Always such an amazing experience visiting Dr. Ikuta and staff. The staff is very friendly and easily accommodated your needs. Every time I visit, my teeth are super clean and my smile shines! Thank you Dr. Ikuta and staff for a phenomenal dental experience.
Correct Breathing Issues With Airway-Focused Orthodontics
Experience a revolutionary approach to orthodontics that goes beyond straight teeth. Airway-focused orthodontics in Reedley uses myofunctional therapy to address the root causes of breathing issues, sleep problems, and facial development concerns. Our comprehensive approach doesn’t just improve your smile – it can transform your overall health and quality of life. Benefits of treatment include:
- Better breathing both day and night
- Reduced snoring and improved sleep quality
- Decreased mouth breathing and related dry mouth discomfort
- Proper tongue positioning for improved swallowing and speech
- Enhanced facial development and balance
- Fewer behavioral issues in children related to poor sleep
Call our office today at 559-643-2622 to schedule your consultation and discover how this life-changing treatment can help you or your child.
Improve the Function of Your Facial Muscles
Airway-focused orthodontic therapy is a holistic approach that treats the entire oral system – not just your teeth. This treatment recognizes that proper breathing impacts your overall health. When your airway is restricted, it can lead to mouth breathing, poor sleep, and developmental issues.
Our certified myofunctional therapist works alongside Dr. Ikuta to provide complete care. Here’s what you can expect during myofunctional therapy:
- An initial assessment of your breathing patterns, tongue position, and facial muscle function
- Customized exercises to strengthen weak muscles in your tongue, lips, and face
- Techniques to retrain improper swallowing habits that may affect your teeth and jaw
- Breathing exercises to promote nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
- Regular practice sessions (typically five to 10 minutes daily) for best results
- Progress evaluations to adjust your exercise program as needed
- Coordination with orthodontic treatment for optimal outcomes
- Education about proper tongue resting position and its importance
Our myofunctional therapist will guide you through each exercise, ensuring you perform them correctly. These simple movements help train your muscles to support proper eating, breathing, swallowing, and speaking patterns.
If a misaligned bite is contributing to your breathing issues, Dr. Ikuta can correct the problem using clear aligners. This orthodontic treatment typically works in less time than braces. It’s more comfortable and convenient too!
Call Ikuta Dental Health Center today at 559-643-2622 to schedule your airway assessment. See how airway-focused orthodontics in Reedley can make your life better. You can also request an appointment online.
Common Questions About Airway Focused Orthodontics
Airway-focused orthodontics addresses both teeth alignment and breathing pathways. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which primarily straightens teeth, this approach examines how your jaws, tongue, and airways work together. Treatment often combines orthodontic appliances with myofunctional therapy to improve breathing, swallowing, and facial muscle function while aligning your teeth.
Signs you might benefit include mouth breathing, snoring, tongue thrusting, difficulty swallowing, jaw pain, speech problems, or frequent headaches. Children who have trouble focusing, breathe through their mouths, or have underdeveloped facial features may also benefit. A thorough evaluation by our team can determine if this therapy would help your specific situation.
Most patients begin noticing improvements within four to eight weeks of consistent practice. However, complete retraining of muscle patterns typically takes six to 12 months of regular exercises. Your commitment to daily practice significantly impacts your results. We’ll monitor your progress regularly and adjust your program as needed.