Airway Dentistry in Roseville, MN – Breathe, Sleep, and Live Better

At Designing Smiles, we believe a healthy smile is about more than just straight teeth—it’s about supporting your whole-body health. Our airway dentistry services are designed to help children and adults address breathing challenges, sleep disorders, and other airway-related issues that can impact daily life. If you or your child struggle with mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea, our expert team is here to help.

Ready to feel your best?
Request a Consultation

What Is Airway Dentistry?

Airway dentistry is an advanced approach to dental care that focuses on the connection between your teeth, jaws, and the airway. By identifying and treating obstructions or developmental issues in these areas, we can help patients breathe more freely, sleep more soundly, and enjoy better long-term health.

This comprehensive care is rooted in evidence-based treatment that combines orthodontics, myofunctional therapy, and modern diagnostic tools.

Why Choose Dr. Deborah Fung at Designing Smiles for Airway Dentistry?

• Decades of experience in advanced orthodontics and airway-focused care
• State-of-the-art technology for precise diagnosis and treatment planning
• A compassionate, patient-centered team committed to your health and comfort
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to children, teens, and adults

Common Airway Issues We Treat

Our team can help with a wide range of airway-related conditions in both children and adults, including:

Children:

• Mouth breathing
• Restless sleep
• Snoring
• Feeding difficulties related to tongue-tie
• ADHD-like symptoms
• Bedwetting linked to poor sleep

Adults:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Chronic fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Loud snoring
• Narrow airway and breathing challenges

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Airway issues often show up in subtle ways. You or your child may notice:

• Loud snoring or gasping for air during sleep
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Frequent nighttime awakenings
• Chronic daytime drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Mouth breathing or noisy breathing at rest

What Causes Airway Dysfunction?

Airway problems can have many root causes, including:

• Underdeveloped jaws and dental arches
• Crowded or misaligned teeth
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Tethered oral tissues (tongue-tie or lip-tie)
• Chronic nasal congestion

Contact Us Here

How We Diagnose Airway Issues

At Designing Smiles, diagnosis is thorough and tailored to each patient:

• Comprehensive Clinical Exam – We assess breathing patterns, oral structures, and sleep-related symptoms.
• Digital Imaging – 3D CBCT scans and panoramic X-rays give us precise views of airway anatomy.
• Airway Volume Assessment – We measure and evaluate the airway for restrictions.
• Sleep Study Referrals – If sleep apnea is suspected, we can connect you with trusted sleep physicians.
• Myofunctional Assessment – We evaluate tongue posture, swallowing, and muscle function.

Treatment Options Tailored to You

Our approach blends proven therapies and modern orthodontics to address airway issues at the source.

Orthodontic Solutions:

• Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and improve airflow
• Growth guidance appliances for proper jaw development
• Braces or aligners to create space and align teeth

Oral Appliances:

• Mandibular advancement devices that reposition the jaw to keep airways open during sleep

Myofunctional Therapy:

• Exercises and techniques to improve tongue posture, nasal breathing, and muscle tone

Tongue & Lip-Tie Release:

• Simple, effective frenectomy or frenuloplasty procedures to free restricted tissues

Collaborative Care:

• When needed, we coordinate with ENTs and sleep medicine specialists for a holistic treatment plan

The Benefits of Airway Dentistry

Airway-focused care can transform your life. Our patients often experience:

• Easier, more natural breathing
• Restful, restorative sleep
• Reduced snoring and daytime fatigue
• Improved focus, mood, and energy
• Healthier dental and facial development for kids
• Long-term protection against chronic health issues

Our Airway Dentistry Process

1. Consultation & Assessment
We listen to your concerns, review symptoms, and perform a detailed evaluation.

2. Diagnostics & Imaging
Advanced imaging and airway measurements help us pinpoint the cause of breathing issues.

3. Personalized Treatment Plan
We design a plan specific to your needs, combining orthodontic, therapeutic, or appliance-based solutions.

4. Implementation
Your treatment begins with close guidance from our team every step of the way.

5. Ongoing Support
We monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between airway dentistry and regular orthodontics?

Airway dentistry focuses specifically on how the teeth, jaws, and soft tissues affect breathing and sleep—beyond simply straightening teeth.

How do I know if my child needs airway-focused care?

Signs include mouth breathing, restless sleep, snoring, and trouble focusing. We can perform an assessment to determine if airway issues are present.

Is airway treatment covered by insurance?

Coverage varies depending on your plan and the treatments involved. Our team will help you navigate your options.

Can adults benefit from airway dentistry?

Absolutely. Many adults experience improved sleep and health with airway-focused treatments.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment duration varies, ranging from a few months for simple appliance therapy to 1–2 years for comprehensive orthodontic correction.

Are procedures painful?

Most treatments are minimally invasive and well tolerated. We’ll make sure you or your child are comfortable throughout the process.

Patient Success Stories

"After years of restless nights and constant fatigue, airway treatment at SmilesMN completely changed my life. I finally sleep through the night and feel like myself again!"
– Sarah M., Roseville, MN

Schedule Your Airway Assessment Today