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Elizabethton should watch for these warning signs of potential pediatric sleep apnea and breathing problems:
Breathing and Sleep Symptoms
- Chronic mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Loud snoring or gasping sounds at night
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Sleeping in unusual positions (head tilted back, neck extended)
- Bedwetting beyond typical age
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
Behavioral and Developmental Signs
- Difficulty concentrating at school
- Hyperactivity or behavioral issues similar to ADHD
- Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep time
- Poor academic performance
- Irritability or mood swings
Physical and Dental Indicators
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Narrow upper jaw or high palate
- Recessed chin or underdeveloped lower jaw
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Long, narrow face appearance
- Frequent cavities or gum disease (often from dry mouth caused by mouth breathing)
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it’s worth scheduling a consultation to discuss whether airway orthodontics could help. Our team serves families throughout Jonesborough, Gray, and the surrounding areas with comprehensive evaluations.
Schedule Your Child’s Airway Evaluation
Can Adults Benefit from Airway Orthodontics?
While early intervention provides the best outcomes, adults throughout the Tri-Cities area can also benefit significantly from airway-focused orthodontic treatment. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed airway restrictions that contribute to:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Chronic snoring that disrupts sleep quality
- TMJ pain and jaw dysfunction
- Morning headaches and daytime fatigue
- High blood pressure linked to poor sleep
- Difficulty concentrating at work
Adult airway orthodontics often combines traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or specialized appliances to reposition the jaw and create more space for proper breathing. In some cases, treatment may be coordinated with surgical orthodontics or TMJ/TMD treatment for comprehensive care.
Our board-certified orthodontists have extensive experience treating adults with complex airway issues, often collaborating with sleep specialists and ENT doctors throughout Johnson City and the surrounding region to ensure the best possible outcomes.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Airway Issues in Johnson City?
At Sturgill Orthodontics, we offer multiple treatment approaches depending on your age, the severity of your airway restriction, and your specific anatomical needs:
Palatal Expansion for Children
For children with narrow upper jaws, palatal expanders gently widen the roof of the mouth over several months. This expansion:
- Increases nasal airway volume for easier breathing
- Creates proper space for permanent teeth
- Improves tongue posture and oral function
- Supports healthy facial development
- Can reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions later
Palatal expansion is most effective when started early, ideally between ages 7-12 while the palate is still developing. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7.
Functional Appliances for Jaw Development
Functional appliances guide jaw growth in growing children, helping the lower jaw develop forward to create more space for the tongue and airway. These removable or fixed appliances work with your child’s natural growth patterns to achieve optimal results.
Orthodontic Treatment Combined with Airway Support
Sometimes, traditional braces or Invisalign are used alongside airway-focused appliances to comprehensively address both tooth alignment and breathing function. Our board-certified orthodontists carefully design treatment plans that prioritize both aesthetics and airway health.
Sleep Apnea Appliances
For adults diagnosed with sleep apnea, orthodontic appliances can reposition the jaw during sleep to maintain an open airway. These are often used in conjunction with CPAP therapy or as an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP machines. Learn more about our sleep apnea treatment options.
Collaborative Care with Medical Specialists
Airway orthodontics often requires collaboration with other healthcare providers. Our team works closely with:
- ENT specialists for tonsil/adenoid evaluation and allergy management
- Sleep medicine physicians for sleep apnea diagnosis and monitoring
- Myofunctional therapists for tongue and oral muscle retraining to support proper breathing patterns
- Pediatricians for overall health assessment and developmental concerns
This comprehensive approach ensures you receive the best possible care for your specific needs. Myofunctional therapy, in particular, plays a crucial role in retraining oral muscles to support the structural changes achieved through orthodontic treatment, leading to better long-term outcomes.
Discover Your Treatment Options
The Sturgill Orthodontics Airway Evaluation Process
Understanding your airway health starts with a thorough evaluation at our Johnson City office:
Initial Consultation
During your first visit, our board-certified orthodontists conduct a comprehensive examination including:
- Medical and sleep history review
- Visual assessment of jaw structure and facial development
- Evaluation of tongue posture and oral function
- Discussion of symptoms and concerns
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
We use state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to:
- Measure airway volume and identify restrictions
- Assess jaw positioning and relationships
- Evaluate nasal passages and sinus development
- Create precise treatment plans based on your unique anatomy
Personalized Treatment Planning
Based on your evaluation, our team develops a customized treatment plan that addresses:
- Specific anatomical restrictions affecting breathing
- Age-appropriate treatment timing
- Coordination with other healthcare providers when needed
- Expected outcomes and treatment timeline
- Flexible financing options to fit your budget
Why Choose Sturgill Orthodontics for Airway Treatment in Johnson City?
Families throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia trust Sturgill Orthodontics for comprehensive airway orthodontic care:
Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialists
All our orthodontists are board-certified, placing them in the top 40% of practicing orthodontists nationwide. This specialized expertise ensures you receive the highest level of care for complex airway issues.
Team-Based Collaborative Approach
Unlike single-doctor practices, our team of board-certified orthodontists collaborates on challenging cases, bringing multiple expert perspectives to your treatment planning. This collaborative approach often identifies solutions that might be missed by a single practitioner.
Advanced Technology & Techniques
We invest in the latest diagnostic imaging and treatment technologies to provide precise, effective airway orthodontics. Our 3D imaging capabilities allow us to assess airway restrictions with unmatched accuracy.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
From traditional braces to clear aligners to specialized functional appliances, we offer the full spectrum of treatment options to address your specific needs—whether you need help with crowded teeth or complex jaw development issues.
