Airway Dentistryin Columbia, MO
Nobody wants to wake up exhausted from struggling to breathe at night. You may not even know this is happening. We’re right by your side to address the issue by clearing and opening your airway to help you breathe and rest easier.
Why should I choose airway dentistry?
Airway dentistry is a constantly evolving method of focusing on the mechanics of how we breathe, and how compromised jaw joints or nasal passages lead to sleep problems. Our team has an in-depth understanding of the mouth and throat that facilitate airflow. We will work with you to improve your oral muscle function with lifestyle changes and corrective breathing habits. Ultimately, our goal is to address the root of the issue so you can breathe with ease and limit the harmful side effects of sleep-related disorders.
Expert Referral Partners
We collaborate closely with a trusted network of ENT specialists, myofunctional therapists, and pediatric sleep experts to ensure your child receives the most comprehensive airway care possible. This team-based approach allows us to create individualized treatment plans that support healthy breathing, growth, and overall wellness.
Expander for Kids 6 and Under
We offer early intervention with expanders specifically designed for children ages 6 and under—an age group often overlooked when it comes to airway and jaw development. By addressing narrow arches and breathing issues early, we can help guide proper growth, support better sleep, and reduce the need for extensive orthodontics later in life.
Kickstart Your Oral Health Journey
Take the first step in healthy breathing with a complimentary consultation. We will provide a comprehensive 3D airway scan to discover if your airway is preventing you from sleeping at night. Then we’ll outline a treatment plan to solve the problem.
The Benefits of Airway Dentistry
Helps you Breathe Easier
Airway Dentistry can help you breathe without restriction. This means less mouth breathing, no snoring, and better rest.
Prevents Further Health Issues
Moderate to mild airway issues can be improved with minimal treatment. This has the potential to prevent years of not only oral health issues but health conditions that arise from a lack of healthy breathing and sleep.
Can Treat Sleep-Related Disorders
When your airway is clean and properly aligned, the ability to breathe with ease and sleep through the night will significantly improve.
Complimentary Consultation
The Airway Dentistry Treatment Process
Consultation
First, we will talk with you about your overall sleeping habits, breathing patterns, and any related symptoms. We will also review your medical history and examine your breathing, along with your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat, while taking appropriate radiographs, digital scans, and measurements as needed to support an accurate assessment.
Treatment Plan
Depending on your unique condition, we will recommend a personalized treatment plan. This may include lifestyle changes or oral appliance therapy, which we can provide in our office. In some cases, we may collaborate with your physician if other treatments, such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, are appropriate. No matter the plan, our role is to guide you through every step so you feel informed and confident about how treatment can improve your overall health.
Follow-Ups
Dr. Thomas will continue to encourage frequent follow-up appointments to ensure your personalized treatment plan is improving your airway health. To guarantee that you receive the best possible care possible, referrals may be made to other providers.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
It’s underestimated how important airway treatment actually is. Breathing properly will decrease your risk for serious health conditions that arise from sleep-related disorders. With airway dentistry, you are taking the first step in living a healthy lifestyle.
When your airway is impacted, the body begins to react in a variety of ways. Some common obstructive airway symptoms include:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- Unexplained broken crowns or fractured teeth / tooth pain
- Brain fog and daytime drowsiness / chronic fatigue
- Forward head posture
- Headaches
- Face, neck, shoulder, and joint pain
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
- ADHD symptoms
Rest assured that our team is fully equipped to address any of your unique symptoms with personalized care. If we believe that you could benefit from an additional provider's expertise, we will make the appropriate referral to ensure you get the treatment you deserve.
dental care beyond compare
Whether you’re booking a routine visit or exploring care options for your child, we’re here to help every step of the way.