At MP Orthodontics, we believe a beautiful smile is just the beginning of a healthy life. Our approach goes beyond straightening teeth to consider the entire facial structure, including your airway.
Dr. Mark Padilla and our dedicated team offer specialized airway orthodontics to address underlying issues that can affect breathing, sleep, and overall wellness. This airway-focused treatment helps patients of all ages in Plano and Anna, Texas, achieve not only a perfect smile but also a healthier future.
Understanding Airway Orthodontics
Airway orthodontics is a specialized field focused on identifying and treating the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing and other airway-related health issues. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which primarily concentrates on teeth alignment, airway-focused treatment evaluates the development of the jaw, mouth, and nasal passages.
The goal is to ensure these structures develop correctly to support an open, unobstructed airway, promoting better breathing during both waking and sleeping hours.
Is Airway-Focused Treatment Right for Your Family?
Issues with airway function can manifest in various ways, often appearing as common behavioral or health problems, especially in children. If you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms, an evaluation with Dr. Mark Padilla could provide crucial answers:
- Chronic mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Loud snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing at night
- Restless sleep, frequent waking, or night terrors
- Daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or hyperactivity (often misdiagnosed as ADHD)
- Bedwetting beyond a typical age
- Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
- A narrow smile or crowded teeth
By addressing the structural issues behind these symptoms, we can help improve quality of life and prevent more serious health complications down the road.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you achieve your dream smile!
Our Approach to Airway Orthodontics at MP Orthodontics
As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Mark Padilla combines his extensive training with a passion for comprehensive patient care. At MP Orthodontics, our process for airway-focused treatment is thorough, patient-centric, and leverages state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible outcomes. We believe in early intervention and personalized care to guide proper growth and development.
Our process includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin with a detailed assessment using our ultra-low dose 3D X-ray technology. This advanced imaging allows Dr. Padilla to get a clear view of your or your child’s teeth, jaw, and airway passages to accurately diagnose any underlying issues.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, Dr. Padilla develops a personalized airway-focused treatment plan. This may involve using custom orthodontic appliances designed to guide jaw growth, expand the palate, and create more space for the tongue and airway.
- Collaborative Care: We believe in a team approach. Dr. Padilla may collaborate with other specialists, such as ENTs or sleep physicians, to ensure all aspects of your health are addressed, providing a truly comprehensive solution for sleep-disordered breathing.
- Monitoring and Support: Throughout your treatment, our compassionate team will provide continuous support and monitor progress to ensure optimal results, helping you or your child breathe easier and live healthier.
The Benefits of Choosing Airway Orthodontics
Investing in airway-focused treatment offers more than just straight teeth. It provides lasting benefits that can profoundly impact overall health and well-being.
- Improved Breathing: By creating a more open airway, treatment helps promote healthy nasal breathing.
- Better Sleep Quality: Addressing the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing leads to more restful, restorative sleep.
- Enhanced Overall Health: Proper breathing and sleep can lead to improved focus, better daytime energy levels, and a stronger immune system.
- Natural Facial Development: Early intervention can guide the jaws and face to grow to their full potential, creating a balanced facial profile and a beautiful, broad smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to have a child evaluated for airway issues?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic screening by age 7. This is an ideal time to assess their jaw and airway development, as early intervention can guide growth and often prevent more complex problems later.
Does airway orthodontic treatment hurt?
Our modern appliances and techniques are designed for patient comfort. While some initial adjustment is normal, the treatment is generally gentle. Our team at MP Orthodontics prioritizes making every patient’s experience as comfortable and positive as possible.
Will my insurance cover airway orthodontics?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and plan. We work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible, interest-free in-house financing to make treatment accessible. Our team will help you understand your benefits and payment options during your free consultation.
How does airway orthodontics differ from getting traditional braces?
While traditional braces are excellent for straightening teeth, airway orthodontics takes a broader view. It focuses on correcting the underlying bone structure of the jaw and face to improve airway function first, which often leads to straighter teeth as a natural result.
Schedule Your Free Airway Consultation Today!
If you suspect that you or a loved one could benefit from an evaluation for airway orthodontics, take the first step toward better health. Contact MP Orthodontics today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Mark Padilla at our Plano or Anna office.
Let us help you and your family live life smiling—and breathing—with ease.