Same-Week Appointment Availability
With our large team, we can often schedule consultations and treatment appointments the same week you call. We understand that airway issues require timely attention, especially in children.
Convenient Tri-Cities Locations
Our three office locations in Johnson City, Bristol, and Norton, VA make it easy for families throughout the region to access expert airway orthodontic care.
Life-Changing Benefits of Airway Orthodontics
Patients who receive airway-focused orthodontic treatment often experience dramatic improvements in multiple areas of life:
Better Sleep Quality – Expanded airways allow for deeper, more restorative sleep without interruptions from breathing obstructions.
Improved Academic & Work Performance – Better oxygen intake and sleep quality lead to enhanced concentration, memory, and cognitive function.
Reduced Health Risks – Addressing sleep apnea and breathing issues can lower risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
Enhanced Facial Development – Children who receive early intervention often develop more balanced, aesthetically pleasing facial proportions.
Better Oral Health – Reduced mouth breathing means less dry mouth, which lowers risks of cavities and gum disease.
Improved Behavior & Mood – Children who sleep better often show reduced symptoms of hyperactivity, irritability, and behavioral issues.
TMJ Relief – Proper jaw positioning can alleviate jaw pain and dysfunction. Learn more about our TMJ treatment options.
Serving the Entire Tri-Cities Region with Expert Airway Care
Sturgill Orthodontics proudly provides airway orthodontics to patients throughout:
- Johnson City – Our flagship location with maximum appointment availability
- Kingsport – Convenient access for Kingsport families
- Bristol – Serving patients at our Bristol office
- Elizabethton – Easy access for Elizabethton residents
- Jonesborough – Trusted care in historic Jonesborough
- Gray – Serving the Gray community
- Norton, VA – Comprehensive care at our Norton, Virginia location
No matter where you live in Northeast Tennessee or Southwest Virginia, expert airway orthodontic care is within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airway Orthodontics
How is airway orthodontics different from traditional orthodontics?
Traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on straightening teeth and correcting bite alignment for aesthetic and functional purposes.
Airway orthodontics takes a more comprehensive approach, considering how jaw structure, palate width, and tooth position affect breathing, sleep quality, and overall health. Treatment plans prioritize expanding airways and supporting proper breathing patterns alongside achieving beautiful smiles.
At what age should airway orthodontic treatment begin?
Early intervention typically provides the best results. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, which is the ideal time to identify potential airway issues. However, airway orthodontics can benefit patients of all ages—it’s never too late to improve your breathing and sleep quality.
Can airway orthodontics cure sleep apnea?
While airway orthodontics can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms by creating more space for the airway, it should not be considered a standalone cure for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. Treatment works best as part of a comprehensive approach that may include working with sleep specialists, ENT doctors, and other healthcare providers.
Many patients experience substantial symptom reduction and some may be able to reduce or eliminate CPAP use after successful treatment.
How long does airway orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment duration varies based on age, severity of airway restrictions, and the specific approach used. Children receiving early intervention with palatal expanders may see improvements within 6-12 months, though comprehensive treatment including braces may take 18-24 months total. Adult treatment timelines vary more widely depending on individual needs.
Does insurance cover airway orthodontics in Johnson City?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Many orthodontic insurance benefits will cover airway-focused treatment when it’s deemed medically necessary.
Our team at Sturgill Orthodontics works with most major insurance providers and will help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible financing options with low down payments to make treatment accessible.
Will my child need to miss school for treatment?
Our convenient appointment scheduling minimizes disruption to school and work. We offer early morning appointments on Thursdays and Friday hours, making it easier to schedule around your family’s busy schedule. Most adjustment appointments take less than 30 minutes.
How do I know if my snoring is related to airway issues?
Loud, chronic snoring—especially when accompanied by gasping, choking sounds, or observed breathing pauses during sleep—often indicates airway obstruction.
Other signs include excessive daytime fatigue despite seemingly adequate sleep, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. A comprehensive evaluation at Sturgill Orthodontics can help determine if orthodontic treatment would benefit your condition.
Can airway orthodontics help with ADHD symptoms?
Research shows a strong connection between sleep-disordered breathing and symptoms that mimic ADHD, including hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, and behavioral issues. Many children who receive airway orthodontic treatment experience significant improvements in these symptoms as their sleep quality improves and their brains receive adequate oxygen during rest.
However, airway treatment is not a replacement for proper ADHD diagnosis and treatment—it’s one piece of the overall health puzzle.
Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing & Better Sleep
If you or your child struggles with breathing difficulties, poor sleep quality, or any of the symptoms discussed on this page, airway orthodontics may provide the solution you’ve been searching for. Our board-certified orthodontists at Sturgill Orthodontics are ready to evaluate your individual needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Don’t wait to address airway issues—early intervention provides the best outcomes, especially for children whose jaws are still developing. Even adults who have struggled with sleep apnea or breathing problems for years can experience life-changing improvements through airway-focused orthodontic treatment.
Schedule Your Free Airway Consultation
Visit Our Johnson City Office
Experience comprehensive airway orthodontic care at our conveniently located Johnson City office:
Sturgill Orthodontics
801 Sunset Dr., Suite E5
Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone: (423) 282-2333
Office Hours:
Mon – Wed: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thur: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ready to breathe easier? Contact Sturgill Orthodontics today to learn how airway orthodontics can transform your health and quality of life. Serving Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Elizabethton, Jonesborough, Gray, and throughout the Tri-Cities region.