At Dutchess Orthodontics, we believe great orthodontic care goes beyond straight teeth—it’s about supporting overall health and function. That’s why we offer airway orthodontics in Hopewell Junction, NY, to identify and address underlying issues that may affect breathing, sleep, and facial development.

This specialized approach focuses on how the structure and position of the jaws and teeth impact the airway. Whether you’re seeking help for your child or exploring solutions as an adult, airway-focused treatment may be the key to better sleep, improved energy, and long-term wellness.

Hopewell Junction Airway Orthodontist

Our orthodontists, Dr. Kelly Walters and Dr. Lorry Brenner, take a comprehensive approach to oral health. As trusted airway orthodontists in Hopewell Junction, they combine orthodontic expertise with an understanding of facial growth and airway development. The goal is to provide care that enhances breathing and promotes overall well-being—especially during critical developmental years.

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics focuses on the relationship between dental and skeletal structures and the upper airway. When the jaw is underdeveloped or misaligned, it can narrow the airway, leading to disrupted breathing—especially during sleep.

In children, this might show up as snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep. In adults, it could contribute to sleep apnea, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. Airway orthodontics helps address these issues by correcting structural problems that interfere with healthy breathing.

How Does Airway Orthodontics Work?

Airway orthodontic treatment begins with a detailed evaluation. This includes:

• Reviewing your medical and dental history — To understand any related symptoms or patterns
• 3D imaging or digital scans — To assess jaw structure, dental alignment, and airway space
• Collaboration with other providers — Including pediatricians, ENTs, or sleep specialists if needed

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment may involve appliances that widen the jaw, reposition the tongue, or support better breathing patterns. In some cases, myofunctional therapy (exercises to improve tongue and oral muscle function) is also recommended.

Benefits of Airway Orthodontics

Airway-focused treatment can have a profound impact on both daily functioning and long-term health. Benefits may include:

• Better sleep quality — Reduced snoring and interruptions during sleep
• Improved behavior and focus — Especially in children, who may appear hyperactive or inattentive when sleep-deprived
• Healthier jaw development — Promotes symmetry and ideal facial structure
• Reduced need for extractions or surgery — Early intervention can guide growth naturally
• Enhanced breathing — Supports oxygen intake during rest and activity

Signs Your Child May Need an Airway Evaluation

Children often show subtle signs of airway issues. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to schedule a consultation:

• Mouth breathing — Especially during sleep
• Frequent snoring or noisy breathing
• Restless sleep or bedwetting
• Daytime fatigue or irritability
• Difficulty focusing or behavioral concerns
• Crowded or crooked teeth
• Narrow upper jaw or small chin

Early evaluation helps catch problems before they become more serious—and can make future treatment shorter and more effective.

Airway Orthodontics for Adults

It’s never too late to address airway issues. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed sleep-disordered breathing, which can lead to chronic fatigue, poor concentration, or headaches.

Adult airway orthodontics may involve:

• Clear aligners — To reposition the jaw and improve airflow
• Palatal expanders — To widen the arch and increase nasal breathing capacity
• Myofunctional therapy — To retrain tongue posture and breathing patterns

We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Why Choose Dutchess Orthodontics?

• Expertise in facial and airway development — We look beyond the teeth to treat the whole person
• Personalized treatment plans — Based on your unique anatomy and needs
• Collaborative care — We work with pediatricians, sleep doctors, and other specialists
• Warm, welcoming environment — Designed for kids, adults, and families alike
• Local trust — We’ve earned a reputation for excellence throughout the Hudson Valley

Ready to learn how airway orthodontics can support healthier breathing and a brighter future? Contact Dutchess Orthodontics today to schedule a free consultation in Hopewell Junction, NY.