What Is Airway & Palatal Expansion?
Airway and palatal expansion is an orthodontic treatment designed to gently widen the upper jaw (maxilla) to improve breathing, jaw alignment, and overall oral function. By using a dental expander to gradually increase the width of the palate, we create more room for the tongue, improve nasal airflow, and establish better jaw relationships.
This treatment can significantly enhance breathing patterns, especially during sleep, by addressing structural limitations that may contribute to:
- Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
- Snoring and restless sleep
- Crowded teeth and bite problems
- TMJ tension and jaw discomfort
- Restricted tongue space
The goal is to create optimal jaw development and airway space, particularly beneficial when performed during childhood when the jaw is still growing, though adult treatment is also possible with specialized techniques.
How Does Palatal Expansion Work?
Palatal expansion uses a specialized orthodontic appliance called a palatal expander that applies gentle, controlled pressure to gradually widen the upper jaw. The process works because the palate consists of two halves connected by a suture that can be gradually separated.
The Expansion Process:
- A custom expander is placed in the upper jaw, fitting comfortably against the roof of your mouth
- The expander is activated according to a specific schedule (usually daily or every other day)
- Gentle pressure gradually separates the palatal suture, creating new bone formation
- The expansion continues until we achieve the desired width for optimal function
- A stabilization period allows the new bone to fully form and the expansion to become permanent
Why Address Airway Issues Through Orthodontics?
The connection between jaw structure and breathing is profound. When the upper jaw is too narrow or underdeveloped, it can create a cascade of problems that affect your entire airway system.
- Structural Issues Leading to Breathing Problems:
- Narrow palates restrict tongue space, forcing mouth breathing
- Underdeveloped upper jaws limit nasal cavity space
- Poor jaw relationships can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep
- Dental crowding often reflects insufficient jaw space overall
Why Early Intervention Matters: Addressing these structural issues during childhood, when bones are still growing and adaptable, can prevent more serious problems later in life. However, we can also help adults achieve significant improvements through specialized expansion techniques.
The Orthodontic Advantage: By taking a dental approach to breathing problems, we address the root structural causes rather than just managing symptoms. This preventive strategy can lead to lifelong benefits for breathing, sleep quality, and overall health.
Call 603-207-8926 to schedule your appointment and discover comfortable, modern care you can trust.
What to Expect During Treatment
Understanding the treatment process helps you prepare for a successful palatal expansion experience:
Call 603-207-8926 to schedule your appointment and discover comfortable, modern care you can trust.
What This Treatment Does and Doesn’t Include
We want to be clear about the scope of our airway and palatal expansion services:
Our focus is on the dental and orthodontic aspects of airway health. For medical sleep issues, we’re happy to coordinate with your physician or refer you to appropriate medical specialists.
Schedule Your Airway Consultation in Nashua
If you or your child are experiencing breathing difficulties, snoring, or other issues that might be related to jaw development, we’d love to help you explore whether palatal expansion could make a difference.
Your New Patient Appointment Includes:
- Comprehensive airway and jaw evaluation
- Digital analysis of your facial and jaw structure
- Discussion of treatment options and timeline
- Clear explanation of expected outcomes
- Coordination with other specialists if needed
Perfect for:
- Parents concerned about mouth breathing or snoring in children
- Patients preparing for comprehensive orthodontic treatment
- Anyone interested in a preventive approach to airway health
Better breathing starts with better jaw development. Let’s work together to create the structural foundation for a lifetime of improved airway function and overall health.
