Airway-Focused Orthodontics in
Coeur d’Alene, ID

Healthy breathing is the foundation of healthy growth. When a child’s airway is narrow or blocked, it can disrupt their sleep and affect how their face and jaws develop. Our board-certified orthodontist includes an airway assessment in every exam, so we can spot breathing concerns early, while they’re easiest to address.

Signs your child may have sleep-disordered breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing ranges from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea. Common signs include:

• Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
• Mouth breathing, during the day or at night
• Pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking during sleep
• Restless sleep, unusual sleep positions, or a neck that’s tipped back
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Bedwetting after they’ve been dry at night
• Trouble waking up, morning headaches, or feeling tired during the day
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Trouble focusing, hyperactivity, or behavior that looks like ADHD
• Moodiness or irritability
• A narrow palate, crowded teeth, or a long, narrow face
• Frequent ear infections or enlarged tonsils and adenoids

How we help

Depending on what we find, treatment may include palatal expansion to widen the upper jaw and open the nasal airway, orthodontic treatment that supports healthy jaw growth, and myofunctional therapy to retrain orofacial muscles to improve breathing habits and optimize growth and development. When needed, we work closely with your child’s pediatrician, ENT, or sleep specialist.

Does your child show any of these signs? Schedule a free consultation and airway assessment by calling (208) 415-6888.