When we talk about kids’ oral health, most people think about cavities or when to get braces. But did you know your child’s airway and muscle function play a major role in how their face and smile develop?
That’s where airway-focused dentistry and myofunctional therapy come in—and why we’ve made it a cornerstone of our pediatric care at Designing Smiles.
Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the muscles of the face and mouth. It helps kids:
– Learn to breathe through their nose instead of their mouth
– Develop proper tongue posture
– Swallow correctly
– Break habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
These small changes can lead to major improvements in sleep quality, jaw development, and long-term oral health.
| Category | Traditional Orthodontics | Airway & Myofunctional Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Straighten teeth | Improve breathing, oral habits, and facial development |
| Focus Age | Usually starts around age 12+ | Begins as early as age 3–7 |
| Key Tools Used | Braces, headgear, retainers | Breathing exercises, muscle retraining, expanders |
| Addresses Root Causes? | No – treats symptoms (crooked teeth) | Yes – targets underlying functional issues |
| Breathing & Sleep Support | Minimal to none | Actively improves nasal breathing & sleep quality |
| Facial Development Impact | Limited | Promotes balanced facial growth |
| Habits Addressed | Rarely | Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrust, etc. |
| Ideal For | Teens with moderate to severe alignment issues | Younger kids showing early signs of functional issues |
When a child breathes through their mouth or has a restricted airway (often from enlarged tonsils, narrow jaws, or allergies), it can lead to:
– Poor sleep or snoring
– ADHD-like behavior or irritability
– Crooked teeth and jaw misalignment
– Facial underdevelopment (a “long face” look)
– Speech or chewing issues
By identifying and addressing airway problems early, we can often prevent the need for more invasive orthodontics—or even surgery—later in life.
Parents often ask, “How do I know if my child needs this kind of therapy?”
Here are a few common red flags:
– Snoring or restless sleep
– Open-mouth posture during the day or night
– Difficulty chewing or swallowing
– Lisp or delayed speech
– Narrow or crowded teeth
– Dark circles under the eyes (aka “allergic shiners”)
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth booking an evaluation.
At Designing Smiles in Roseville, we take a proactive approach. We offer:
– Airway screenings for kids of all ages
– Expansion appliances to help the jaws grow properly
– Myofunctional therapy programs tailored for your child’s needs
– A gentle, kid-friendly environment that helps kids feel safe and supported
We also work hand-in-hand with ENTs, orthodontists, and pediatricians if additional support is needed.
Early intervention doesn’t just improve smiles—it can change lives. Whether your child needs help with sleep, speech, or jaw development, we’re here to guide you through it.
